From struggles to sweet oil: the inspiring journey of Gordon Robinson

Retold by Deandra Daniels

Photography Deandra Daniels

Series editor Neil Marks

At the bustling junction of Regent and Camp Street in Georgetown, a vibrant cluster of vendors compete for attention. But amidst the noise and activity, something unique catches your eye—a wooden trestle adorned with rows of small bottles glistening in the sunlight. Each bottle holds a delightful scent, a reimagined blend of perfumes like Perry Ellis, Miss Dior, Chrome Legend, Escape, and even Coco Chanel! This is the domain of Gordon Robinson, a 60-year-old entrepreneur from Lodge Community, whose mission extends beyond commerce. This is his story.

“The clothes I was selling began to back up on me; that’s where the challenges began. I had a lot of stuff that went out of style very quickly, and, uh, you had a lot of debt on it, it wasn’t profitable.

So about 18 years now I started the sweet oil business because I sensed that that is something that you must use – it’s used by anybody, both sexes use it. I decided on this rather than continue selling gents clothes and only men come to buy, or ladies’ clothes and only women come.

Doing that, selling clothing, you had a large amount to take around with you, while the perfume oil you can just quickly pack them together and go about your business.

The peak season for sweet oil or any business out here is month end when people get their salary.

How did I start off vending on the streets?

I was one of one of nine children. I was a good student in school, but I was forced to drop out due to financial difficulties.

I went to Lodge Government School. That’s the only school I ever went to. I did excellent at Common Entrance (exams) but could not afford to go to the school that I was offered. Yeah, but I make the best out of life.

I worked first at a few government places but the salary wasn’t getting you no place. I probably wasn’t qualified enough to get a better job. Then I made an attempt to go into the Police Force but because of my body structure – at that point you had to have a particular structure and a particular weight – but I didn’t get in. My intention was to go through the police force and see how best I can pick up back myself academically.

I was thinking about becoming a lawyer – that’s what was in my head since I was small. I had the ability no doubt about it.

I have, you know, four girls and two are teachers and one of them has her own school. And I am proud. What I didn’t have I ensured that they had.

My wife has her own business at home and I guide her to ensure it works.

Life was challenging, you know, but it didn’t make me go outside and do anything that was not consistent with what I was brought up doing.

I grew with great contentment. We never gave our mother no trouble with the police or anything. We never forgot the training that was embedded in us.”