For decades, the beauty industry was widely viewed as a non-permanent gig, a temporary side hustle or a fallback career — a stereotype Gail and Shanice Young have spent over a decade breaking with their Madam Glam Expo.

Beauty entrepreneur Marie Frances Hull, owner of House of Cousins TT, a decant fragrance and cosmetics business, says the expo has created opportunities, exposure and economic empowerment.

“For my brand House of Cousins TT, I went from a cocktail table opportunity — given to me while assisting Glam Lash by Avi two years ago — to having a full display. I think the expo shows that Caribbean entrepreneurs have the talent, innovation and resilience to succeed,” Hull said.