By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter
acadet@tribunemedia.net
THE decision to leave her 9 to 5 and transition into becoming a full-time entrepreneur was driven by nothing but passion.
“My passion sustains me, it pays my bills and puts food on my table,” said Rebecca Johnson, creator and operator of the beauty and fashion company Bahama Dimes.
To her clients she is known as “the crochet queen”, as she is skilled at the crochet braiding style that has recently become so popular on social media and word-of-mouth.
She is looking forward to Bahama Dimes becoming known as one of the best in beauty, fashion and hair care in the Bahamas – the home of the all-inclusive hairstyles and host to an annual charity event.
Rebecca, also known as Bekuh, said she was always a creative person growing up in James Cistern and Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. From stitching cloth together to make clothing items or fixing hair in her mother’s living room at the age of 12.
Rebecca said it was not until after she moved to Nassau and gave birth to her daughter Deanna-Ré that she really started taking her talent seriously.
“It was then when I knew what I wanted for my and her life, and the only way I could have done that was by focusing on my dream and shaping my passion. There were many road blocks and setbacks, some were major enough to detour me, but I kept going. Bahama Dimes turns six in June of this year,” said Rebecca.
She said this was all gifted to her by God. Her goal this year is to visit each island in the Bahamas, offering Bahama Dimes’ services people throughout the archipelago.
So far she has taken the company to mainland Eleuthera and Harbour Island. She is now preparing to visit Exuma and Abaco, calling it her ‘Easter Crochet Tour’.
“Recently, I resigned as a banker after seven years. Now I’m managing and working hands-on in my business, being flexible enough to play an active role in my daughters life; PTA meetings, special assembly, gymnastics field trips – these are all things I’ve always wanted to do as a mother. On the business end, I’m making people smile and satisfied before and after being served by Bahama Dimes. I try my best to offer the best,” she said.
Bahama Dimes, located on Gladstone Road, offers protective hairstyles and hair care for adults and children. The fashion aspect offers clothing, accessories and body shapers.
The store was originally set up at Robin Hood on Prince Charles Drive, but Rebecca said it never fully opened due to a few setbacks. She said this is currently being resolved and by God’s grace it will be her second location – so stay tuned.
When it comes to influences in her life, Rebecca said they include her daughter Deanna-Ré, Deangelo Gaitor of D-Ré Imports, her father Isaac, biological father Derick, grandfather Hilton, the late James Gaitor, Sr, and Sandy Schaefer, owner of the stores Robin Hood and Everything Must Go.
“My daughter’s my main motivation here on earth. A daddy’s girl, but my whole world. I want the best for her so I go hard everyday to meet her needs and some of her wants,” Rebecca said. “Deangelo is the epitome of a man, an old school striver who believes that hard work brings great rewards. We kinda share the same back story, making ends meet from a young age and wanting the best. Isaac my father, Derick my biological father, Hilton my grandfather, the Late James Gaitor Sr (Deangelo’s Father) and Sandy Schaefer – I’ve watched these people over the course of knowing each one and hustle is one thing they all have in common; hustle meaning they all work hard.”
One of Rebecca’s goals is to host an annual charitable event under her brand Bahama Dimes. She said it is in the making and all a part of her plan of perfecting her craft for the remainder of the year.
For more information on Rebecca Johnson and Bahama Dimes, readers can visit Bahama Dimes via its Facebook page or call 455-8235.
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