Kidist Emery, the owner of Salon Pink, has joined the board of directors of Ignite Bermuda, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the promoter of local entrepreneurial innovators.

Ignite said the award-winning mentor and thriving business owner helped create opportunities and train Bermudians through a world-class training programme aligning with Ignite's mission to create jobs and diversity in Bermuda.

Through her business, Salon Pink, she has been part of the Ignite Mentor Network as a mentor since its inception in 2019.

The organisation said: “Mentorship is an integral part of the Ignite experience. It is an opportunity for industry experts to give their time to help entrepreneurial leaders develop the skills they need.

“Kidist is passionate about the ways mentorship supports the success of entrepreneurial leaders. She knows from experience that the journey of an entrepreneur is challenging. There are setbacks along the way and she enjoys encouraging entrepreneurs, reminding them that failing is part of the road to success.

“Don Mackenzie, co-founder of Ignite Bermuda and chairman of the board said: "Having dynamic and progressive entrepreneurs such as Kidist on our board means that we can better enhance the services and programmes that we provide each cohort. We look forward to enacting her insights and leveraging her energy."

Ms Emery said: "I believe small business is the backbone of our economy through providing jobs, careers and opportunities.

“The importance of creating a corporate-like structure in a small business provides scalability, longevity, and sustainability long term.

“Having been a mentor since 2019, I believe Ignite does a great job of providing the necessary resources and support around collaboration of like-minded individuals to aid the success of the uprise in the entrepreneurial climate we find ourselves in today.”

“Ignite has steadily grown its entrepreneurial ecosystem since it opened its doors in 2019, comprising over 400 community leaders and entrepreneurs. ”