Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter

DJ Spice using the Gleaner On-line Services on Thursday July 27, 2006 - anthony minott

She has overtaken local airwaves with hits like Fight and Rude Bwoy Love, but popular female 'deejay,' Grace Hamilton, a.k.a. Spice, is now the proud owner of the 'Spicey Sensational Salome.'

No, its not a error in spelling, as Spice explains she could not refer to her business as a 'Salon.'

"The name was originally Salon, but when you come there, the service and treatment you get makes you feel at home, so from the request of my customers, I changed the name to Salome," laughed Spice.

Born in Braeton, St. Catherine, Grace admitted that she did not experience much poverty, as both parents were hard working business owners.

"My father had a clothes shop, and from I was seven him used to tell me, mek sure yuh work fi uself! My mother was also a successful business owner, who used to make the best fish at Fort Clarence," laughed Spice.

The controversial deejay says that it was while attending St. Catherine High, that she developed an interest in owning her own business, as she preferred and excelled in the business-oriented subjects, such as Office Procedures, and Principles Of Business.

Although the deejay travelled often between Jamaica and England (to stay with her grandfather), Spice had enough time to develop a strong and lasting friendship, that would inevitably push her into the field of cosmetology.

"It was my best friend Marie (Norma Nelson), who got me interested in the salon thing, but it was when she was closing her business, that she told me that the shop next to her was selling, and the rest is history," remembered Spice.

SPICEY BUSINESS

Spice autograph signing at Pavillion Mall. - ian allen photos

Now located at Shop #33, at the Portmore (Cactus) Plaza, the Spicey Sensational Salome (which is just a month old) is already getting support from fans and fellow entertainers, and according to it's celebrity owner, it is improving daily.

"What makes us different is our service, your red carpet style treatment, champagne service, where your feet are washed in champagne...that is a first to Jamaica! We are always getting better, because I put a suggestion box for customers to voice their opinions directly to me," boasted Spice.

SSS also rewards its regular clients, with a members card (given to customers upon 11th visit), that offers discounts and other perks. The business also retails a variety of beautification products, including creams, nails, and a wide assortment of hair.

"We have 8 - 27 inches (hair), curly, Yaki, human, any hair you can think of, we have," said Spice.

Aside from the 'hype' atmosphere of the SSS, Spice says she has done everything to ensure that her customers never get bored at the 'Salome.'

"I always felt trapped in salons and couldn't wait to get home, so we have entertainment while you wait, such as walkmans you can rent, and the usual magazines and T.V," she said.

GRAND OPENING

The SSS had a successful Grand Opening Gala on Saturday, which saw the likes of entertainers like Ninja Man, Bling Dawg (who also owns his own barber shop called 'Bling Cuts), Pinchers, and Cobra, among others.

Although she says it is difficult to be an entertainer, and a business owner, Spice says the key is to have a trustworthy and responsible manager to handle the day-to-day runnings of the business.

"I am there wherever I'm not away, but when I'm gone, Marie (best friend) who is the manager, runs the business...I am still there alot though, and you can even get me to do your hair if I am available," promised the deejay.

When asked who she believes is the biggest influence in the success of her business, Spice laughed as if the answer was written on a billboard.

"My fans, of course. They believed in me and now because of them I am an entrepreneur...they have supported the business, and helped it to become the place to be, it is the bomb, has everything to offer, and I owe it all to my fans, so big up," said a grateful Spice.