Growth & Jobs | Finding purpose in entrepreneurship: How Tonya Hamilton built a business around her passion | News

LIKE MANY university graduates, Tonya Hamilton dreamed of climbing the corporate ladder in Jamaica, building a successful, long-term career. After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Hamilton secured a position at ATL Automotive Group, one of Jamaica’s leading dealerships. There, she spent two and a half years as a sales executive, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients.

Despite her success, Hamilton felt a lingering sense that something was missing. “I loved the company and many aspects of my job, but the day-to-day activities became repetitive. I knew I had the potential for more,” she recalled. Driven by an idea she couldn’t ignore, she decided to pursue her true passion. “I had a business idea that would keep me up at night,” she said. “But I knew I needed to return to school before I could make it a reality.”

Determined, Hamilton enrolled in courses at the La-Marie Spa and Institute in Kingston, specialising in body waxing, and completed an online course with the New Skills Academy in the United Kingdom. Six months later, she was certified as an aesthetician with expertise in wax therapy.

She began offering body-waxing services in her spare time, fitting clients into her evenings and weekends while keeping her day job. “I started doing this as a side hustle,” she said. “I’d see clients after work and on weekends.”

Within a few months, Tonya saw her business gaining momentum — enough to consider making it her full-time career. With both excitement and apprehension, she took the leap, resigning from ATL and diving into entrepreneurship.

Hamilton soon founded Uber Wax, a mobile body-waxing and massage service offering in-home treatments across Kingston and St Catherine. She considers herself a trailblazer as it is likely that Uber Wax is Jamaica’s first mobile-waxing company. “From my research, I don’t think any other business offers this service in Jamaica. Companies provide mobile massages, but I believe I’m the first and only mobile waxer,” she said proudly.

Her concept quickly gained traction. “Apart from the great customer service, we also offer convenience — our clients don’t have to leave their homes; we come to them. Body waxing is a personal experience, so comfort is really important.”

Now, three years in, Uber Wax has grown steadily, allowing Hamilton to hire a small team. She has added a masseuse and a waxologist, and her vision for growth hasn’t slowed. “This journey has been challenging but rewarding. There are good days and not-so-good days, but I don’t plan to return to a regular 9-to-5,” she said with confidence.

Looking ahead, Hamilton, now 28, hopes to expand her services to more parishes and eventually launch an after-care product line. “In five years, I hope Uber Wax will be a service offered islandwide,” she shared.

Hamilton offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “The hardest part is starting, but once you do, it gets easier every day. Stay focused on your goal, do your groundwork, and prepare for all eventualities. Challenges will come, but push through and keep going. It will be worth it in the end.”

Tonya Hamilton’s story is one of courage, vision, and a determination to find purpose outside of the conventional path — a true inspiration to those who dare to dream beyond the 9-to-5.