The Tribune

BEAUTY was certainly in the eye of the beholder when Vontianise Deal was presented with a cheque to help her cosmetology studies at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

Accepting the cheque for $750 from Lowe’s Wholesale Drug Agencies Ltd, who have been a partner of the BTVI for years Ms Deal, from Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, said she felt blessed.

“I am very excited and grateful to have this opportunity. It’s amazing help. I felt as though I was held back because of finances. Being a Family Island student, it’s kind of rough getting all of the things I need.”

“I am passionate about what I do. I was initially a business major at another institution, but wasn’t passionate about it so I applied to BTVI because I always wanted to do hair and nails. I love it. I’m enjoying myself and learning a lot,” said the 2011 graduate of Central Eleuthera High.

As well as needing financial help, one of BTVI’s requirements for choosing the recipient was that the student made a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 for the fall semester. Ms Deal, a first-year student, landed a 3.59 – far surpassing the minimum requirement.

Ms Deal, 20, praised Lowe’s efforts, encouraging other businesses to become corporate sponsors. “Some people have a lot of potential, but can’t show their full capabilities because they’re stuck. They don’t have the resources and that’s the position I found myself in. I tried really hard to get my cosmetology supplies for school, but sometimes I was late.”

Lowe’s Brands Manager, Gloria Brown, who is also a member of BTVI’s Beauty Trades’ Programme Advisory Committee, said how important it is for her company to play a role in helping young people like Ms Deal. “We want to assist our young, upcoming entrepreneurs as much as possible, particularly those who need financial help. We want to be a part of them realising their dreams,” she said.

The Head of BTVI’s Beauty Trades department, Dr Donnalee Minnis, said: “We can see their willingness to invest and when you invest in young people, particularly a female, you are not only helping her to help herself, but eventually her family. Hence the student becomes employable and it eases the burden on the wider community. It’s a rippling effect.”

“Lowe’s has partnered with BTVI for a few years and they’re now giving another student the opportunity to harness their talent. They should be commended because it also shows the student that people still care,” she said.