It’s quite remarkable how Alentha Arthur, an entrepreneur from the community of Anse La Raye, has redirected her journey from a challenging winter into a blooming spring. There’s much to be aspired and revered about in her perseverance, sheer will power and creativity, towards becoming an independent and wholesome individual.
In her transition, she has since developed her diverse brand “Knotless Strands” which incorporates personal care (hairstyling) and vlogging which sprung forth, from casually combing her friend’s hair, as a hobby as well as an innate desire to “always want be a Youtuber.”
“I was never really employed on a full-time basis. I started off at a summer job as a Merchandiser at AF Valmont and whilst there, I quickly recognized that working for people was never really my thing.”
In addition to an early observation of her entrepreneurial characteristics, Alentha identified a lack of support and knowledge of capacity building agencies, until she was encouraged and advised by her Godmother to strengthen her skillset.
Understandably, though she recognized the importance of educating herself and enhancing her capabilities, she was reluctant to forfeiting her ever-increasing clientele to go to school.
Eventually, she strengthened her repertoire by engaging in a hairdressing course at the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) as well as a Cosmetology course at the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) and a Braiding course in Barbados.
Furthermore, she alluded to her mother as an inspiration and yearning to be successful in aspects that she was not fortunate of an opportunity to do so.
“In spite of my challenges, my mom stuck with me. We built a closer relationship when I left school. She did hair as well but she was never educated. I want to be better than that.”
Alentha further exhibits her creative prowess as a Vlogger through her entertaining YouTube channel ”Arthur’s Knotless Strands” in which she brings together the culture of a villager, through nature exploration and local cuisine.
Whilst distinctions have been made between more office-oriented jobs in contrast to manual workers, they both hold equal importance in today’s society. With a resilient mindset, Alentha Arthur has forged a unique career path which has empowered her fulfillment.
