MINISTER of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright has challenged hairdressers, barbers, make-up artists, nail technicians, aestheticians, wellness practitioners, and beauty entrepreneurs to think bigger, professionalise their operations, and formalise their businesses.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo (JIBE) 2026 at the National Arena on Friday, Seiveright said Jamaica possesses the talent, creativity and natural resources to build globally competitive beauty and wellness brands, but emphasised that sustained growth will depend on entrepreneurs embracing professionalism, innovation and business formalisation.

“Tonight is about much more than beauty, it is about an industry built on creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation. It is about manufacturing. It is about exports. It is about MSMEs [micro small and medium enterprises]. It is about wealth creation and ultimately, it is about building globally competitive Jamaican businesses,” said Seiveright.

He pointed to a study by the international management consultant firm McKinsey & Company, which has projected that the global beauty market is to grow by approximately five per cent annually through 2030 to an estimated US$590 billion.

Closer to home, Seiveright pointed to JAMPRO’s estimate that Jamaica’s beauty and personal care market is expected to generate approximately US$248 million annually and noted that the country’s internationally recognised natural ingredients, manufacturing capability and entrepreneurial talent position it to capture a greater share of the expanding global market.

“The world already knows Jamaica has talent. The challenge now is transforming more of that talent into globally competitive businesses that manufacture, export, embrace e-commerce, reach the diaspora and proudly compete on international shelves and online marketplaces,” said Seiveright.

According to Seiveright, the local beauty and personal care sector perfectly reflects the strength and potential of Jamaica’s MSMEs, with many successful businesses started with little more than a styling chair, barber chair, or a single home-made product.

“The beauty industry has become famous for building global empires from kitchen tables, garages and spare bedrooms. Jamaica can absolutely produce its own global success stories,” added Seiveright.

He argued that greater business formalisation is one of the most important steps entrepreneurs can take to accelerate growth.

“Formalisation is not about more bureaucracy. It is about unlocking bigger opportunities.

“When you formalise your business, you open the door to financing, digital payments, better bookkeeping, e-commerce, exports and larger commercial opportunities. Quite simply, formalisation opens doors that often remain closed to informal businesses,” said Seiveright.

He encouraged entrepreneurs to view formalisation as an investment in growth and pointed out that formal businesses are better positioned to access loans, grants, Government support programmes, digital payment platforms, export markets and contracts with hotels, pharmacies, supermarkets and other major retailers.

Seiveright also urged entrepreneurs to embrace technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), as a tool to strengthen rather than replace their businesses.

Referring to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, he noted that while AI is expected to significantly reshape many routine administrative occupations, careers built around creativity, skilled hands, trust and personal relationships — qualities that define the beauty and wellness industry — will remain highly valued.

“AI should become your business assistant, not your replacement,” Seiveright said as he encouraged entrepreneurs to use technology to improve appointment scheduling, bookkeeping, inventory management, customer engagement and digital marketing while continuing to provide the personalised service that keeps clients returning.

He also highlighted the strong linkages between the beauty and wellness sector and Jamaica’s tourism industry, noting that millions of visitors each year create significant opportunities for locally manufactured products and services.

Seiveright further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage the strength of Brand Jamaica, arguing that growing international demand for authentic, natural and sustainably produced goods presents significant export opportunities for Jamaican beauty and wellness brands.

The state minister also commended founder Suzette Brown and the Jamaica International Beauty Expo organising team for creating a platform that continues to bring together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, educators, students, investors and consumers while fostering innovation, collaboration and business development across the sector.

“The organisers deserve tremendous credit for building an event that not only celebrates excellence within the industry but also creates real opportunities for learning, networking, partnerships and business growth.

“We want to see more Jamaican beauty businesses become larger Jamaican companies, more companies become exporters, more exporters become internationally recognised brands—Because when your business grows, Jamaica grows,” said Seiveright.