Aviola Accessories finds another use for plastic bottles

Tamara Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Mandeville, Manchester:An innovative and creative mindset is possessed by so many of our Jamaican people. It spurs the establishment of products that draw both local and international markets to their authenticity and uniqueness. Jamaicans such as 33-year-old Melissa Preddie, owner and founder of Aviola Accessories, has realised her potential and is embracing the mandate 'Forward Ever Backward Never' with her line.

For Preddie, her business, Aviola Accessories, a line made from only plastic, emerged in September 2012 after she was at home unemployed for some time and needed something to do.

"While I was at home, a young baby was there with us, and so we had tons of water bottles. I carried out some research to find out what I could make with all this plastic. I started doing decorative pebbles because of my love for interior designing, but that was seasonal and done to order for (events) like weddings and similar events."

JBDC help

With the help of the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) in Mandeville, Preddie undertook more research and started plastic hair accessories, which she sold to family members. However, this, too, was short-lived, but with further research, Preddie soon found her niche in jewellery design and creation and has not left since.

"Because of my creative edge, I don't find this hard - what people will need to muster strength for, I can do in a heartbeat with ease.

For my line, I have two techniques: there's a melting process that I use to create the lower-end earrings, and then there is the layering process to make it more sturdy. This is done for the higher-end fashion pieces."

After the bottles are collected and sorted, as not all plastic bottles can be used for production, they are then cleaned and sanitised. The design is cut and further defined through melting, layering is done if necessary, then it is painted with acrylic paint and put to dry.

"A piece can take me from 15 to 45 minutes to complete. I have two part-time workers who help me from time to time," Preddie told Rural Xpress.

wide client base

She has a wide client base of young professionals, fashionistas, environmentally conscious people, and patriotic Jamaicans. Preddie attributes this to the help of several organisations.

"I was part of the craft project that was done by JBDC and I also got a grant from them to help with material sourcing. I entered a youth symposium by Northern Caribbean University, where my products were displayed, and I even got media coverage from them. I've received mentorship from Precision Strategic Partners.

"I've been privileged enough to get a grant from Young Women of Purpose and Young Men of Purpose to help with marketing and also from the Morrison's Entrepreneurship Centre.

"I received a grant from them for start-up capital. In addition, my products can be found at Rêve Jewellery at Devon House in Kingston, Tings Jamaican, and Jamaica Creative Cooperative."

With a piece starting from as low as $400 and a set as low as $3,000, Preddie is still plagued by problems of inaccessible marketing platforms; the cost for much-needed machinery to supply the demand; and the space needed for bottle storage as she currently works from home.

"Several times, I've felt like giving up and probably seeking a 9-5, but my family and close friends and colleague, Mrs Weir, at JBDC, have motivated me. The name 'Aviola', a combination of my middle initial 'A' and the middle name of my grandmother and late mother 'Viola', is a constant reminder also that I must do this in their honour.

"This is my bread and butter. I don't see myself leaving this. When I see people throwing out bottles, it hurts me because I'm all for recycling. Look what beautiful products can be made from it! Looking at these, you couldn't tell it is plastic," a proud Preddie said.

It is her hope to expand the company by acquiring an injection molder, a bottle crusher, and by employing more persons to efficiently increase production. She is firm in the belief that, once you start something, help will come your way, and so her persistence will never die.

rural@gleanerjm.com