BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT has been said that a hairdresser is never out of a job as people are becoming more and more conscious of the way they look and feel about themselves.
This is one of the many remarks made by Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, during his address to the participants of a Hairdressing Workshop held Tuesday (May 10) at Diana’s Beauty Salon.
Minister Harris congratulated the hairdressers and aspiring hairdressers for utilising the opportunity to not only pursue a career but also to ensure that the necessary skills are acquired to excel in that chosen career, noting that an opportunity for learning and improvement presents itself every day.
Minister Harris stressed that the business of hairdressing is no different to any other business, noting that it requires discipline, dedication and hard work and while it is no easy task, the opportunities are plenty.
“Like any other business venture, the business of hairdressing requires personal initiative, dedication, self-motivation, discipline, perseverance and hard work. There is no magic or easy formula, but in this field options abound with lucrative engagements as creative stylists, specialist colour technicians, managers, educators, salon owners, photo-session stylists, catwalk stylists and the likes. Yes, lucrative assignments in Hollywood and Las Vegas. Certainly in today’s global village such engagements are no longer just dreams and aspirations, but rather opportunities which sit right on our door steps,” he said.
He told the participants that several ladies in St. Kitts and Nevis have gravitated to the provision of cosmetology services, especially in the area of hair dressing, and records have reflected that in large measure most of them have remained in what is referred to as the informal sector – “unregistered and undocumented”.
Dr. Harris warned them that remaining in the informal sector leads to not having the support to grow, improve and develop and they would therefore be deprived of the opportunity to have an exciting and financially rewarding experience.
“While remaining in the informal sector clearly facilitates the avoidance of public scrutiny, especially where matters of taxes and licenses are concerned, one can point to a strong correlation between this phenomenon and the standards, scope and abilities of their operations and activities. More often than not, these entrepreneurs never received the necessary support for their improvement, growth and development.
“In this situation hairdressers are deprived of the opportunity to operate and or provide services in instances where their chosen career can be an exciting, fulfilling and financially rewarding experience. It is in recognition of this impediment that the Ministry sought to ensure that valuable, hands on experience and training is made available to persons who chose to pursue financial security via a career in this field of unlimited opportunities,” Minister Harris stated.
Noting another area in which opportunities exist for those who choose this career path, Minister Harris said the CARICOM Single Market and Economy provides for the free movement of skilled persons across the region and that it is critically important to have various skill sets certified in order to be in a position to take advantage of these opportunities.
He went on to say that the hairdressing industry is often considered a part of the emerging health and wellness sector and that many argue that a visit to the hairdresser provides both beautification and therapeutic services.
Dr. Harris said that the Hairdressing Workshop is the second of its kind over an eight-month period and that he was honoured to be able to partner with the Caribbean Development Bank/Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CDB/CTCS) in delivering such an important workshop, especially given the potential to impact both the lives of the participants and the communities.
Thanking Dr. Carol Williams and commending the National Entrepreneurial Development Division (NEDD) staff and the other persons within the ministry who provided support to make the workshop a success, Minister Harris said he hopes to see successful hairdressers in the near future and the creation of trainers to ensure the passing on of the vital skills in that growing area.
