About Me
A tiny girl with enormous talent-there is only one way to describe Jewel Holder unless, of course, you are Nikki Crosby. "She is the best damn braiding girl in town!" And, Nikki is not exaggerating. The two literally bumped into each other one day while Jewel was recording background vocals at 96.1 for old school colleague, the late Onika Bostic and her friend, Gailann Stephens.Jewel started braiding at the tender age of 14. At age 18, while preparing for her GCE A'Levels, Jewel was the first person to introduce the Senegalese twist to Trinidad using her own method and technique, and is the only person to have perfected the art thus far. Soca artistes Onika Bostic and Gailann Stephens were Jewel's first guinea pigs in the entertainment industry, so to speak, after herself, that is! Other entertainers like Deborah Boucaud-Mason, Penelope Spencer, Mairoon Ali and Trini Jacobs soon caught on to the craze.In 2005 Carl and Carol Jacobs, Knycky Cordner, Patrice Roberts and Esther Dyer also added the twist to their performance, sporting Holder's beautiful braids on the big stage. Besides the Senegalese twist, Jewel became known for other hairstyles, such as the flat twist, silky dreds and yarn locks, again, using her own methods.In fact, Jewel received two separate offers from New York salons, both wanting her as their resident braiding artist. One of the salons, situated in the city's upstate area, even mailed a contract to her home address, with the other proposing to sponsor her work visa. Jewel also received numerous requests to conduct courses in braiding methods and techniques.So, why is Jewel still in Trinidad? "I didn't just want to make a name for myself, I wanted to put my country out there. Many artistes start small here and when they go abroad, those bigger countries claim them as their own. I want people to know me here first."A Jill of all trades, Jewel also sings and has been dancing since the tender age of 3. Her latest obsession is Latin dance to which she was introduced in 2002.A certified make-up artist since 1998 and recipient of the Glen Adams Award for Excellence in Make up Artistry, Jewel incorporates her expertise in this area with her exceptional hair braiding skills.
"She knows what style suits your face," Nikki was quick to point out. "She has the gentlest hands." When you hear stories of Nikki passing through New York where Jewel was vacationing just to have her hair done for a show, you know that this is one time the comedienne isn't joking. But Nikki would not be Nikki if she ended there: "Serena and Venus should hook up with Jewel. Their braids will look much better!" All I could have said was "Oops!"So what is Jewel doing now? Jewel took part in the Afro Hair & Beauty Show in May 2005 Alexandra Palace, London where she received overwhelming response and holds the title of 2nd runner up in the Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK pageant 2005. She freelances as a Publicist, Make up artist, Afro hair stylist, voice over talent and model and is available internationally. Her fast growing clientele has prompted her to expand her business. Also on the agenda is a top of the line website which is presently being constrcuted by the young genius known as "Swayo" whose vast portfolio includes projects done for Motorola, Cable & Wireless,Pizza Hut, Republic Bank, TIDCO, France Telecom and the list goes on.You can soon log on to www.bijouxsalon.com
