Beauty is often associated with appearance. But behind every hairstyle, makeup look and beauty treatment is a set of skills that can also create jobs and businesses. As Bhutan continues to grapple with limited employment opportunities, particularly for young people, the beauty and wellness sector is emerging as another avenue for entrepreneurship. Nearly 200 beauticians from across the country gathered in Thimphu yesterday to mark International Beauty Day for the first time and showcase their skills.
From hair styling to make-up, the competition put professional skills to the test. The event was financially supported by the Department of Media Creative Industry and Intellectual Property.
Behind the colours, creativity and transformation is an industry that is creating opportunities for people to turn their skills into livelihoods.
The organisers say the event is not only about celebrating beauty, but also about recognising the skills and creativity of professionals working in the sector. They say that the beauty sector could offer an alternative pathway for young people.
“Youth nowadays prefer desk jobs. However, a job like being a beautician can provide a good income if we are willing to work hard. For the country, it is very difficult to provide desk jobs for everyone. At the same time, jobs like ours can create many employment opportunities for the youth,” said Duptho Wangmo, Organiser, International Beauty Day.
But encouraging young people to see beautician as a profession may not be easy. Like many emerging sectors, the industry faces challenges such as the need for continuous training, professional standards and greater recognition of beauty work as a skilled occupation.
And as trends change rapidly, staying relevant means constantly upgrading skills.
“Our youth are mostly influenced by the K-pop industry when it comes to makeup. So, as service providers, we feel that opportunities in this field are growing, as more people are seeking beauty services,” said Rinzin Galley, Beautician, Thimphu.
One of the biggest challenges in the country is that beauty and wellness businesses do not yet have a strong and organised industry platform.
The organisers say bringing professionals together could be a first step towards building a more structured sector, encouraging knowledge sharing, professional development and collaboration.
Since 1995, every September 9 has been observed as World Beauty Day, celebrating both outer and inner beauty.
And yesterday in Bhutan, the celebration was also a reminder that beauty can be more than appearance. It can be a skill, a livelihood and a business.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sonam Pem
