Haitian women in business - a photo essay

Ketlie Seide at her beauty salon in Port au Prince, Haiti. ‘Pedicures and manicures are very popular. Sometimes after the pedicure my customers will purchase sandals from me. Hair straightening used to be my most popular service, however unfortunately for my business the fashion has changed, now women like to leave their hair natural.’ Photo: Jennifer Barker

Jennifer Barker

KETLIE Seide runs her beauty salon from a small, narrow concrete structure only a few me-tres in size. She provides very popular hair and beauty treatments to the Haitian women on the steep slopes of Turgeau in Port au Prince.

Ketlie always wanted to be a beautician and open her own business.  She had worked in-termittently as an employee, gaining experience and slowly purchasing small essentials that would allow her to work for herself.  Unfortunately all these were lost in the earthquake and Keltie was back to square one.  Finally in 2012, with help from her father and brother, she set up her business with very limited supplies and equipment.