The Tribune

She has styled celebrities such as television personalities, Marisa Saks of Millionaire Matchmaker and Kaplan Mulholland of The Real Housewives of Toronto. A 2022 Cosmetology graduate of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Brianna Smith-Allen, has set herself apart from the pack. 

Brianna knew from the tender age of nine that she wanted to be a cosmetologist. She was intrigued with styling the hair of dolls as opposed to playing outside or watching cartoons. With supportive parents backing her, Brianna followed her dreams. 

Today, she is the owner and stylist of Hair in Paradise Mobile Salon. 

“My business got started when I discovered the demand for mobile hairstyling, especially when some of the local resorts did not have hair salons on property. Guests requested services and there I was. I jumped on the idea and loved it after working in a salon for over seven years. It was refreshing to be mobile…it’s a lot of fun,” said the 32-year-old, travelling hair stylist.

Having worked on the sets of renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren, J Crew and Hill House, Brianna receives opportunities to travel to the Family Islands to style hair for weddings and events. 

“I absolutely love doing wedding hairstyles… I was created to create,” said Brianna, who has perfected elegant, sometimes whimsical updos.

Although her entrepreneurial pursuits began prior to enroling in BTVI, Brianna said she sees the value in a BTVI education. In fact, she expressed gratitude to the Vincent D’Aguilar Foundation for granting her a scholarship to study at BTVI.

“I would recommend BTVI’s programme because it is a foundation for cosmetologists to build on. I believe that education should never really end, it should be a continual process in our lives. I loved the Beauty Trades curriculum at BTVI and enjoyed all of the classes. The zeal of instructor, Dr Denise Hanna, inspired me. She is super passionate,” said Brianna.

“Passion is priceless. My passion sets me apart. I choose to work as unto the Lord and aim for that to be reflected in my work… I love to make my clients smile. Once they are happy, so am I,” she added.

Hair in Paradise Mobile Salon recently celebrated seven years in business. Brianna said she is grateful for the journey that has led to this moment and is excited for the “fabulous future” on which the business is about to embark.

• “The BTVI Story” is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.