Introducing the Barbados Beauty Professionals Association

The following article is based on an interview conducted with the President of the BBPA – Mrs. Arlette Knight-Olton

WHAT IS THE BBPA?

“The Barbados Beauty Professionals Association is a community of beauty professionals working together to create opportunities for success for its members and associates. We encourage practising and aspiring professionals to pursue excellence in skill and in business. We are committed to creating and establishing Better Beauty Standards that elevate our quality of service and improves the beauty industry for everyone.” https://betterbeautystandards.com/

THE HISTORY OF THE BBPA

The idea for the association started when someone mentioned that there needs to be better standards for the beauty industry, and that beauty professionals needed to be qualified, certified, and eventually licensed. Arlette admits that even though she is the type that prefers working in the background and away from the spotlight, she decided to rise to this challenge and took on the role of President.

A few groups then came together to get the association off the ground. Arlette and team came together to make it happen, totally unaware of what it was going to balloon into. These founders soon realised that the work was easier said than done, as it has been proven to be a lot of work. 

To get everything in place, the BBPA has to deal with the government and other organisations.  Things are going slower than expected, as the association depends on other entities to assist them with the process. Despite these challenges, Arlette remains positive and determined, and confessed that the more involved you get, the more you can see where the BBPA can grow to formalise the industry. She wants others on the outside looking in to see that the BBPA members are highly professional, trained, certified and moving towards licensing. 

BETTERING BEAUTY STANDARDS

The President of the BBPA revealed that presently, anyone in Barbados can start a salon in their home at any given time. Thankfully, they are now trying to bring some order to this occurrence. The BBPA is not trying to ostracise anyone, but desires to show those who are not certified the steps to certification. There are government and private schools in Barbados that persons can attend, but Arlette believes that it is unrealistic to complete a hairdressing course within six weeks. 

The BBPA can also guide their members on how best to deal with their clients. In Arlette’s eyes, the client is considered as “biology in a bubble” and because some beauty professionals deal with chemicals. They should be trained to do a consultation first as practitioners may be unintentionally harming people due to a lack of knowledge. Consultations can only be effective with the right training, so joining the BBPA to acquire this knowledge is quite beneficial.

THE BBPA GOALS 

Arlette stated that some people in the industry are certified while others are not. The aim of the BBPA is to get everyone certified as much as possible so that they can operate on a specified level. This will set a standard across the board where people will see consistency no matter where they go. The BBPA’s executive seeks to see Barbados’ beauty industry governed by local and international standards also. Arlette reminisced about a trip to Russia where she was left in awe of how the beauty industry there operated. This further inspired Arlette to continue fighting for the standards here.

Despite being in the profession for such a long period of time, Arlette still travels yearly to international shows where she does classes.  She shared she is presently considering a refresher course in trichology. She keeps abreast because things change rapidly; for e.g., the products used for relaxers, texturizers etc. This knowledge needs to be passed onto others.

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A BBPA MEMBER

The BBPA believes all beauty professionals should know what we are doing in their fields. The BBPA aims to help persons learn to grow their own business. They want the beauty industry to be respected and noted that respect can only be earned. Coming under the BBPA blanket will assist with members to:

  • Gain access to promotions and freebies
  • Develop business skills and enhance their professional and technical skills
  • Network with peers and key industry leaders
  • Be more involved in the development of the local industry
  • Access discounts on education 
  • Access potential travel opportunities
  • Take advantage of subsidised training (This particular benefit stands out for Arlette as she noted that knowledge cannot be taken from you. She said that a person can watch her apply a relaxer, but how can they possibly know that she is doing the right thing? This is where education plays a key role in grounding the practitioner, so that they can deliver confidently in whatever sector of the industry they are in.)

The association also trains members on how best to take care of their clients on a holistic basis.

WHO CAN JOIN THE BBPA?

The association is not only open to hairdressers, but also welcomes the involvement of aestheticians, eyelash and eyebrow technicians, tattoo artists, barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians, colourists etc. People who do extensions, cutting, braiding, wig making, even beauty distributors can join the association. It is all considered a joint effort. Anyone considered to be a part of the beauty industry is welcome. 

BBPA’s ASSOCIATES

The President shared that one of the main goals was the launching of the BBPA online platforms. This was accomplished with behind-the-scenes meetings with their associates and supporting organisations. Some of their partner organisations are:

  • The Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC)
  • Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) – who is holding their hands throughout this process.
  • Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI)
  • Other varied government agencies – The BBPA is depending on government agencies to finalise matters in 2023.

 The BBPA wants the Barbados beauty industry to recognise that they are doing something, but they also need to wait on the expertise of others to guide them to ensure the association’s success.  

THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

Arlette announced that the association is now open for membership!

The BBPA Membership Process

Anyone interested in joining the BBPA can follow the following steps:

  • Visit the website (https://betterbeautystandards.com/) and sign into your respective tier to register.
  • Await notification by email that your application fee ($60 BDS) was received. 
  • Provide certification and other necessary information.
  • Await notification, after a decision is made by a committee.
  • Make your Membership Payment online. 

A NOTE OF THANKS

At the end of the interview, the President of the BBPA shared that they never imagined it would have taken such a vast amount of work in order to get everything done; so she readily admits that it has all been a team effort and extends thanks and recognition to the Executive and all the BBPA team members.

CONTACT:

MEET THE PRESIDENT 

Arlette is also the President of the Barbados Beauty Professionals Association (BBPA). Mrs. Arlette Knight-Olton is a owner and salon operator at 101 Style in Barbados and a highly trained trichologist. 

(Read more about Arlette in our Rethink article: https://rethinksource.com/a-career-in-beauty-care-with-mrs-arlette-knight-olton/