Can Men Succeed in Belize’s Beauty Industry?

It started with his mother’s toes. Now 18-year-old Allon Pacheco is building a career and a clientele at a Belize City salon, becoming one of the few men in the country to work as a certified beautician.

Pacheco completed an intensive six-month training programme to earn his certification and now works at the Deluxe Corner Beauty Bar in Belize City, where he handles pedicures, nail care, and other beauty services. He traces it all back to a spontaneous moment at home.

“One random day I got up and I was like, ‘Mom, let me do your toes’,” Pacheco told News 5. “I did my thing and I did it very well. It looked pretty. And she was like, you should go work for my friend.”

Since entering the industry, Pacheco says he has faced criticism from some people who view beauty services as work traditionally reserved for women. He argued that while he has worked mechanics and electrical jobs in the past, beauty is what he has chosen.

“Trying to downgrade me, telling me you can’t do this, telling me you should go outside and do man work,” he said. “I’ve done all the works. I just find it very interesting, and I want to plant my life here because I enjoy doing it and I make good enough money.”

Pacheco’s full story tonight on News 5 Live at 6 o’clock.