Championing the natural hair movement in the Virgin Islands, Entrepreneur Aqueelah L. Frett has turned her passion for haircare into a business. Photo: Provided

Ms Frett attended the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) Primary and Secondary Division where she graduated as valedictorian in 2001 before moving on to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) from 2001 to 2004, obtaining an associate degree in General Studies with a focus in Humanities. Photo: Provided

Ms Frett is currently employed as a Senior Administrative Officer/Personal Assistant to the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Health and Social Development, Government of the Virgin Islands. However, where she sines an entrepreneur is as the Founder of Afrotherapy, the Natural Hair Care and Lifestyle Boutique and retail storefront located in Hope Hill, Tortola. Photo: Provided

She said the business carries a variety of authentic handcrafted hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, moisturizers, hair loss and restorative treatments with offerings including natural hair oils and butters, natural hair colours, styling products, hair accessories and hair vitamins from some of the most popular hair care brands throughout the world. Photo: Provided

Afrotherapy can be found on social media (Facebook and Instagram) at Afrotherapy Hair Company at Afrotherapyhairco or contacting by telephone on (284) 346-4853 or email at Afrotherapyhair@gmail.com. Photo: Provided

Educational Background 

Ms Frett attended the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) Primary and Secondary Divisions where she graduated as Valedictorian in 2001 before moving on to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) from 2001 to 2004, obtaining an associate's degree in General Studies with a focus in Humanities.

In 2007, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, in Health Care Administration from the Florida Metropolitan University in Orlando, Florida.

Ms Frett is currently employed as a Senior Administrative Officer/Personal Assistant to the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Health and Social Development, Government of the Virgin Islands.

However, where she shines as an entrepreneur is as the Founder of Afrotherapy, the Natural Hair Care and Lifestyle Boutique and retail storefront located in Hope Hill, Tortola.

Perusing entrepreneurship 

“In my personal pursuit as an entrepreneur, Afrotherapy was born. Afrotherapy is a Caribbean inspired Natural Hair Care and Lifestyle Boutique that seeks to provide its clients with luxurious, organic, plant-based hair care products that promote vibrant healthy hair and scalp.”

She said the business carries a variety of authentic handcrafted hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, moisturizers, hair loss and restorative treatments with offerings including natural hair oils and butters, natural hair colours, styling products, hair accessories and hair vitamins from some of the most popular hair care brands throughout the world. 

“All products are infused with rich ingredients that nourish and protect the scalp in the most natural way. Our products are paraben, sulphate, phosphate, silicone, and chemical and toxin-free made with eco-certified ingredients which are natural, safe and cruelty-free.”

When asked about what she enjoys most about the job, our young professional said, “Haircare is my passion; it has always been something I love. My main goal is to promote healthy hair and help people find the right products and hair care regimens that are suitable for their hair types."

She said there is a natural hair movement in progress in the VI and everyone is trying to develop a healthier approach towards their haircare, “I believe in Ayurveda Hair Care, a natural and holistic approach to healthy hair. The health of the hair begins with the food we eat, nutrition, exercise, proper management and care as well as the use of quality products.” 

Businesses Challenges 

When questioned, our Young Professional said the most challenging aspect about the venture is working to balance work, family and business life. 

“My biggest life lesson is that delay does not mean denied. God doesn’t do things on our timetable. His word promises that He will not be late, not one single day. When setbacks occur, you have to make up your mind that you won’t give up until you cross the finish line,” she said. 

According to Ms Frett, what keeps her focused in her vision for the Afrotherapy business, “I developed a vision board for this business that I update regularly when I accomplish various milestones and also use it as a constant reminder of my next steps of where I aspire to be.”

When asked about the ultimate goal for her profession, our Young Professional said she aspires to work closely with the development of health on local policies. 

COVID-19 & Business 

Turning our attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aqueelah- being employed at the Ministry of Health- said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the workload to increase tremendously due to its leading role in the response.

She said the opening of her retail store was delayed due to the onset of the pandemic, however, it now operates under strict safety guidelines.

“The pandemic has impacted my family life because we are not able to take our usual family trips and summer camp plans. Balancing work and homeschooling was very tedious and stressful. My younger son did not adapt well to this new educational platform which placed additional strain on the family,” she said. 

She urged the local government to focus more on food security for the Territory and find new revenue streams, “this is important because the economic climate in the US is very unstable currently and we depend heavily on them for trade and commerce. “ 

Parting Advice 

To others looking to pursue a business, our Young Professional said to seek God first to find your true purpose and his will for your life. 

“Allow him to order your steps, direct your path and guide your journey towards achieving your dreams. Life has many roads but choosing the best path which pleases God is always the best option. Always remain positive, set realistic, attainable goals, and make sacrifices. Believe that your dreams will manifest in God’s perfect timing.” 

She also urged youths to be true and authentic to themselves, “Never compare yourself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy. If someone is in a place in their life where you eventually aspire to be as well or, if other people who might be even younger are already 3 steps ahead of you, don't beat yourself up for taking more time.”

She said everyone has their own unique journey and their own pace of figuring things out and being patient with yourself and keep aiming towards your goals. 

“Stop comparing your every-day-life to other people's highlights on social media. It's only a snapshot of reality, not the whole entire picture.” 

Our Young Professional said despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Afrotherapy has opened its doors for continued services such as hair care consultations and customised hair products recommendations for women, men and children for all hair types/textures. 

Afrotherapy can be found on social media (Facebook and Instagram) at Afrotherapy Hair Company at Afrotherapyhairco or contacting by telephone on (284) 346-4853 or email at Afrotherapyhair@gmail.com.