Beauty industry spotlighted at inaugural Art of Her competition

The vital economic and creative contributions of Barbadian women take centre stage with the launch of the inaugural Art of Her: The Beauty of South Central competition.

Scheduled for June 13 at Solidarity House, the event aims to empower local beauty professionals and highlight the sector’s potential as a major economic driver.

Speaking at the launch on Saturday, Member of Parliament Marsha Caddle emphasised that while Barbados is a leader in women’s empowerment, female-dominated sectors still require strategic support, especially as construction primarily drives male employment.

“Resources in the hands of women tend to go further, tend to be spent on children’s health, education, and the kinds of social investments that matter,” Caddle stated. “We need to make sure that women’s industry and women’s productive capacities are always supported.”

Caddle also noted that the beauty industry directly feeds into expanding national sectors like film, culture, and entertainment.

The competition features categories across hair artistry, makeup, and nail design, all centred around the theme ‘The Fantasy’. Over $20 000 in prizes, including salon and studio equipment, will be awarded to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

Event organiser Ashley Lashley provided specific details on what attendees and contestants can expect from the upcoming showcase, which already features 20 applicants.

“Art of Her will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Solidarity House,” Lashley announced. “The categories are Hair Artistry, entitled ‘Crowning the Fantasy’; Nail Art and Design, entitled ‘Fantasy at Your Fingertips’; and Makeup Artistry, ‘The Face of Fantasy’. Competitors must execute all artwork live on site during the event.” Registration closes on May 22.

Lashley said prizes for the nail segment will include nail tables, mini air compressors, UV lights and fans, nail dryers, and a nail polish rack to help artists take their careers to the next level.