NAYELLI Salon and Spa has been a household name in Guyana’s beauty industry for four decades. This March, the homegrown establishment celebrated its 40th anniversary with a three-day observance, marking a significant milestone for one of the country’s most recognised and respected names in beauty, cosmetology and professional training.
The anniversary celebrations included a thanksgiving service at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), an elegant dinner at Herdmanston Lodge and a family-friendly picnic at the Round House along the Georgetown Seawall.
The milestone served as a tribute to perseverance, vision and the remarkable journey of founder Bibi Zenefia Rahim, a woman who dared to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions at a time when business ownership was largely dominated by men.
In 1986, a young and determined Rahim, along with two friends, entered the beauty industry through a partnership. Over time, the women pursued separate paths as they sought to establish their own businesses.
Rahim opened her salon on Thomas Street, Georgetown, before relocating to its current location on New Market Street. Prior to establishing Nayelli, she worked at two other salons, Monique’s and Noreen’s, gaining valuable experience that would later shape her success.
Originally from Essequibo, Rahim relocated to Georgetown, where she would go on to build a lasting legacy in the beauty industry.
Reflecting on her early years, Rahim recalled moving to New Market Street when the building consisted of an open bottom house with only three small rooms. At just 26 years old, she relied on hard work, consistency and professionalism to grow the business.
When it came time to name the salon, Rahim said she wanted something different and chose not to name it after herself. Instead, she honoured a promise made to a close friend who had always cherished the name “Nayelli” for a daughter he hoped to have one day.
Years later, when Rahim welcomed her own daughter in 2003, she fulfilled that promise by giving her the same name.
In its early years, Nayelli operated with a staff of just three people: Rahim and her two sisters. As the business expanded, so did its team, eventually growing to 12 employees.
Recognising the importance of education and professional development within the beauty industry, Rahim established the Nayelli School of Cosmetology just two years after opening the salon.
Over the years, Nayelli became a pioneer within Guyana’s beauty sector, hosting fashion shows and charitable events while helping to elevate professional standards across the industry.
One of the salon’s most notable achievements came in 1988 when it hosted Guyana’s first-ever Hair Fashion Show at the then Inner Circle on Church Street, Georgetown. The event was considered a bold move at the time and helped place Nayelli firmly on the national stage.
In 1993, Rahim further advanced her qualifications by successfully completing the New York State Cosmetology Examination. The achievement enabled her to enhance the services offered to clients, better train students at the cosmetology school and meet the demands of a growing international clientele.
Today, as Nayelli enters its fifth decade, the salon remains committed to delivering exceptional service, embracing modern techniques and providing a welcoming environment for clients.
The legacy built over the past 40 years continues to shape the future of the business, ensuring that Nayelli remains an enduring part of Guyana’s beauty industry for generations to come.
