KRISTY RAMNARINE
Kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
Changing a career is a lifestyle transition that can take a lot of thought and assessment.
For Marion Ramlal the journey took some time propelled by an unseen crisis. The change itself was naturally fuelled by a childhood passion.
The thirteenth child in a family of 15 children (two deceased), Ramlal began her professional career after completing her secondary school education at the Tabaquite Composite School in 1993.
The Tabaquite-born felt it was time to become independent and gain work experience, so she took a bold move to travel from the country to work in the capital city as an administrative/dental assistant in Port-of-Spain.
“During that time I used the opportunity to continue my education and complete A-Levels. I wanted to become a teacher,” she said.
“To do so with the Roman Catholic School Board I had to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.”
Ramlal registered for the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Programme at the Curepe RC Church where she became friends with the RCIA teacher.
At that time she was introduced to a former confirmation student who was leaving her job at Lee Young & Partners Engineering Services to teach. Marion applied for the position and was successful.
“I spent five years working as an administrative assistant before being recommended for the position of administrative assistant to the chairman/president of British American Insurance Ltd,” she added.
“Then my life suddenly changed with the unfortunate CL Financial collapse.”
In January 2009 that caused a major shock wave throughout the Caribbean.
Financial giant, Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico) and its affiliated companies Clico Investment Bank (CIB), CMMB and British American Insurance needed a government bailout after facing liquidity problems.
There were excessive related-party transactions which carry significant contagion risks; an aggressive high-interest rate resource mobilisation strategy to finance equally high-risk investments, including real estate both in T&T and abroad; and very high leveraging of the group’s assets, which constrain the potential amount of cash that can be raised from asset sales.
These woes placed at risk the assets of a wide range of policyholders, including individuals, corporate and public pension schemes, and financial institutions. It also placed the jobs of its workers in jeopardy.
“I was shaken, all my colleagues were shaken,” Ramlal recalled.
“Customers started coming in demanding information, but there was none to give.
“No one knew what was happening. The managers were quiet. There was a lot of secrecy. We all became desperate to find new jobs.”
Ramlal was also pregnant at the time. At the age of 30, she brought her handsome son, Mikhail, into this world.
She started doing short-term jobs to make ends meet and also decided to attend UWI Open Campus to pursue Business Management.
“As a single parent it was challenging to work, attend school and take care of a child, but us country girls are built strong, and I have a great support system, thanks to my family,” she said.
“I got a job in administration/procurement with Construtora OAS, a Brazilian company which was contracted and responsible for the construction of the San Fernando Highway.
“It was during this time I met the love of my life, Daren, and we got married.”
After working for a couple more years in the corporate world, Ramlal decided to embark on her own professional path.
“I felt the need for a change of scenery, I always wanted to be self-employed,” she said.
“I’ve always had a passion for hairdressing and cosmetology, so I began taking short courses in the trade.”
From her teenage years, Ramlal was known as the designated hairstylist/MUA for family functions and weddings. Her skills also extended to her colleagues at her various workplaces.
“After deciding to change careers I took many short courses and attended Madame Maharaj School of Cosmetology,” she said.
“I wanted to spend more time with my son, so I opened a small hairdressing salon in Tabaquite. I had the freedom to pursue what was important to me.”
Fast-forward ten years later, Ramlal has moved from a small town salon in Tabaquite to launch her new salon “Style by Marion” on Egret Street, Lange Park, Chaguanas.
Offering a wide range of services, from cutting to colouring and styling, Ramlal’s services also include manicures and pedicures with the use of high-quality products.
“I just love what I do, giving people a new look and doing a full makeover for someone,” she said.
“Having your own business requires confidence, dedication, good people skills, being able to think on your feet, good work and lots of creativity.
“There are always new trends in hairdressing which I continuously have to be up-to-date with.
“I’m proud of turning my passion into a career. I’m able to make a living doing what I love.”