Meet Dawn Crabbe-Herbert, a 37-year-old businesswoman whose determination and drive to succeed has made her a force to be reckoned with.

She sat down with VINO to give an insight into her life as she juggles her career and family.

“It’s rough very rough...I have many sleepless nights!” Mrs Crabbe-Herbert exclaimed with laughter. However, she quickly stated in a serious tone that while her life could be a challenge at times “it is also refreshing when your goals are accomplished. It is always important to plan to succeed. I write down all my goals and tick them off once completed.”

Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert oversees the operations of Bolo’s & Brothers Limited and its subsidiaries and is the boss of some 50 employees.

And though it’s a family owned company, it was not a bed of roses when she began working there.

“I started at the bottom of the ladder as a stocker, sweeper and mopper,” the General Manager said with a smile. “Then I climbed my way up the ladder.”

Whilst attending the then BVI High School, now renamed the Elmore Stoutt High School, Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert worked during the holidays learning the ins and outs of the store's management. Therefore, she accepted the post of GM upon her completion of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of the Virgin Islands.

When asked how she felt taking up the position, Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert replied, “I was anxious because I wanted to make changes which I know could not have happened overnight.”

She was also frank when questioned that since it was her uncle’s company – if nepotism played a role in her being offered the job. But in her opinion, it was the knack of using her initiative and getting the job done.

“My uncle [Verlin Crabbe] is someone who expects accountability and responsiveness. He just wants it done,” disclosed Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert.

The patriotic Virgin Islander is a firm believer that VIslanders should not be afraid to aim high, and added, “Through hard work I have earned my stripes.”

She is proud of where Bolo’s Department Store is derived from and credits its success to the dedicated staff, who from time to time would express their views on how to improve the company – something that the GM is very appreciative of.

“Just because you are the boss does not mean you have all the ideas,” she added.

Cognizant of the fact that Bolo’s is all about customer service, Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert said customers’ opinions are also appreciated. “Our aim is to make our customers pleased at all times.”

And in an effort to bring a bit more versatility, this sports enthusiast decided to open Play 2 Win Limited, a sports store, which is located on the third floor of the Chevelle building in Road Town.

As co-owner with her husband Brent Herbert, Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert is optimistic it will become the number one store in the VI.

“BVI has been ready for a full scale sports store for a very long time. To get good sports products, individuals have to travel overseas or purchase online. So we decided to open one in October 2009 with the aim of it being the number one sports store and we are on our way in achieving that goal,” she said with a smile.

In addition to that, she is working to become a certified sports official.  This, Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert said is in a quest to better serve the community.  Her ambition is also to see her business grow into an upscale international sports store.

So what’s her trick to juggling her career, business and family?

“My trick is not to sacrifice time at work with the time with my husband and children. You just have to know when to take a time out,” she disclosed.

Her children are Trent 12, Tenisha 5, and Tiya 3.

While she has achieved many milestones, Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert’s greatest achievement in life is being married.

“The simple things are more important to me than the extravagant things. We have three wonderful children and in every marriage you have ups and downs but I won’t trade anything for the world,” she stated.

She also credits her strong-will personality to the teaching her mother bestowed on her at an early age.

“My mother has taught us never to think less of ourselves.   She has trained us to be God fearing. And the thing that makes me happy about my family is our togetherness. My mother always told us when we become adults we will be grateful for what she has instilled in us. And every day I thank her because she instilled the discipline that I have today. Sometimes when it becomes overwhelming I remember the things I was taught. I am very thankful to her for that,” she said with a smile.

The humble Mrs. Crabbe-Herbert sees herself as a role model and her advice to young ladies who want to succeed in life is, “To achieve great things, you first need to believe in yourself. If you can think, it can happen. Once you believe, it’s possible and you just have to work hard. There will be obstacles but the reward at the end is much greater.”