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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 .