I have learnt that challenges and opportunities are often two sides of the same coin. There were certainly moments of frustration, but they helped build my stamina and sharpen my perspective. Over the past nine years, I’ve learned to embrace change thoughtfully, choosing what to change, when, and how."

Sarona Roopchan, Regional Manager, Ben Lomond Industrial & Safety Solutions Ltd. (BLISS Safety Store)

Anybody who has attended the Trinidad & Tobago Energy Conference in the past few years will already know Sarona and other members of the BLISS team. They have developed a unique, bright and distinctive brand identity that makes them stand out from the crowd and their booths at the trade show and other industry events are always eye-catching. Sarona explains that developing this brand identity has been important in a sub-sector where they face keen competition.

Sarona’s first yearning for the energy sector began when she just a child, “I vividly remember accompanying my grandfather on trips to Galeota and the heliport where he worked both onshore and offshore. Seeing him all geared up, confident and important, left a lasting impression”.

Inspired by her grandfather’s experience, Sarona pursued Civil Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering from the University of Trinidad & Tobago. Qualified and eager to get into the sector she had her heart set on, her job hunt led her to BLISS which saw a fit and hired her as an Executive Assistant in 2016. Bliss and Sarona were both new at their respective games (BLISS having been established only 4 years at the time that she was hired) and this has been a symbiotic relationship; a win-win from the get-go.

Sarona is confident and enthusiastic about her experience so far, noting that “Interestingly, while my current role differs from my educational field, the knowledge I gained has proven invaluable. It helps me understand client needs, communicate more effectively, and contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts at BLISS Ltd.” She added “To sum it up: when you give your genuine 100% in an environment that encourages growth and innovation, success becomes a shared accomplishment. I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in many aspects of the business, from sales to customer relations and supplier communications. This diversity of experience pushed me to rise to every challenge.

For Sarona and BLISS, it has always been about mutual nurturing; BLISS has expanded and grown and has ensured that its employees have developed too. “Over time, I witnessed our collective efforts blossom: participating in international trade shows, engaging in global training with brand partners, building strong client portfolios, and fostering a work culture rooted in care and camaraderie. Sarona is immensely grateful her Managing Director for his unwavering guidance and belief. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping her journey at BLISS. She also mentioned that their HR Director has been the missing piece that they never realized was missing.

Despite the successes, Sarona openly admits “Challenges and opportunities are often two sides of the same coin. There were certainly moments of frustration, but they helped build my stamina and sharpen my perspective. Over the past nine years, I’ve learned to embrace change thoughtfully, choosing what to change, when, and how. The role of Regional Manager is not just a title; it’s a responsibility to every core component of BLISS Ltd. That responsibility has been one of my greatest opportunities for growth.

Sarona is understandably proud of their accomplishment and notes “We invested in building a strong brand, prioritized excellent customer service, and positioned ourselves for accessibility by opening mall and dedicated store locations. We also partnered with globally recognized ISO-certified PPE suppliers and ensured continuous training for our team. And we’re not stopping there, there are even more value-driven innovations on the horizon”. She wouldn’t go into more detail but suggested that it would be something worth the wait.

Sarona’s passion and energy is evident and she shared some of the lessons she has learned: ‘As a young leader, my advice is to embrace learning and stay adaptable. Seek out opportunities, even the small ones and always be proactive about growth.
Build a strong foundation, keep your skills sharp, and stay informed.

She also stressed that ‘Networking is essential: it opens doors to collaboration, knowledge exchange, and deeper industry insight.’

Sarona was adamant that making an impact in the community makes one’s personal and professional achievements more worthwhile “If you can, volunteer or take part in community initiatives. Giving back has given me a strong sense of purpose, and it’s a meaningful way to expand your network while contributing to something greater than yourself.