Prime Highlights
- Jamaica urged beauty entrepreneurs to formalise businesses and target global markets.
- Entrepreneurs were encouraged to use AI to improve business operations.
Key Facts
- The message was delivered at the Jamaica International Beauty Expo 2026.
- Jamaica’s beauty sector is linked to manufacturing, exports and tourism.
Background
Jamaica’s beauty and wellness entrepreneurs should expand their ambitions, formalise their businesses and adopt technology to compete in international markets, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright said at the opening of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo (JIBE) 2026.
Addressing hairdressers, barbers, make-up artists, nail technicians, aestheticians and beauty business owners, Seiveright said the sector has the potential to create globally recognised Jamaican brands. He urged entrepreneurs to move beyond informal operations and build businesses that can attract investment, expand exports and create long-term wealth.
He said the global beauty industry continues to grow steadily, creating opportunities for countries with strong manufacturing capabilities and natural products. Jamaica, he said, is well placed to benefit because of its entrepreneurial talent, locally sourced ingredients and growing beauty and personal care market.
Seiveright encouraged business owners to formalise their operations, saying registered businesses have better access to financing, government support, digital payment systems, export markets and contracts with larger retailers. He added that business formalisation should be viewed as a step towards growth rather than an administrative burden.
The minister also asked entrepreneurs to use artificial intelligence to improve daily business operations. He said AI can support appointment scheduling, bookkeeping, inventory management, customer engagement and digital marketing, while the personal skills and creativity that define the beauty industry will continue to remain valuable.
He also highlighted the sector’s links with Jamaica’s tourism industry, saying millions of visitors create demand for locally made beauty and wellness products. Seiveright praised the organisers of the beauty expo for creating a platform that supports networking, innovation and business development across the industry.
