Antiguan Cherrian Rawlins is a very quiet woman with a warm smile.  A very guarded individual, she speaks softly and chooses her words well, careful not to divulge too much; choosing rather to keep certain things sacred. This mother of two is the owner and manager of 7th Heaven Clothing Store.

Recently relocated to lower South Street, the bright mustardy three-storey building can’t be missed, as it stands out eloquently.  The greatest joy about the move; the building is hers. Raised in a family where the lesson of hard work was taught at an early age, Rawlins was already programmed to succeed.  She credits her supportive family for always being there to cheer her on, even through the hard times of managing the business.

About ten years ago, Rawlins took over her mother's children's store Heaven to 7th after growing weary working as a customer service representative in the banking industry: “I had a daughter at the time and I thought there was a need for a kid's store.” Like the name explains, the store initially catered toward providing garments for newborns and children up to the age of seven.  The young entrepreneur’s thoughts on a women's store transpired as other women would constantly ask her about her clothes.  Very much the stylish girlie girl, her well put together outfits were being admired everywhere, and it only made sense that she would venture into the lucrative market of providing women’s attire, and so began her empire. 

7th Heaven has had a few homes, the longest stint being at Tanner Street. “I was very stifled and limited at Tanner Street.  I was renting and therefore limited to what changes I could make to the store.”  The present home of the store is a dream come true for Cherrian, she is now able to be as creative as she wants with her ideas; it’s her space.

This new creative freedom is what transformed 7th Heaven into a great example of a classy décor. Presently it occupies the first and second floors; the third isn’t in use as Cherrian still ponders what to do with it.  The first floor is the "Jazz" section, catering for the elegance in a woman.  From business suits, casual wear and cocktail attire just to name a few, 7th Heaven provides for that sophisticated taste. "Candy", on floor #2 stocks garments modelled toward the young and free spirited fun nature of girls, with items that reveal a bit more of the sexiness in a female.  There is also a kids section, with items suitable for the young divas in your life.

The interior design at 7th Heaven sets it apart from the competition.  From the colour scheme to the simple embellishments, we see Rawlins’s taste totally cemented in every aspect of the store’s atmosphere. "7th Heaven is a family, we like women to come and feel comfortable as they look for something to wear", says Rawlins, "We also provide personal consultations and make special orders. We offer these personalised services to ensure that our customers are pleased with their selections."

7th Heaven has also given back to the community, providing monetary support for many families in need. Cherrian isn’t one that believes in publishing a list of the store’s charitable donations, rather she prefers the simple satisfaction that she has helped someone who needed assistance.  Previously the store sponsored Miss Shameka David in the 2008 Queen of Carnival competition where she placed second runner-up. This year Rawlins is sponsoring one of the contestants in this year’s Optimist Petite competition, Querra Warner.

Rawlins is someone we should be very proud off.  She continues to be ambitious supported by her friends and family and a group of other business owners, who ensure that she keeps challenging herself to higher heights.

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7th Heaven is located on lower South Street, just above Corn Alley. Check out the website and join the facebook group.