25 Years of Shades of Elegance: A Legacy of Excellence in Beauty and Skincare

With a reputation built on expertise, dedication, and a commitment to pushing boundaries through advanced techniques, new services, and setting higher standards of quality, it continues to shape the future of self-care, making every visit an experience of lasting transformation.

From humble beginnings on a veranda to a celebrated name in luxury with its own business complex at 36A South Street, Old Harbour, Shades of Elegance has become a cornerstone of the local business community in Old Harbour.

At the heart of Shades of Elegance’s 25-year success story lies its founder and CEO, Treacha Reid, whose dream began as a modest vision to bring timeless style to her community. Reid reflects on her journey, which started with credited products, tools, and equipment totaling $32,500.

“We have come a far way. Initially we started just by doing relaxers and shampoos, now we offer total self-care services, massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs…you name it. The motto for Shades of Elegance is ‘We offer inside out beauty transformation for clients seeking self-care’ and that’s exactly what we do,” she shared. 

In addition to the exceptional pampering, clients can now indulge in both personal and vehicle care simultaneously, making it the first of its kind in Jamaica to seamlessly combine a salon and an auto spa under the same roof. To enhance the experience, they also offer their own exclusive line of candles, designed to bring a touch of luxury and relaxation to every space.

With a team of nine staff members, including Reid, Shades of Elegance has built a reputation for exceptional service. Boasting over 10,000 clients in their database — many of whom are loyal repeat customers traveling from as far as St. Ann, along with international clients from Florida and England — the business continues to grow. 

The availability of online booking at www.theshadesofeleganceja.com  has taken convenience to a new level, allowing clients to effortlessly schedule appointments for themselves or their loved ones, especially for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and Christmas, marking a significant upgrade in the salon’s services and accessibility.

As the founder and CEO of Shades of Elegance, Treacha Reid has faced numerous challenges throughout her journey. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared:

"I am not the typical CEO, I am not the typical woman. In business, you have to stay relevant, be determined, and dedicated. Without these, it’s easy to give up.”

"One of the biggest challenges this business faces is human resource,” she added. “We can’t operate without staff, we depend heavily on people, and sometimes people aren’t fully dependable. Another challenge would be financial issues, the working capital on a daily basis."

Despite these challenges, Shades of Elegance has not only survived but thrived. Over the years, the business has achieved remarkable success, setting industry standards and continuing to expand its offerings. 

The business’ achievements include it’s founder being recognized as the Scotiabank Business Woman of the Year in 2012, winning the Scotiabank Nationwide Entrepreneurial Challenge, and receiving grants from the HEART Trust/NTA in 2020 through their Entrepreneurial Skills Unit. Additionally, it was the proud winner of the Small Business Pitch Competition at the MSME Business Roadshow, hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce (MIIC) in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) recently. 

For Reid, her business is not just about operating a salon; it’s about creating an experience that makes Shades of Elegance a happy place where clients feel at home.

“We are different from the rest because of our personal touch and how we individualize our services, it’s not one size fits all. We cater to children and males as well. I am even a certified barber. We are for the entire family and we maintain a great relationship with our clients. There are clients who come in to get a shampoo and sit and talk just to unwind. Our clients get results and they enjoy the ambiance, it’s all there on our Google review,” said Reid.

Nadia Nunes-Hyde and Shyian Daley-Boothe are long-term clients of Shades of Elegance, each having been a part of the business for 15 years. “I love their professionalism and the sense of family! It’s not just about the business aspect; it’s the interaction that makes you feel like family. The team members know your name and genuinely care about your well-being,” said Nunes-Hyde, her voice reflecting genuine appreciation. “My natural hair is very important to me and I invest a lot in it. I can always depend on Treacha to keep me informed about what’s best for my hair. The customer service, the pricing, everything is great, so I travel all the way from St. Ann to get my hair done at Shades of Elegance.”

Daley-Boothe added, "I keep returning because Shades of Elegance offers the complete package. I can’t complain about the services I receive because the employees are always courteous and prompt, making my customer experience excellent. They are very reliable, if something come up sudden and I need a quick hair do, I can call the CEO and she will always make the effort to accommodate my needs. The best part is they are the only salon I know of that opens on Sundays, so they definitely have an edge over the rest.”

The dedication to excellence and the strong client relationships highlighted by Nunes-Hyde and Daley-Boothe are at the core of what has made Shades of Elegance a trusted name in the industry. 

Shades of Elegance Expo

As a testament to this ongoing commitment to both clients and community, the salon is hosting an exciting health and wellness expo on April 13 as part of its 25^th anniversary celebration. This event, starting 10:00 am on the day, will not only showcase their services but also give back to the community in meaningful ways.

The event will feature several key partners and sponsors, including HEART Trust certifying individuals who have not yet received formal qualifications in the industry. Additional partners include the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NAHC), the National Land Agency (NLA), Credit Union, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH). This expo is an opportunity for individuals to access valuable resources, certifications, and services that can support their growth and development.

When asked what Shades of Elegance will be like in the next ten years, Reid said it “will be the premier salon of choice in the Caribbean”.

“I have dreamed of that, and I am working towards it assiduously,” she stated.

As Shades of Elegance celebrates a quarter century of success, the journey is far from over. With a visionary leader like Treacha Reid at the helm, the salon is poised to continue leading the way in the beauty and wellness industry. The next chapter promises to be just as remarkable as its past.