Most if not all teens across the island are brimming with excitement because summer is just around the corner. Until then, however, exams are ongoing and the home stretch is still a few weeks away, so just hang in there.

In this week’s instalment of Career Walk, we are going to be looking at an industry that has been growing rapidly in Jamaica, though on a professional level it is one that arguably receives very little attention. The industry being referred to is the cosmetology, and specifically, within that industry, interlocking services. Now honestly, is there anyone who does not have a family member, relative, friend or neighbour who does not wear locks? It is quite likely that many of us do.

The point is this, the wearing of locks have become a growing trend in Jamaica among both men and women. In anticipation of anyone pointing out the perceivable irony of having a beauty care service for “dreads”, it is important to realise that individuals wear the hairstyle for aesthetic purposes, as well as for religious purposes.

With that said, it turns out that locks, as does any other hairstyle, requires care and grooming. This is where interlocking technicians or ‘locticians’ come into play. It is a known fact that many young women (and men too), have the skill of interlocking. This skill can be capitalised upon, because as pointed out, the market is there, and not only among locals but for visitors to the island as well. In other words, there is an entrepreneurial element in this area, which is a definite plus. If you are good at interlocking and you can provide the service to someone who is willing to come exclusively to you, then you can start building a clientele from that one satisfied client. And who knows, maybe you know other gifted ‘locticians’ who could help you with that growing clientele. Before you know it, you’ve got for yourself a business.

There is also another side to interlocking or providing the actual service, and that is hair care products. Hair products are a critical part of taking care of locks and the manufacturing of these hair products is another growing industry. Organic plants and oils such as aloe vera plant, tuna plant, coconut and castor oilto name a few, are accessible household items being used to create a growing money-making industry. Several Jamaican hair products have reached foreign markets. So this is testament of the opportunity available to those of you interested in this area.

If you are sociable and you have the skill of interlocking, you could capitalise on this industry. Please remember to choose a career that is best suited for your personality and passion.

Till next time.