Million-dollar talent | 4-H Boy of the Year eyes own skin-care, beauty-products line

It was the creativity and entrepreneurial tendencies of 17-year-old Tavoy Barrett that earned him the title 4H Boy of the Year 2017, an award sought after by clubbers islandwide.

The competition, that is made possible by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries sees students from various 4H Clubs making presentations on the environment while others projected business ideas.

"For my project, I made skin and hair care products which includes lotion, shampoo, conditioner and a face soap from castor oil. I know castor oil products are much sought-after, so that was what I tried to do. I successfully pulled off a line of products designed to increase hair growth and improve skin health," Barrett said.

Barrett told Rural Xpress that most of what he knows was self-taught through trial and error with the help of videos on YouTube.

According to him: "In addition, I must say thanks to Mrs Marcia Thompson who is my mentor and has been for the past eight years. She also gave me some information and helped me with the hands-on aspect of making the products."

Barrett said the business is to be called Nature's Beauty Touch, with the specific line of castor-oil products called Glamma Girl, which is also to include his upcoming creations - mascara, lip balms and lipsticks.

Through the award of $1 million dollars from the ministry, the 2017 4H Boy of the Year said he intends to get his products fully standardised, begin his enterprise and further his studies after sixth form.

A member of the 4H club at the Morant Bay High School and a student at the institution, Barrett expressed the importance of clubs in schools.

"I have to use the opportunity to encourage everyone ages five to 35 to become a 4H member today."