beauty businesses

By Vishanna Phagoo

vishanna.phagoo@trinidadexpress.com

PROVIDING a platform for the beauty services industry to showcase their products and services, the Madam Glam Expo returns to MovieTowne, Port of Spain, on May 31.

In an interview with Express Business, Shanice Young, co-founder of the expo, highlighted that it grew from 30 exhibitors to over 50.

'Previously known as The Caribbean Nail & Beauty Show, the event has evolved to encompass a wider range of beauty brands, schools, and retailers, both local and international. Over the years, the expo has grown significantly, expanding from just 30 exhibitors to over 50,' said Young.

She added, 'Today, it serves as a dynamic platform where exhibitors can connect with loyal clients, generate strong sales, build new relationships, and network with fellow businesses and organisations within the industry.'

Young noted that the expo has already demonstrated measurable economic impact for women-led businesses across T&T and the Caribbean, despite her team still being in the process of formalising long-term data tracking.

'The event has expanded from 30 to over 50 exhibitors, most of them womenled, reflecting rising demand and business development within the sector. Exhibitors consistently report strong same-day revenue, along with bulk sales, bookings, and long-term client acquisition,' she said.

Young said beyond direct sales, the expo has facilitated wholesale and retail partnerships, increased brand visibility, and regional market expansion through networking.

'Many participating businesses also experience repeat customers, higher postevent online engagement, and ongoing collaborations, as we continue working toward more structured data collection to quantify total revenue, job creation, and sustained business growth,' she said.

She highlighted that the expo built a strong foundation of exhibitors who return year after year, reinforcing the value and impact of the expo.

'In addition, we require a brief overview from each business applying to participate, allowing us to carefully curate our exhibitor lineup. To maintain quality and maximise success, we typically select only a limited number of businesses per category, ensuring each brand has a stronger opportunity to stand out and perform well. In key focus areas such as the nail and hair industry, we accommodate a larger number of exhibitors, as these remain central to the core identity of the expo,' said Young.

Asked what specific opportunities the expo creates for small or start-up beauty businesses, Young explained that businesses that require greater exposure are strategically placed in high-traffic areas of the floor plan, often positioned alongside well-established and frequently visited brands to increase visibility and foot traffic. 'In addition, we actively collaborate with exhibitors on pre-event marketing, featuring them across our platforms to maximise reach, drive engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for customer interaction ahead of the expo,' she added.

Reflecting on the businesses that have significantly expanded or formalised after participating in the expo, Young said she has been fortunate to witness several exhibitors grow alongside the expo, with several going on to expand and formalise their operations over time.

'Notable examples include Sagalady Beauty, Ksthetix, Jolie Gel Polish, and Glam Lash by Avi. These businesses have strengthened their brand presence, scaled their offerings, and leveraged the expo as a platform for increased visibility, customer growth, and industry positioning. While these are a few standout examples, many other exhibitors have experienced similar progress, reflecting the wider impact of the expo on emerging and growing beauty businesses,' shared Young.

Asked about the significance of hosting the expo at MovieTowne, she noted that MovieTowne plays a significant role in driving foot traffic, sales potential, and brand visibility for our exhibitors.

'The location is centrally accessible and widely recognised, making it easy for patrons from across the island to attend. With ample free parking and a high volume of daily visitors, the venue naturally attracts a steady flow of potential customers. Additionally, the built-in foot traffic from moviegoers and surrounding businesses creates organic exposure, as individuals visiting for other purposes are often drawn into the expo by the visible crowd and activity. This environment increases spontaneous visits, boosts engagement, and enhances overall sales opportunities for participating brands,' she explained.

Looking forward, Young said there are definite plans to expand Madam Glam; however, 'we are intentional about growing in a way that is both sustainable and impactful'.

'We believe in building steadily, ensuring that each step adds real value to our community. Currently, elements of this vision are already in motion. We include mentorship opportunities and on-the-day training with students of The University of the West Indies in areas like event management and business development,' she said.

She added,'These initiatives are designed to give participants practical insight and hands-on experience. As we continue to grow, we are opening up more opportunities for local entrepreneurs who are eager to learn, collaborate, and evolve with the platform, with future plans to expand into more structured training, mentorship, and potentially digital offerings." Young also highlighted that the expo places strong emphasis on youth development and regional inclusion.

'The expo welcomes participation from institutions such as YTEPP, SERVOL, and a range of beauty schools, creating valuable opportunities for skills development and exposure. Our two-day format intentionally includes a Monday, allowing us to accommodate student attendance, particularly from all-female secondary schools, so young women can see firsthand that a career in the beauty industry is both viable and empowering,' she said.

She added that the expo continues to grow beyond local borders, with patrons and exhibitors travelling from regions such as Florida, Jamaica, Grenada, and Tobago, further reinforcing its position as a regional platform for connection, business, and opportunity.

Co-founder of the Madam Glam Expo Gail Young.

Co-founder of the Madam Glam Expo Shanice Young.