The Duchess of Vonh Castle, LLC

 

The Duchess of Vonh Castle, LLC, offers a variety of products that are excellent quality, inspiring, appealing, a great value, and worthwhile to my customers who crave for something unique and different.  Included are my "Inspirational Treasures" and gifts, wall art, majestic wreaths and jaw-dropping floral arrangements, amazing gourmet food products, jewellery, all defined by "Inspiration, Hope, Excellence, and Unimaginable Taste.”

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Shirley Holder, aka The Duchess of Vonh Castle, President, talented and gifted artisan, Entrepreneur, Interior Decorator, Music Composer/Song Writer, Jewellery Designer, Author, has also been a Gourmet cook, Baker, and Event Planner for over 50 years.

 

The Name – The Duchess of Vonh Castle, LLC

 

When I was a young girl, I realized that among the many gifts I was blessed with was Interior Decorating and cooking.  I was fascinated with mansions, castles, and palaces, and the rich history behind them.  The opulence of kings and Queens, Dukes and Duchesses who inhabited them, the rich decorations that adorned them, along with their impressive architectural detail.

 

Born and raised in a British Colony, I experienced some of its culture.  Although my home in the true sense is not built like a castle, it is my belief that any home is a castle whether big or small, old or new.  Once a person loves living in his home, and has an abiding peace and happiness there, he can call it what he likes.  It does not have to be constructed as a castle, or have all the makings of one.  With this in mind, I decided to name my company “The Duchess of Vonh Castle.” My home is my castle, and I am The Duchess.  Castle was chosen as part of my company name because I am not only filled with awe and deeply respectful of the blood and sweat of those who built them, but those who fought and sacrificed their lives for them. 

 

Tribute to My Parents:

 

A blissful marriage of 50+ years, I grew up in a Christian family.  Extremely passionate about philanthropy, I was greatly inspired by my two parents who were both philanthropists, and cared deeply for their fellow man.  Christian in their beliefs and very active in their church, they gave of themselves constantly, by giving to others all throughout the year, and also showed love and concern on a daily basis.  My mother, along with her industrious talents and compassion, a music-teacher, master-baker, excellent cook, skilled artisan, philanthropist, and extremely active in her church, she was also gifted with a prophetic vision, and had an undying love for those less fortunate than herself.  She gave away her baked goods, and organized events for her church and community.  Her Christian beliefs, hard work and discipline, along with honesty and integrity, left an indelible mark on her family and community.  She always put herself last and constantly thought about what she could do for others to make their world brighter. 

 

My father, a Chief Postmaster and church elder, my family’s rock, was a great example of fatherhood, cared tirelessly for our family, and his fellow man. He had an excellent work ethic, and worked side by side with my mother as a team, assisting with organizing events for their church and community. These attributes of my parents inspire me daily, and assist in keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground.  I savor the wonderful opportunities I had to learn and grow. 

 

As a result of the burning love and passion I had seen in my parents from a tiny tot, to my preteen years, for helping the needy and less fortunate, their deep involvement in church, community service, and spirit of resilience, I felt an equally burning desire to get involved in community service, and helping the less fortunate as well. One event I remember specifically, because the memories are so sweet, and I cherish them so much, took place when I was about 5 years old.  On a beautiful Summer Sunday afternoon, in British Guiana where I spent my formative years, my mother with the help of my father, organized a church banquet which was held at a community center. I assisted with handing out goody bags to attendees as they departed the event. It was on this day that I believe I first got my lesson of giving of oneself. I saw my parents sharing, caring, and giving constantly and abundantly to those in need. They were true leaders in their community, and worked together as a team.

 

I feel abundantly blessed with talents and energy which I must use to make a difference in this world.  Following in the footsteps of my parents, my philosophy is that “Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself means living a meaningful life in a meaningful way!” 

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE BACKGROUND:

 

At the age of 14, I joined the Leo Club, (youth section of Lions International, an organization dedicated to community and humanitarian service), Georgetown, British Guiana.  I later served as President for 3 consecutive terms. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity for me to use the Godly gifts and talents I was blessed with, to assist the less fortunate and my community. 

 

I believe that one of the most rewarding experiences of one’s life is community service, volunteering in church, helping the less fortunate and our communities.  At a very young age, I thought that I could use my God given gifts and talents to assist in brightening the world of groups of people, whose lives seemed to be consumed with darkness, and whom most of society had written off.  A number of these people resided in the Palms referred to as Alms House - home for the shut-in and indigent, and the Dharam Sala, home for the poor. Both facilities were located in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Republic of Guyana.)  This is how my service to community began.

 

During my three terms as president, one of the most rewarding periods in my life, I learnt at a young age the importance of interpersonal skills, how to inspire people to do their best, and working together as a team, caring for each other and the community, respecting each other, planning fundraising projects, and that a fruitful life comes not out of just thinking of myself, but how much I can do for others.  These skills have stayed with me into my adult years.  I also never doubted that blending my talents with those of others, can bring change to my community as well as the world.

 

A Lions Club member attended each meeting and shepherded the club to ensure that we were on course with the mission.  When presiding over meetings, it was always reassuring to see a senior member/s present.  If I stumbled, they were always there to guide and direct not only me but the club as a whole.  We all had their full support, and they shared their experience in organizing community projects with us, as well as their valuable time and talents.

 

I founded The Duchess of Vonh Castle Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself Foundation, a 501c3 Non-Profit.  www.theduchessofvonhcastlescgof.org.  The “Never Give Up on Your Hopes or Dreams” scholarship was also created to assist high school students from low income families, residing in the County of San Bernardino, with books and educational supplies.