Bridgette Roberts, a past student of the Myrtle Ferguson Skills Training Centre who now owns a beauty salon. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
AT 17 years old, Bridgette Roberts got pregnant shortly after graduating from high school. Miss Roberts' hopes of being a trailblazer in the business industry were dashed.
However, months after giving birth to her daughter, Miss Roberts was still focussed on being an achiever. Friends told her about the Myrtle Ferguson Skills Training Centre; she applied and was accepted.
Nine years later Miss Roberts is celebrating the first anniversary of opening her salon - Crystal's Hair and Nails located on Molynes Road in St. Andrew. She has used the skills she learnt at the centre to become self-employed.
"Being at the Myrtle Ferguson Centre showed me a lot about self-esteem. It was great and gave me hope," says Miss Roberts.
"The centre teaches us so we can help ourselves. While here I forgot about the problems at home or those with my child's father. The centre enforced in me that I should be focussed and be what I want to be," she continues.
Though she changed focus from business to cosmetology Miss Roberts says she is not sorry as her career is fulfilling. At the centre she says, Stephanie Richards suggested that she pursue a skill. "They told me that business takes a lot of schooling which I couldn't afford so it was best if I did something that could make me employable soon or that I could do on my own," she recalls. For a year she did Mathematics, English, Catering, Bakery Production and Cosmetology.
Before opening her salon, Miss Roberts worked for seven years at different salons in Kingston and The Cayman Islands. She also upgraded herself by doing several courses. At her salon she offers services such as manicure, pedicure, tips and acrylic, sculpture, wraps, gel nails and hair care.
Now, the 26-year-old still resides in Kingston with her nine-year-old daughter. She encourages young mothers to be focussed. "There's always a second chance. You just need to know what you want out of life and be focussed and you'll make it. If I did others can too."
- Shelly-Ann Thompson
