Professionalism, formalisation key to unlocking growth in Jamaica’s beauty industry—Seiveright

Hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians, makeup artists, aestheticians, wellness practitioners and other beauty entrepreneurs are being encouraged to professionalise and formalise their businesses as Jamaica positions the sector for greater growth, exports and international competitiveness.

The call came from Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo (JIBE) 2026 at the National Arena on Friday.

Describing the beauty and wellness sector as an important part of Jamaica’s MSME landscape, Seiveright said the industry represents far more than personal services, pointing to its growing role in entrepreneurship, manufacturing, innovation and wealth creation.

“The world already knows Jamaica has talent. Our challenge now is transforming more of that talent into globally competitive businesses that manufacture, export, embrace e-commerce, reach the Diaspora and proudly compete on international shelves and online marketplaces,” the Minister said.

Citing international market projections, Seiveright noted that the global beauty industry continues to expand rapidly, creating significant opportunities for Jamaican entrepreneurs and manufacturers to build internationally recognised brands.

However, he argued that talent alone will not be enough.

“Professionalism is what transforms talent into a successful business,” he said. “People may come once because of your talent, but they return because of your professionalism.”

A central message of the Minister’s address was the importance of business formalisation, which he described as one of the most effective ways for entrepreneurs to unlock new opportunities.

“Formalisation is not about more bureaucracy. It is about unlocking bigger opportunities,” Seiveright said.

“When you formalise your business, you open the door to financing, digital payments, better bookkeeping, e-commerce, exports and larger commercial opportunities. Quite simply, formalisation opens doors that often remain closed to informal businesses.”

He encouraged entrepreneurs to see formalisation as a pathway to long-term growth, explaining that formal businesses are better positioned to access loans, grants, Government support programmes, export markets and contracts with hotels, supermarkets, pharmacies and other major commercial clients.

The Minister also urged entrepreneurs to embrace technology as part of building stronger businesses.

While acknowledging the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence, Seiveright said beauty and wellness professionals remain well positioned because their work relies on creativity, skilled hands, trust and personal relationships that technology cannot easily replicate.

“AI should become your business assistant, not your replacement,” he said. “The professionals who will succeed are those who combine outstanding technical skills with technology, entrepreneurship and continuous learning.”

He also highlighted the growing opportunities for locally manufactured beauty and wellness products through tourism and international markets, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage the strength of Brand Jamaica as global demand continues to grow for authentic and naturally derived products.

Seiveright commended founder Suzette Brown and the organisers of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo for creating a valuable platform that continues to promote entrepreneurship, networking, innovation and business development across the industry.

“The organisers deserve tremendous credit for building an event that not only celebrates excellence within the industry but also encourages entrepreneurs to think bigger, build stronger businesses and create new opportunities for growth,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs to pursue bigger ambitions.

“We want to see more Jamaican beauty businesses become larger Jamaican companies. More companies become exporters. More exporters become internationally recognised brands. Because when your business grows, Jamaica grows.”