Tamiko Smith: Balancing business and redefining success through self-care

THE world of business is constantly evolving, with self-care emerging as a cornerstone of modern living. As a self-care entrepreneur, Tamiko Smith, owner and operator of TamikoTS Beauty and Spa Jamaica, has dedicated her journey to redefining how we approach self-care, not as a luxury or treat, but as a necessity.

“This journey is more than providing beauty treatments to women; it’s about fostering a movement that prioritises physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reshaping the way businesses operate,“ Smith tells All Woman.

”I started my journey because I needed to find a sustainable way to provide for my child while being actively involved in her development. After much analysis, I came to realise that the only way to do so was through starting my own business — not just randomly buying and selling, but a business that impacts lives personally, contributes to the economy, and is sustainable.“

With November recognised as Entrepreneurship Month, and November 18 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Smith highlights the growing movement among women entrepreneurs who are redefining success by prioritising self-care, and shaping the business landscape by integrating self-care into their business and personal lives.

”As a single mother, I’ve observed and experienced first-hand what it means to be mentally and physically burnt out. However, through boundary-setting, wellness routines, and mental health support, I have proven that thriving in business and motherhood doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your well-being, as a result I made a bold decision to open my self-care centre, TamikoTS Beauty and Spa Jamaica.“

Smith says understanding her clientèle and building a personal relationship is the heart of her business.

”While the quality of beauty treatments is consistently improving, my customers are provided with the opportunity to authentically be themselves while unloading the burden of life through their intimate experiences and relaxation. With every beauty treatment comes insightful discussions and restful moments.“

She emphasises that the beauty business community is more than meets the eyes — ”while our individual clientèle needs are being met, we also support each other while building an iron-sharpened relationship to continuously usher in personal and professional growth“.

”I’ve built a community with my colleagues where we embrace our roles through practising what we preach through self-care and professional development,“ she shares. ”In this network, we have prioritised fuelling ourselves and each other by taking mental health breaks through lunch dates, insightful discussions, and establishing a barter system of beauty treatments to ensure we are able to effectively and efficiently serve our clients and ourselves.“

She believes she has been charged with the notion of shifting women’s perspective on self-care, and to shed light on the fact that self-care ties into their mental and physical health.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean getting your hair and nails done, it’s a constant thing that starts from the inside, from the way they view themselves, see the world, to the food they consume. I provide them with insight on taking a holistic approach to nurturing themselves,“ Smith says.

And as a mother and entrepreneur the journey hasn’t been easy, “however, each challenge and moments of doubt built, and is continuously building my resilience”.

“Each obstacle strengthens me and teaches me how to pivot,” she says. “Overcoming the urge to throw in the towel because of financial constraints, I’ve been provided with grant funding and sponsorship opportunities that add fuel to my fire.“

Smith says she is grateful for the opportunity to provide women with a safe space to unwind and revalue themselves while prioritising well-being practices; however, one of the most fulfilling aspects of her journey in business is being able to be the best mom in the world for her daughter.

”My professional and personal growth is continually being nourished through mentorship and entrepreneurship programmes,“ she adds. ”As a result, I look forward to the journey ahead and I am grateful for the past experiences.“