A summary of who you are and what you do – 150 to 200 words.

I never have a complete answer to the question of who I am, except to say that I am a work in progress. I believe in continuous growth and learning, discovering new passions along life’s way and diversifying one’s experiences. As a result, I currently wear multiple hats: Forensic Scientist – Senior Analyst at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory; Entrepreneur – CEO of Curl Fete Natural Hair and Beauty Expo; Media Personality – Radio Announcer, Brand Rep and MC; foodie and soon to be wife and mother.

Forensic Science is essentially the application of scientific techniques and principles to crime solving, making my primary career a combination of laboratory management, examining evidence and presenting testimony in court. I also have the privilege of training other members of the judiciary and offering advice to investigators. Being involved in crime solving has given me a greater awareness of discrepancies in justice, both in the criminal and social arenas, and a greater drive to rectify them. I believe I have learnt to apply that mentality of equality and fairness to advocating for women and girls through entrepreneurship with Curl Fete and my radio show, For the Record. My name is Tamika Henry, I’m 31 with wild curly hair and I hate being labelled any one thing.

Questions

How did you arrive at the idea for your business?
Curl Fete was born out of a need to celebrate women with natural curly/kinky hair. Traditionally, our skin, hair and features are not considered ideal, commercial or mainstream, leading to lower levels of confidence among women and girls who do not fit the Eurocentric beauty mould. A series of personal challenges and awakenings led to me cutting off my relaxed hair, and starting my own natural hair and self-awareness journey. The lack of support, access to natural hair care services and products in Guyana further highlighted the need for something like Curl Fete, coupled with the global natural hair movement that had already started taking place. I teamed up with like-minded individuals and organised the first expo in 2016.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
I saw a need to help women improve their self-esteem and move beyond the limitations that are imposed on us by others. Today I am continuously encouraged by the positive feedback of persons who have gained knowledge and confidence from Curl Fete, so much so that they are more at peace just being themselves.

What is your greatest challenge being an entrepreneur?
Accessing funding to expand Curl Fete is my greatest challenge. Many times our ideas are bigger than our wallets and with entrepreneurship comes a great deal of personal financial risk. But I am grateful that over the years we have been able to garner support, both in terms of sponsorship and advice on how to build the brand and improve the event.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I feel a sense of overwhelming joy each time a random stranger stops me in the street to tell me that they are looking forward to the next Curl Fete. That, and when I review videos of the event and witness the magnitude of men, women and children who attend, and have a great time while there.

What piece of advice would you give to other young people who want to become entrepreneurs?
The idea should be as uplifting as it is lucrative. There may be times when your work and sacrifices are not adequately compensated in the financial sense – but when you include the personal gratification of self-development and helping others to develop, it is worth it.

How do you define success?
I will know that I am successful when the legacy that I have created is something to be proud of even in death and one that inspires future generations to want to surpass it.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
There have been several academics, philanthropists and family members who have inspired me throughout my life. But as it relates to entrepreneurship, I find Rihanna very inspiring. As much as celebrity images are tailored to portray a certain brand, I admire the versatility, fearlessness and unapologetic confidence of her brand. As a woman from the Caribbean region, she is proof that humble beginnings do not dictate a person’s potential.