Evolution Hair & Nail Salon owner Felicia Tonge-Fenton has been in the hair dressing business for 15 years, but she only recently opened her own salon in Paraquita Bay.
Ms. Tonge-Fenton said she decided to branch off from her sister’s business, Elite Braiding & Nail Salon, because “I think I can do better on my own.”
“My biggest challenge has been support,” she explained.
This challenge is one shared by many young business owners throughout the territory, and it is the reason the government held a “Youth in Business Exposition” on Friday, showcasing 20 companies run by entrepreneurs under the age of 30.
“This is what today’s Youth in Business Expo represents: a continued commitment to youth development,” Premier Dr. Orlando Smith said at the event’s opening. “Small and medium businesses are the engine of the economy.”
Big dreams
Many of the businesses at the expo are in the same situation as Ms. Tonge-Fenton’s: They’re young start-ups looking to expand.
MMM Variety owner Hakiema Matthew launched her clothing business two months ago, and she is in the process of searching for a storefront to feature her goods.
In the meantime, events like the youth expo are a good opportunity for her to show off her products, which can now be ordered over the phone.
“I’m trying to get my business out there for people to know who I really am,” she said. “This [expo] will be a big help.”
Another entrepreneur, Que’s Car & Jeep Rental owner Quemelle Hodge, has been operating for three months out of Kingstown.
Mr. Hodge said he wanted to open a rental company that offers additional services such as roadside assistance, and that so far business has been great.
What he’s looking for, though, is additional capital to expand his fleet. Along with attracting new customers, he said that ideally he’d find someone at the expo willing to invest in his business.
“That would be awesome,” he said of finding an additional funder.
Design company
Other businesses at the event are more established, such as Akiya Brewley Designs.
At her tent, graphic designer Akiya Brewley had a large portfolio displaying the designs she’s created in recent years. Recently, she was selected to design the logo for a major government project: the Tortola Pier Park.
Five years ago, however, she was in the same position as many of the younger companies, she said.
Ms. Brewley had one piece of advice for other youths thinking about starting a business.
“I’d say just go for it,” she said. “People can be discouraged, but you just go for it. You’re going to fit in somewhere.”
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