Success Lifestyle Magazine Issue 6- October 2019 | Page 17

Tashawna Martin
Creating a Little Girl's Paradise
Jamaica may be a tiny island but we have a
lot of love from people worldwide.
Although she’s a United States (US) native,
Tashawna’s love for Jamaica was inspired
by her Jamaican parents who raised her
with strong values. One of those values is
hard work which meant that Tashawna did
not shy away when she saw a gap in the
Jamaican market. This dynamic 27-year-
old boss chic was bold enough to open a
kid’s spa on April 27, 2019 in a market that
tends not to readily gravitate towards new
concepts.
She made the right move because business
is booming! I was intrigued by Tashawna’s
drive to bring such a new concept into the
Jamaican market. Brilliant idea! She sat
down with me to give me some insight
about her business and her journey as an
entrepreneur.
Why Lavish Luxury Kid’s Spa?
Traveling between Jamaica and the US
exposed me to the differences between
both markets. It also shed light on the fact
that the kid’s spa concept, which is popular
in the US, is a business that could work in
Jamaica. Every little girl loves to be
pampered. I know this first-hand because I
used to take my little sister to the salon
with me to get her hair and nails done but
she was always bored; an adult salon
doesn’t cater to the interests of little girls.
It’s great to have a space where all little
girls can feel special.
I actually also have another business called
Lavish Accessories. We sell female
clothing, shoes and accessories. It is located
at the same place as the spa.
What services does Lavish
Luxury Kid’s Spa offer?
Manicures
Pedicures
Facials
Princess makeup
Natural and relaxed hairstyling
Private spa parties (up to 20 children)
We hope to add fully-clothed upper body
massages soon.
What word would you use to
describe your business? Why?
Lavish. Everything about it is just over the
top. We provide a royal feeling from the
moment you step through our doors.
not have been inspected if it was not
registered. Other benefits are access to
loans, grants, and business bank accounts.
(Side Note: Learn more about the business
registration process by purchasing a copy
of Success Lifestyle Magazine’s Business
Playbook. Click here to learn more.)
Who is your greatest
inspiration? Why?
My father because he is an entrepreneur.
All the business-related traits I have come
from him. He has encountered a lot of
obstacles but he has never given up. I
believe that if he could overcome
everything he has gone through, I can too.
What is the greatest lesson you
have learned as an
entrepreneur?
Don’t beat yourself up. The spa should
have opened in January but things did not
happen as quickly as I thought they would
have so I did not open until April.
Everything happens for a reason. It’s often
best not to rush things because at least
you’ll know that the final product is what
you want it to be.
What benefits have you
experienced as a registered
business in Jamaica?
The main benefit I have experienced is
making customers feel more comfortable.
Customers feel safe when they know a
business has been registered and passed by
the health department. The business could
How do you juggle running a
business in Jamaica while
living in the US?
I have an amazing team. That’s the main
reason I am able to travel back and forth. I
still monitor what happens on a daily basis
using our security cameras and I
consistently communicate with my team.
What tips would you give to
other entrepreneurs?
1. Don’t give up. I opened my clothing
store in 2015 and was having several
challenges. I eventually decided to close
but I reopened