Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

This Week We Feature Young Professional Amaal M. Tarabay

Amaal M. Tarabay is an entrepreneur riding the latest trend of 'surging', an unorthodox business but one that is poised to take the local beauty & cosmetic market by storm. Photo: Provided
Wildflower manufactures hard sugar wax, a natural product that is easier on the skin that regular waxing, sticks to hair without attaching to the skin and can be applied at room temperature without the necessary heating of regular wax. Photo: Provided
Wildflower manufactures hard sugar wax, a natural product that is easier on the skin that regular waxing, sticks to hair without attaching to the skin and can be applied at room temperature without the necessary heating of regular wax. Photo: Provided
Our Young Professional attended St. George's Primary school and graduated in 2013. And moved on to the Elmore Stoutt High School and graduated in 2019. Photo: Provided
Our Young Professional attended St. George's Primary school and graduated in 2013. And moved on to the Elmore Stoutt High School and graduated in 2019. Photo: Provided
When it comes to removing unwanted body hair, shaving and waxing are probably the first two treatments that come to mind. However, sugaring—an ancient technique is less painful and is literally the sweetest way to get rid of stubborn hairs. Photo: Provided
When it comes to removing unwanted body hair, shaving and waxing are probably the first two treatments that come to mind. However, sugaring—an ancient technique is less painful and is literally the sweetest way to get rid of stubborn hairs. Photo: Provided
By Ron O. D'Avilar

Life for our Young Profession Amaal M. Tarabay couldn’t be sweeter. She is an entrepreneur riding the latest trend of 'sugaring' or Persian waxing, an unorthodox business in these parts but one that is poised to take the local beauty and cosmetic market by storm.

Business built on Sugar

At 17 years of age, Ms Tarabay who hails from Road Town, Tortola, already has a thriving small business in the waxing industry. “I work for myself. I have a business called Wildflower. I also work part-time at Crocs, in the Tortola Pier Park,” she told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

When it comes to removing unwanted body hair, shaving and waxing are probably the first two treatments that come to mind; however, sugaring - an ancient technique - is less painful and is literally the sweetest way to get rid of stubborn hairs.  

“I make and sell hard sugar wax. I package them, deliver them and sometimes I offer waxing services,” she said.

A business inspired by her family culture, Amaal said “When I was young my grandmother would make wax for me to use. I asked her for the recipe so I can start making it on my own. I tried many times refining it. Eventually, I perfected it. Then it hit me, to make and sell hard sugar wax.”

Wildflower now manufactures hard sugar wax, a natural product that is easier on the skin than regular waxing, sticks to hair without attaching to the skin and can be applied at room temperature without the necessary heating of regular wax.

“I enjoy testing out my wax batches on family,” she said, noting that sugaring uses all-natural ingredients for a product that is safe for all skin types.

Life Lessons

My biggest life lesson is; learn from your mistakes, never make the same mistake twice,” our young professional revealed.

Although her entrepreneurial quest has taken her into the realm of cosmetics, she said “I've always wanted to become a lawyer or even a clinical psychologist,  alongside being a successful entrepreneur,” and is something she intends to pursue.  

“I'm always focused, every time I think on my future, I just make sure I get the job done. I see my products being sold worldwide.”  

Amaal attended St George's Primary school and graduated in 2013. She then moved to the Elmore Stoutt High School and graduated in 2019.

“I'm in my first year at HLSCC. My programme at HLSCC is Human Services. I hope to graduate in 2021,” she said.

Outside of her sugary business, Amaal detailed that her extracurricular activities include playing volleyball, playing the piano and swimming.

Challenges

“The most challenging thing about my business would be getting the wax at the right consistency," she revealed.  

With hard wax, that procedure is heated and flattens onto an area of skin and then pulled and is often painful.  

Soft sugar wax; however, has a consistency that is softer and runnier. You spread it on your arm with a stick, pat a piece of cloth on it, and then rip it off in one go. This works best for coarse hair.

“Since I was young, I've been working with my grandfather in his store, so I always was in the business field,” she said.

On the Wildflower VI Facebook page, Amaal can be seen promoting the product, offering competitions to encourage users to hop onto the sugaring trend. “My father inspired me to develop my business because he's a businessman,” she revealed.

She said one interesting fact about her is that although she was born in Tortola, her first language is Arabic.

Parting Advice

“Follow your dreams. Life is too short to be waiting around. If that's what you really want to do, go for it and don't let anyone hold you back,” Ms Tarabay shared as advice to other youths looking to pursue a business goal.

Now at its two year anniversary, she said Hurricane Irma was unforgettable. “My house wasn't as damaged as others. I lost a door and a few windows. My family, friends and I sat down together in one room waiting for the storm to pass.”

She said one change she would like to see in the Virgin Islands, "is giving the young people more of a voice in local affairs.”  

In a final bit of advice, she said if you are looking to pursue a passion, go for it, “Make sure you're committed, focused and determined.”

15 Responses to “ This Week We Feature Young Professional Amaal M. Tarabay”

  • ccc (27/09/2019, 09:55) Like (49) Dislike (0) Reply
    our people of all races GOD BLESS THE BVI AND Amaal
  • LCS (27/09/2019, 09:56) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kudo>. Well done and good advice. Don't give up.
  • GG (27/09/2019, 10:00) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Amazing!!! Keep going!!!!
  • Observer (27/09/2019, 10:29) Like (41) Dislike (3) Reply
    Imagine a 17 year old got such a unique business, It's amazing what these youths doing these days.
  • MB (27/09/2019, 10:32) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Awesome story VINO. Don't know this young lady but very impressed by her passion and vision. I see great things in her future. It's great to see young people with such great entrepreneurial spirit. Keep it Boss Lady. Kudos to you.
  • jj (27/09/2019, 10:36) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    This young lady is going places with this business, this is a really good read. How can persons be featured as a Young Professional?
  • Rj (27/09/2019, 10:57) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big ups!!
  • YES! (27/09/2019, 11:07) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wonderful choice, very proud of this young lady, best wishes Amaal.
  • YMc (27/09/2019, 11:29) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Super proud of you Amaall!!!!! Stay focused! You have a bright future ahead of you.
  • shantel (27/09/2019, 16:32) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    So proud of you Amaal, congrats on the business!
  • Trini woman (28/09/2019, 00:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What’s the contact number for her ?
  • Trini to the bone (29/09/2019, 21:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Don’t Trick the child for her idea you know we Trini’s always in some scam.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.