In a world where beauty standards often dictate how women should look and feel, Kamla Persaud is on a mission to help women embrace their true selves—without guilt.
Khemwatie Persaud, also known as ‘Kamla.’
Born Khemwatie Persaud and affectionately known as ‘Kamla,’ she has spent nearly 15 years in the beauty industry. She has transformed her passion into a powerful tool for empowerment.
A BITTERSWEET CHILDHOOD
“I lost my father when I was not even a year old,” she shares. Raised by her grandparents until the age of 11, Kamla learnt the value of hard work from a young age.
I used to tie bora to get money to attend school and buy any goodies I would have liked to have. On Saturdays, I would sell at the Mahaica market for my grandmother. She would cut callaloo, and I’d sell it out, go home, collect more, and take it to sell again.
These early experiences taught Kamla the importance of independence and perseverance, qualities that would later define her entrepreneurial spirit.
THE BIRTH OF A DREAM
Her passion for beauty, particularly nails, hairstyles, and makeup, began to flourish at a young age. After completing her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and earning seven subjects, Kamla married at 17 and became a mother at 18.
It was during her second pregnancy at 19 that Kamla decided to turn her love for beauty into a career.
I wanted to have a career, but since I couldn’t go out and work with anyone because of my kids, I decided to start small in my own home.
She enrolled in a nail course and quickly realised that this was only the beginning of her journey.
Over the years, Kamla continued to refine her craft, completing multiple courses in the beauty industry to elevate her skills.
My love for beauty is, without a doubt, what keeps me going. I love making people feel special and beautiful.
Furthermore, this businesswoman shared with ThingsGuyana that her craft led her to move her business out of her home and into a rented space along the roadside, allowing her to expand her offerings and reach a wider clientele.
It has been fruitful because I never stop developing my craft.
This businesswoman even travelled to New York to complete a hairstyling class with a top stylist, further solidifying her commitment to excellence.
BEAUTY WITHOUT GUILT: A SALON WITH A PURPOSE
Today, Kamla’s salon, Beauty Without Guilt, offers a wide range of services, including nails, haircuts, colouring, styling, pedicures, manicures, facials, and makeup for all occasions.
But beyond the services, this East Coast of Demerara resident noted that her salon is a space where clients are encouraged to embrace their true selves.
She recalls a particularly memorable encounter with a woman in her 70s who wanted to dye her hair black.
She had very nice silver-grey hair, and I told her that young people pay a lot for that colour. I encouraged her to do a cut and leave her lovely silver-grey hair to be. I told her she is not defined by her grey hair as old, but more as someone embracing their growth and maturity. Until today, she maintains her cut and keeps her hair silvery and shining. That made me proud because I gave her space to be herself.
To this end, this beauty professional posited that her approach to her work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful without guilt.
The current trend in the industry is that of new products being put out to help the industry operate more smoothly and efficiently, and also more safe products too.
However, this entrepreneur added that her focus remains on the personal connections she builds with her clients, helping them find beauty in their uniqueness.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND BUILDING A FUTURE
The path to success has not been without its challenges. And Kamla admits that hiring the right people to work in her salon has been a difficult task.
I believe that everyone needs to grow in the field, but a lot of people go into this business with the mindset of making a quick buck and forgetting that customer satisfaction is what is most important.
However, Kamla has learned to trust the process.
Those who are meant to stay will learn and grow, and those whose intentions weren’t pure will eventually fall off the wagon. I believe that the Lord places everyone in our lives for a reason and purpose.
Looking to the future, Kamla is determined to pass on her skills and knowledge to the next generation.
My future goal is to teach my skills and empower young ladies to develop independence for themselves.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BEAUTY WITHOUT GUILT SALON & SPA
- Telephone number: +592 675-0422/ +592 676-1111
- Facebook: Beauty Without Guilt
- Location: Block 12 Parcel A Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara
