The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE runner-up in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) Inknowvation pitch challenge is planning to use their $3,000 cash prize to expand into the US market.

Randia Coakley, owner/ operator of Pedi In A Bag, told Tribune Business this Christmas will be “huge” for her business as it will mark the first full festive season since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pedi In A Bag is an at-home pedicure experience. Its starter kit contains a six-piece nail tool set and two pairs of infused booties for foot care. This formula is designed to accelerate the removal of hard, dead skin without painful scrubbing.

Building on her new-found confidence from finishing second in the BTC challenge, Ms Coakley said: “What is great is we have one retailer confirmed at the moment. Because of that we sold out of the starter kit and we had to restock.

“Right now we’re trying to gather new retailers to go to, be it either additional beauty stores or nail salons and then, of course, in food stores. It’s something you can take in carry-out form. I think it’s going to be great for Christmas because the truth, when it comes to the Christmas season, is booking beauty appointments is very hard.”

Beauty salons are now being booked for Christmas week right through to New Year’s, placing Pedi in A Bag in prime position to take advantage of the season. Ms Coakley hopes to build on a strong Christmas season, and use it as a platform to launch into the US market next year.

“Winning second place feels amazing. Our goal for the next quarter is to expand to do US distribution. Seeing that I’m based in The Bahamas, it makes sense to do it through a third-party logistics management company that does packing and shipping. That is what the funds are going for,” Ms Coakley said.

Competing against US rivals that offer the same services remains an obstacle, but Ms Coakley believes she has a strategy to remain competitive. “The biggest competitor, the original competitor, is another company and the difference between us and them is price point and value. So our biggest competitor, their price point is $25 for one pair, but with our central kit, you get two pairs for $25,” she added.