By Stephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer—
The pedicure and manicure station at Wesrok Celebrity Salon and Supplies in St. Ann.—
Country-reggae entertainer Wesrok has ventured into the beauty industry with the opening of a unisex salon where he is dedicated to serving “celebrities and persons who want to live the life of a celebrity and want to be treated as such”.
Not forgetting that business investments have been a means of livelihood before music, Wesrok told The Gleaner that an opportunity presented itself to open the Wesrok Celebrity Salon and Supplies, and he immediately saw where it could benefit his music recording career.
“I have already invested in fashion and music. The only thing to top it off is the beauty side of show business. As an artiste, there is always a demand for beauty, from haircare to make-up or just looking good, and I felt it was necessary to invest in an area that complemented what I do. It is so named because I want to give every customer that celebrity feeling,” he offered.
Wesrok, born Percival Buddan, served with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for 20 years. During his time as a police officer, he earned two master’s degrees – one in security and strategic studies and the other in business administration. He said the JCF provided the early training needed to “make me ready for the world ahead of me”.
“And when I realized it was time to move on, I left prematurely to venture into business with my wife. We started Karen’s Blessings Fashion and expanded from sole trader to a company successfully. It was then I got a feel for the practical side of the business and continued to invest,” the entertainer continued.
After making an official début as Wesrok, the country-reggae entertainer also launched the 360 Global Entertainment record label. According to the Born As A Winner singer-songwriter, the salon completes “the equation” to the promotion of the Wesrok brand “and provides another avenue to introduce my music to an international audience”.
Wesrok’s Celebrity Salon and Supplies is located in the tourist Mecca of Ocho Rios, St. Ann, and it offers all beauty services – hair, nails, and spa treatments. The grand Christmas opening is on Thursday, December 23. The Bog Walk-raised businessman-turned-entertainer explained that St Ann was the most convenient location and that the rich cultural tapestry combined with the number of tourist arrivals had him sold on the idea of opening a salon in the parish.
“It’s a known fact that my music will do well in the international market, and it is now a way that persons from other countries will be exposed to who Wesrok is and all he has to offer. We’re already seeing the support from individuals locally and those visiting from overseas,” he said. “From time to time, I will also be there or pass through, so fans will have a chance to see me and talk to me. It’s not solely about me either. There are other parties who will have a platform.”
Noting that celebrities like the feeling of exclusivity and seclusion when they are being pampered, Wesrok said the salon provides a space for this but that he also thinks of it as a means to have “exclusive interaction while receiving high-quality service”.
“It has only been less than a month since we have opened, and the turnout is overwhelming. This is a way for me to motivate others. Life is a journey that is filled with lessons, and the lesson I’m putting forward to persons who are struggling or have travelled a difficult road is that the possibilities are endless,” Wesrok said.
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