We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily John-Belingy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think risk is important not only to business but every day life . I remember some 6 years ago I took a risk left my job as a junior stylist and open my own hair salon here in Trinidad and Tobago and feeling afraid had so many mixed emotions but I remembered what my mom would always say no one is born being absolutely incredible at any thing , feel the fear and take the risk anyway . Even though it was filled with trails and error and alot of opportunities to learn because of that risk I took I’m the professional I’m today because of it .

It may sound strange but if I didn’t take the risk to open my hair salon 6 years ago I would have missed out on some of the most amazing experiences and it help mold me into the person I’m today because being a hairstylist is not just about making some look beautiful it’s about art geometry, knowledge and passion for my craft and the level of trust clients have in me to match their outer beauty with their inner beauty is priceless and one I will never take for granted .
Therefore risk is important both in life and career .

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a certified multicultural hairstylist with over 15 years experience and 6 years as a business owner out of the 15 years I spent 9 years as a junior stylist before leaving and taking the risk to open my own hair salon . I think what sets me apart is I always had the idea that I wanted to be more than just someone who styles hair . I wanted and became a stylist who spends alot of time educating my clients healthy hair and scalp care . Additionally I always believe in continued education because there’s so much to learn in my craft and I strive to provide quality service and care to my clients so I invest time and money to learn .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay so being that I’m from Trinidad and Tobago there’s alot of local cuisine such as corn soup , roti , doubles. Bake and shark and many more eats also site seeing tours open air markets , learn about the people , culture and traditions of Trinidad and Tobago from a tour guide . There also the wildlife watching cruise through the Caroni bird sanctuary mangroves, observing wildlife and sunset gatherings of scarlet ibis . Additionally there’s hiking , snorkeling in Tobago etc

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly I would like to say I thank God it’s been an incredible journey being a business owner and I’m humbled and blessed to have so many persons believe in me my mom husband, brothers , sister , inlaws and clients , friends also persons who helped and supported me in a professional capacity Some persons I never physically met but support me the same .

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