A nature-based beautician has donated a $1,200 scholarship to a young volunteer at her beauty and lifestyle exhibition.

Micole Famous, who organised the Natural Blessings Hair and Beauty Expo, handed the cash to Nafisah Rochester, to help further her training as a beautician.

Ms Rochester, 18, has just left CedarBridge Academy and volunteered as a hair and clothes model for the fashion show. She was shocked by the award and had tears in her eyes as she went on stage.

She said: “Someone came back stage and said ‘you have to get out there, you’re getting an award’, but I had no idea what it was until I heard the word ‘scholarship’.”

Ms Rochester was speaking after the annual show, held at The Berkeley Institute in Pembroke last weekend.

The event saw cosmetologists, doctors and fashion designers showcase natural beauty and cosmetics to help sustain it.

Ms Famous, who has donated to seniors’ causes in the past, said that Ms Rochester’s eagerness helped make her stand out.

She added: “Not only was she very dedicated, she came around and asked questions, and she helped put things together for the hair show and she liked the experience.

“I knew this one was really interested in cosmetology because anyone asking questions like that is interested.”

Ms Rochester said a cosmetology course at school sparked her interest.

She added she plans to study cosmetology and hospitality at Bermuda College for two years before going overseas to gain a full degree.

Ms Famous created the Hair and Beauty Expo six years ago after a speaker at a health conference urged her to do something for the seniors of the population.

She said: “Her words stuck in my mind, in my heart, in my soul, and I said ‘you know what, I’m going to go back to school, I’ll get my cosmetology papers and certificate so I can do it’.”

Ms Famous said she decided to use proceeds from the show, normally used to support seniors, to back a young person’s career both last year and this year.

She explained last year’s award went to a young woman who struggled to pay her living expenses and attend college.

Ms Famous said: “I used to ask the health department for the seniors’ names every year, and they didn’t have anyone, instead they had a student that wanted to go back to college.

“She had her tuition but didn’t have rent, so I gave her money for her rent.”

Ms Famous added that she would return to supporting seniors over the next two or three shows.

The Hair and Beauty Expo featured panel discussions on hair growth, feminine health and natural supplements.

Nikkita Robinson, a radio show host, acted as MC along with international recording artist Anthony Cruz.

A range of vendors sold clothes, accessories, cosmetics and vegan food.