“I am establishing this business for my children,” a dutiful mother, Ms. Sherrie A. Brookes, of The Valley area, proudly told The Anguillian. She was speaking of Beauty Mark – the fashionable name given to the family’s combined salon and sewing service, just launched at the Lower South Hill Plaza.
Her children are two grown-up attractive daughters, already in the business, and their three younger siblings.
“It’s a dream come true,” Sherrie said. “I have been trying to do this for my daughters and son for the past three to four years. I have a 19-year-daughter, Angilica (Nicca) Brookes-Richardson, who is a seamstress as well as a cosmetologist and will be going off to continue cosmology; and a 24-year-old daughter, Algiliska (Liska) Brookes-Richardson, who also does hair dressing and is a good cook. I have another daughter, Shaqueda, and a son, Shaquan, who will be 12 and 15 this year respectively. I decided to open a business away from home for them to use and to show their talent. Trust me: it is a gift that Liska and Nicca have.”
Asked about the services of the family business, Sherrie explained: “We are offering haircuts, braiding, weaving, washing and locking. I will be doing the massaging, manicures and pedicures. Everything is natural – natural hair, natural products. We are catering a lot for children. We have a pick-up and delivery service for them. They will be served juice, tea, muffins and whatever; adults will be offered a glass of wine, tea or coffee. Children who are constant customers will be given a personal Beauty Mark bag with a comb and a brush so they will not be using the salon’s combs and brushes.”
Describing the family business further, she explained: “It is mostly for children. We are going to try our utmost best to do everything that is natural. I will be using coconut oil made by my aunt, Ramona Brookes and olive oil for my full body massages.
“We are also providing sewing services with opportunities for persons to get their clothes made or altered.”
She continued: “We also have two chairs for rent: one for a barber and the other for anybody who wants to deal with chemicals for straightening hair and highlights of hair, among other services other than natural treatments.”
“Come, sit and relax with us, while we pamper you to your natural beauty. Whichever mark is yours, we will bring it out in you,” the “Beauty Mark” family tells customers.
Sherre, who is a well-respected and long-serving member of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, stresses: “I am way in the background of the family’s business. As I say, it is my children’s business.”
Prayers and a sermonette for the business were delivered by Brother Shawn Lake, another Police Officer, who is also a preacher. He said among other things: “The Bible says that parents must make an inheritance for their children, and I am seeing that being brought forth today. I say Kudos to Sherrie.”
