Shelley Nelson's work contract expired during the height of the pandemic in 2020, leaving her jobless and with little chance of finding a new job in the corporate world.

Due to the covid19 restrictions in place at the time, she could not even earn money from her side hustle – hair braiding.

Today, the 28-year-old woman owns and runs Royal Belle Hair Studio at Sanchez Street in Arima.

Nelson holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from UWI in management studies, specialising in HR and marketing. She has work experience, having worked in varying HR capacities in different companies. But, she said, job hunting in the corporate world during the pandemic proved unsuccessful.

"I had bills to pay, I had other obligations and was struggling financially. In times of struggle, I just fell back on braiding. I started with two clients, and I was content. Back then, I was braiding from my gallery. I wanted clients to feel comfortable, so I started using a little room at my dad's home," Nelson told WMN.

"I was ready to return to the corporate world. In 2021, I had my work clothes waiting just in case this did not work out."

But as restrictions started to ease and she was still unable to find a job, she began volunteering to style the hair of beauty queens, masqueraders and for photo shoots, etc. She is also dabbled a bit in makeup and tried to pay her dues as an up-and-coming creative.

Nelson said, "I planned photo shoots for fashion shows and events. It was not paid work, but it was geared at getting my name out there. I worked hard and sacrificed a lot. The hard work paid off. Now, I have a lot of clients who appreciate my work, and I am glad for that."

"I realised that the corporate environment was not working for me. I know many people enjoy it, but it did not do anything for me."

[caption id="attachment_995856" align="alignnone" width="768"] Braiding hair comes naturally to Shelley Nelson. -[/caption]

Her braided hairstyles, which include faux locks, knotless box braids, cornrow braids, and butterfly locs, are fashionable, practical and chic.

In building her business, Nelson also believes she was making a stronger, more resilient version of herself.

She continued to market herself and depended heavily on social media and referrals. She placed a few ads on Instagram, but she firmly believes in growing her clientele naturally.

Nelson said she has gifted hands when it comes to hair braiding, and recalled when she was about nine years old when she braided her older sister's hair in a micro braid style. She never thought it would one day lead her to a career.

"For me, braiding has always come naturally. I have always braided as a side hustle. I had clients on evenings and weekends," Nelson said.

She chuckled as she recalled her first "paying client."

[caption id="attachment_995855" align="alignnone" width="768"] Shelley Nelson started doing hair on a mossy bench at UWI, St Augustine. -[/caption]

She was employed at a department at the university, and after work, a female co-worker want