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This Week We Feature Young Professional Tanniqua M. Baptiste

23-year-old Tanniqua M. Baptiste of Fat Hogs Bay, East End is charting her own course in life and in the cosmetology field with the establishment of her own manicure salon called 'TBeauty'. Photo: Provided
TBeauty was born when Ms Tanniqua M. Baptiste decided to use her pay-check to invest start a business where she can earn from her skills. Photo: Provided
TBeauty was born when Ms Tanniqua M. Baptiste decided to use her pay-check to invest start a business where she can earn from her skills. Photo: Provided
Some of the services of the business include acrylic overlays, nail extensions, gel polish services and manicures. Photo: Provided
Some of the services of the business include acrylic overlays, nail extensions, gel polish services and manicures. Photo: Provided
By Ron O. D'Avilar

23-year-old Tanniqua M. Baptiste of Fat Hogs Bay, Tortola, is charting her own course in life and in the cosmetology field with the establishment of her own manicure salon called 'TBeauty'.

A former student of the Francis Lettsome Primary and Elmore Stoutt High School, Ms Baptise eventually moved on to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to pursue Culinary Arts before realising she had the drive for something else. 

Setting up shop

"I currently work out of my home, trying to find or create a place that is suitable for me and my clients. I do acrylic overlays, extensions, gel polish services and manicures," she told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). 

For many, a manicure is that go-to cosmetic beauty treatment to pamper the fingernails and hands while restoring its softness.

Manicures consist of filing and shaping the nails, pushing and clipping any nonliving tissue, and treatment of other issues with various liquids. 

While our Young Professional performs all of those procedures, she said the passion to do the job was not always there. 

"Well, when I originally started looking into doing nails I had no intention of creating a business out of it."

According to Ms Baptise, learning was just a matter of gaining personal knowledge about the trade, "Then I got certified in it and around the same time I quit my job, then... TBeauty was born," she said. 

Challenges 

Our Young Professional disclosed that while the occasional “picky" and "demanding" client remains a challenge, in the end, priority is given to make sure that clients always leave happy and satisfied with the services received. 

She said more challenges include obtaining supplies, "I have to order 90% of my products/supplies which is a bit annoying since there are so many beauty stores here," she said. 

Ms Baptise also told VINO that the most gratifying parts of her trade; however, comes from seeing the clients reaction when she completes a job.

"The way their faces light up, it's honestly the absolute best," she said help her forget about the challenges.  

Finding your passion 

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Ms Baptise indicated that she had an office job as the secretary for a local plumbing company.

"I wanted to be a chef," she told VINO, noting that in retirement she still plans to pursue that goal. 

Ms Baptiste said her current business was financed through personal funds, "I used my last paycheck from my previous job and just went from there."

She said a reminder to self about the purpose of her venturing into entrepreneurship keeps her focused on the job.

For now, finding a permanent place so that she and her business can flourish remains the goal ahead of much long term plans. 

Parting Advice 

Leaving parting advice for others looking to pursue a business goal or idea, she said, "Be 100% you, you’re going to get distracted but refocus. Don’t let anyone discourage you from working in an area that’s saturated."

She cautioned too that young business owners should understand that not everyone is going to support them and that lack of support is a lesson in itself.

"Once you got a few good people on your side and you don’t give up on yourself, then you’re a winner regardless," she said.

14 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Tanniqua M. Baptiste”

  • Gaelle (28/02/2020, 20:32) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congrats sweetie. Love alone
  • Sky (28/02/2020, 21:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big tings a go on... follow your dreams
  • Talkalot (28/02/2020, 23:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Love you tan tan you're amazing keep up the good work !!
  • Yass (29/02/2020, 07:01) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big shout out to all those young entrepreneurs, may God continue all those hands in a very special way, continue to make y'all mama noses swell ,and also yall continue to stay focused in whatever y'all mindsets maybe, I'll be praying for all of y'all cause I know it's not an easy road,,but keep focus,,love all of y'all,,nuff blessing
  • Big Sis Kema (29/02/2020, 08:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Proud Big Sister!!! I love uuuu❤️❤️❤️❤️
  • :) (29/02/2020, 08:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    You’re awesome girl. Keep up the good work!!
  • Aunty Janice (29/02/2020, 08:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tan tan this is so great. I am so proud of you. Remember what I always tell you keep your chin up and shoot for beyond the stars. God is in this keep Him in the mist of this all. Your family is with you. Love alone boo.
  • ccc (29/02/2020, 10:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another great pick yall
  • ccc (29/02/2020, 10:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another great pick yall
  • bless (29/02/2020, 15:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats... GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
  • church sis (29/02/2020, 15:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Tantan, so proud of you!
  • Kiki (02/03/2020, 17:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    that's right keep it going mama, you got the juice.... keep perfecting your craft and ooohh that smile is to die for xoxox
  • Congratulations (03/03/2020, 06:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see this “T Beauty” business from time to time on Facebook and didn’t know it was Tan tan. Congratulations and all the best darling.
  • God Bless you Tanniqua! (11/03/2020, 13:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love reading this about you, to be honest I never knew you were on such venture. You’re so strong and unbelievably Beautiful!

    Keep doing you’re best! God cares.


    Much Love ,

    Your Cuzzo


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