A Young Girl’s Walk with Jesus – Part 1
Treshanee Sutton, woman of God, evangelist, entrepreneur, although only 24 years of age, is the owner operator of the hair and skin care business named “Sheaz + Grace Collection”. Launched on December 11, 2022 at the Portmore circuit of Freedom Come Ministries International, the company caters to the hair and skin care needs of men and women of all ages.
Her story, however, started long before now and is so riveting that it must be told in its entirety. It is a story of greatness! I cannot think of a better description for the indomitable spirit, the strong will, and the presence of the Holy Spirit which abounds throughout this story and in the life of this young lady.
LEAVE THE BODIES AND A CHEST OF DRAWERS
Treshanee told us that her mother, Tameka Grace Sutton, died when she was 24; she, Treshanee, was three, and her sister, Carene, was a mere 12 months. “My dad, Ferdinand “Tall Man” Sutton, was a remarkable father,” she said proudly. A member of the church choir, he was a devoted Christian, who had helped to build the church the family attended.
He was a kind and loving father who always had his children’s interests at heart. They were living with his wife’s relatives, and when he decided to leave the family home with the girls after their mother died, Treshanee’s aunt wisely advised him to take whatever he needed but to “leave the bodies and a chest of drawers!” Mr. Sutton obeyed.
He maintained contact with his children and cared for them so well that it was as if he still lived with them. Treshanee gave innumerable examples of this wonderful father who attended every Parent/Teachers’ Association (PTA) meeting and every Parent/Teacher Conference for his children while they were in primary and high school. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak about her dad, remarking, “I have always wanted to say this publicly: my father never failed to show up!” She recalled the many days he would visit her at school, Jonathan Grant High, on his bicycle. She remembered how, when she saw him, her heart would fill with pride and love for the father who had never let them down.
L-R, Pastor Jeffrey Shuttleworth, Treshanee Sutton, Carene Sutton(sister), Kemoia Reynolds (cousin)
“Things were low for us. My aunts, Primrose and Jasmin Vassel, did not have much, but their love was overwhelming. Everyone chipped in in whatever way they could, including my cousin, Tudyann “Sell-Off Pastry Chef” Nugent-Russel, who would buy me, my sister, and my cousin (now my business partners), back-to-school supplies every year!”
Treshanee said the family moved to Homestead in Spanish Town, but due to the prevalence of criminal activities there, they relocated to Sydenham. She recalled, “Most of my teen years were spent in Sydenham, and every day, Daddy came to look for me and my sister.”
She reflected on how the girls would help their father with his job as a gardener. “Daddy would ride his bicycle with his weedwhacker, rakes, and my sister, all securely strapped on, while I would ride my small bicycle as we went to help him garden.” She admitted that they were petrified of being hit by stones or anything the whacker flung, so her father would repeatedly promise that he would never allow the stones or sand to hurt his precious children.
THE SUNSHINE ON A RAINY DAY
Treshanee confessed, “Sometimes I would cry for my dad because the sun was so hot that it hurt inside to think of the hardship he underwent.” She recalled the time when they went to work, and it rained profusely as they left the premises. They sheltered on a verandah at a seemingly vacant house. After a long time, the owner, who was inside, began quarrelling loudly, accusing them of trespassing and muddying his ‘place’. Being a humble person, her father apologized and said he did not know anyone resided there. Then, he used his handkerchief to clean the verandah tiles.
Treshanee grew up in a Christian home with her grandmother and aunt. She attended church regularly and even assisted her aunt in cleaning the church on Saturdays. She sang on the choir, was in Sign Language ministry, and enjoyed attending Youth Fellowship. At age nine, she was baptized. Even though she did not fully understand what she was doing, she knew she wanted to serve God and that she wanted to be baptized.
ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY
Treshanee Sutton’s journey into entrepreneurship started when she was in high school. It was born out of a desire to help her dad who worked long hard hours, gardening. She would sell sweets, chocolates, and biscuits in class. She laughed, “Sometimes I was caught by the teachers, and some of them would support and assist me in whatever way they could manage!” They knew that the proceeds from her business helped with the girls’ taxi fare and this was one less expense for her father.
Treshanee explained, “I was at home thinking – what else can I do? How can I make this business bigger?” At age 14, she thought of selling donuts and cupcakes and went to the telephone directory to search for Megamart. She said, “I called my dad and asked for help. He rode me on his bicycle to Spanish Town, then we took a bus to Megamart.” It was her first visit to Portmore. She said her dad gave her sound advice on the products she wanted to sell and how to price them, and he purchased over $2000 worth of pastry to get her started. Recognising that she needed a bigger market for the sale of the items, she went to the health centre close to her home, and asked the vendor who was stationed there if she would allow her to set up a stall as well. The vendor agreed for she knew the young girl.
Thus commenced another leg of the journey. Treshanee said she sold at the health centre every day until it was time to get ready for the 12:00 o’clock shift at her school. The money made was also used to pay for taxi fare to and from school. Treshanee smiled, “It made me feel good helping my dad to take care of us.”
Next week we will continue this story on tenacity in the face of adversity.
In the meantime, look out for Treshanee “Sheaz + Grace Collection” Sutton, and Tudyann “Sell-Off Pastry Chef” Nugent-Russel at TBC’s grand holiday bazaar on Tuesday, December 20, at 51 Molynes Road, Kingston 10.
L-R, Pastor Jeffrey Shuttleworth, Treshanee Sutton, Carene Sutton(sister), Kemoia Reynolds (cousin)
Eager customers at the launch of “Sheaz + Grace Collection” at the Portmore circuit of Freedom Come Int’l Ministries – Bridgeport High School