SCB career civil servant Kishma P. Forbes achieves life-long business dream

Sea Cows Bay resident Ms Kishma P. Forbes has used her 23 years of civil service experience to hone her skills as an entrepreneur and has founded Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies (VISOS).

The business, a stationery supply store founded on July 15, 2020, was started to make it easier for families facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to be able to get school supplies at an affordable cost.

Ms Forbes told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the business is just one aspect of her life’s journey, mentioning that she always had a knack and passion for selling.

“I was born and raised in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, in my part-time you can catch me hustling on the streets. My passion is selling, I love to sell. That is what gives me a high,” Forbes told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

She said, however, with VISOS which is located in Albion, Sea Cows Bay, the will power to get that venture going was compounded by the need to assist parents with school supplies.

Currently, Forbes said VISOS is offering a Back-to-school package of stationery supplies for $50 which includes 10 books, rules binding paper, pencils, pens, glue etc for the low cost.

A lifelong dream to assist parents

“I had always wanted to open a business... to assist parents to send the kids back to school at an affordable cost. We at VISOS know about difficult times and we created a package to assist parents in getting the kids ready to go back to school,” Forbes said.

Currently, Forbes said VISOS is offering a back-to-school package of stationery supplies for $50 which includes 10 books, rulers, binding paper, pencils, pens, glue among other items.

According to the business founder, some of the major business challenges include getting small business financing. She said VI's small businesses are often overlooked, in addition to not having enough platforms to promote their ventures.

While COVID-19 has had a major impact on the business community in the Virgin Islands, Forbes said it is not a deterrent to growth.

“What can I say… I try not to think negative at all, too much energy being taken up. It [COVID-19] has motivated me to expand my horizon and be more innovative. We now are focused to buy locally, so you as a business owner have that opportunity to be competitive and shine.”

Anyone interested in visiting the store or needing more information can WhatApp: 442-4767.