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Building a Family Empire on Sint Eustatius
On the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius, a family consisting of a mother and her two sons are having a discussion at her home. If you are privy to their conversation, you would undoubtedly believe that a meeting at corporate headquarters was in session, with the President and CEO being Carol Cuvalay, and the two gentlemen sitting at her right and left at the dinner table- their boardroom- her two illustrious Vice Presidents.
Meet Carol Cuvalay, a strong, independent woman and active social worker in her private life, whose aptitude for networking and event planning always drives her to seek out influential persons to visit Sint Eustatius for the sole purpose of motivating and inspiring children, families and the community. Her outward attempts to empower others is a reflection of what takes place within her inner circle. She is the head of a family empire that is slowly being built on Sint Eustatius and has worked hard to nurture her sons who are now considered to be stellar role models in the community, and young entrepreneurs of note on this Dutch Caribbean island.
At the age of 11, Carol left Sint Eustatius to attend school on Sint Maarten, then on to Aruba. At the age of 17 she traveled to the Netherlands. She remained there after school, started a family and was blessed with two sons, the older, Ulyssese( now 29) and the younger Giuliano( now 26). However, her homeland Sint Eustatius beckoned, and she returned in 2000 intending to make a difference and contribute to the growth and improvement of her community. Her sons soon followed after they completed school, and the three minds are now constantly churning with business ideas, not only to benefit themselves, but to make positive contributions to their island. Carol wants to give to her community in a meaningful way and the creativity, discipline and cohesiveness that the trio brings to the table produces tangible results.
Carol’ s older son Ulyssese is an IT professional, but he wished to explore something beyond the usual 9-to-5 job. He learned from his fiercely independentminded mother that flexibility and economic independence were important. In 2015, his quest for something flexible, but sustainable, brought him to the fashion company, Opulence. Today, this is one of the successful businesses he runs with his mother and younger brother, Giuliano, who is an avid lover of videography and photography.