Albert Town Entrepreneurs Benefit from Body Care Products Workshop

Over forty aspiring entrepreneurs and wellness enthusiasts from fourteen communities in the Albert Town Development Area in Trelawny, are now equipped with newfound skills to launch or expand their businesses.

This was made possible through a Body Care Products Workshop hosted recently by the Social Development Commission (SDC), under its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

The workshop was held at the HEART/NSTA Trust, Albert Town Campus. It provided hands-on training with expert insights on key areas such as ingredient selection, formulation, safety protocols and packaging for creating sustainable, market ready body care products.

Participants also received training in the writing of business proposals to assist them in accessing grant funding.

The workshop, which was facilitated by Owner, Super Shae Enterprise, Dorceen Jennings, also saw participants delving into the science behind natural ingredients, exploring the healing properties of aloe vera and coconut oil, as well as learning the art of tailoring products for various skin types.

“As a beneficiary of the LEDSP, I felt compelled to give back by sharing the skills I gained. I was a SDC Local Economic Initiative (LEI) for seven years and I benefited from numerous capacity building training sessions that helped me to develop my product, brand and business,” Ms. Jennings said.

“I feel the need to share my skillset and provide handholding guidance to other grassroots businesses across the island,” she added.

Participant, Vilma Stewart, a mother of two seeking to gain an additional income stream, said the workshop was a revelation.

“I never thought I could make my own soaps or start a business. Now look, I just made a bar of shea butter/peppermint soap,” Ms. Stewart said, noting that she now has recipes, contacts and confidence.

“By next month, I’ll be selling at the local market,” she exclaimed.

At the end of the workshop, participants received ingredients, worksheets and step-by-step guides to ensure that they are able to immediately apply the knowledge gained.

Meanwhile, SDC Parish Manager for Trelawny, Paula Barrett-Reid emphasised the impact of the workshop on the community.

“Albert Town has immense potential. By equipping residents with practical skills, we are planting seeds for micro-enterprises that can uplift entire families,” Mrs. Barrett-Reid said.

“The workshop empowered individuals to create their own body care products that align with their values, whether for personal use or to launch a business,” she added.

Over the years, the SDC through the LEDSP has been providing aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical and marketable skills to boost local economic resilience within their communities.

Executive Director, Omar Frith told JIS News that the LEDSP designs customised workshops to address economic challenges within communities.

“When communities harness their natural resources and talents, they unlock opportunities for growth,” said Mr. Frith.

“This initiative is not just about making products it is about building resilience, creating jobs, and nurturing a culture of innovation to boost local economies. In other words, we teach the man how to fish,” he continued.

Commenting on the success of the workshop, Mr. Frith informed that the team is already planning follow-up training and mentorship sessions to ensure the entrepreneurs succeed long-term.