Jennifer’s story: multiple passions, multiple businesses

Jennifer Cipriani has many passions and talents, from marketing to real estate and even animal activism. She’s turned those passions into successful businesses that are contributing to Guyana’s economic growth and providing vital services in her community.

“While I am a marketer by profession, my life as an entrepreneur has taken me in exciting and unexpected directions. Today, I balance my marketing consultancy, real estate investments, and a not-for-profit cat sanctuary; all while trying to create space for my family, home, and personal wellbeing. It is a juggling act, but one rooted in passion, purpose, and resilience. 

My core business is Acme Marketing Consultancy, where I provide social media management, public relations, training, and general marketing management. I have always loved marketing. With over three decades of corporate experience, spanning roles in marketing, operations, management, and human resources, I came to see marketing as the perfect blend of science and art. It challenges me, keeps me creative, and never allows room for boredom. For me, marketing has never felt like work; it has always been fun. That joy inspired me to start my own agency, so I could take ownership of my skills and ideas while helping businesses grow.

But alongside this passion, I also wanted to build something more sustainable. For my 50th birthday, I purchased my first fixer-upper property, marking the beginning of my journey into real estate. In Guyana, the industry is booming due to oil and gas development, and the demand for apartments, Airbnb rentals, and related services has skyrocketed. Real estate offers me a path to passive income, something that gives me the freedom to focus on my deeper purpose: animal activism. 

I have always loved animals. As a teenager, I rescued dogs, and in more recent years, cats have become my companions and cause. In 2020, my son brought home a cat named Otis, who quickly became the king of our house. His sudden passing was heartbreaking, but it opened the door to something greater. Soon after, we began fostering and adopting cats, and before long, my home evolved into a sanctuary. Today, I run a small but growing cat rescue and sanctuary, where we take in abused, neglected, or abandoned animals. Many are rehabilitated and adopted into loving homes, while others remain with us. This mission is deeply personal because animal abuse and neglect are widespread in Guyana. I see the cat sanctuary as my way of giving voice to the voiceless. 

My entrepreneurial drive is not just about financial independence; it is about building a life that allows me to give back. As a founding member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I mentor women in business and provide training through both my consultancy and community programs. I believe strongly that supporting women in business has ripple effects: it strengthens families, communities, and, ultimately, the nation. Women bring a unique perspective to entrepreneurship, often with a greater focus on giving back and building community. 

Of course, the journey is not without challenges. Balancing multiple businesses, activism, and family life is a demanding task. There are days when unreliable household help means I spend my time cleaning, cooking, and caring for the cats before even attending to business tasks. My husband helps when he can, but his demanding work as a mechanic often leaves us both stretched thin. I have had to learn to prioritise, delegate, and, importantly, ask for help. Through training programs like those offered by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, I have gained strategies for achieving balance and growth, including engaging volunteers to support the sanctuary, which enables me to onboard more business clients. I’ve participated in the Road to Growth, Road to Finance, and Road to Leadership programmes, which have all been valuable to me and my businesses.

For me, entrepreneurship is about passion, impact, and perseverance. Whether through marketing, real estate, or animal rescue, I am building a life that reflects who I am: creative, compassionate, and determined to make a difference.”