In a world where creativity meets precision, and where passion is the cornerstone of purpose, few stories shine as brightly as that of the woman behind HCM by RLK and Yoursocialplug. Her entrepreneurial journey is one of quiet resilience and unwavering belief in the beauty of creating, not just aesthetically, but with impact. Born from hobbies and sculpted into businesses, her two brands are living proof that doing what you love can, in fact, transform lives – starting with your own.
HCM by RLK is more than a makeup and nails brand, it’s a celebration of self-expression and empowerment. The name itself, Highlight, Contour & More, pays homage to the artistry of makeup, embracing foundational techniques while leaving space for limitless expansion. “Highlight and contour” are more than just steps in a beauty routine, they are symbolic of how she carves space for herself and others in an industry often dominated by big players. From the deliberate choice of black and white for her logo – a classic, elegant and minimalist visual identity – to the meticulous services she offers, every element of HCM by RLK reflects thoughtful, intentional branding.
Her second venture, Yoursocialplug, is her digital love letter to small businesses and entrepreneurs trying to find their voice online. What began as a lockdown project during COVID-19 evolved into a professional graphic design service, powered by newly acquired certifications and sharpened skillsets. The name itself is a clever reflection of her mission: personalized social media content and plug-and-play designs that remove the overwhelm of online visibility. It’s more than graphic design – it’s graphic strategy.
While many entrepreneurs tiptoe around the idea of leaving a stable career, she made the bold leap, stepping away from accounting to pursue her creative passions full time. Seven years of complete creative freedom followed, filled with colourful palettes, curated feeds and content that told stories. When the accounting world called her back, she returned with boundaries, taking on a role that gave her enough space and flexibility to continue nurturing her businesses. Even more remarkably, she found a supportive workplace where her boss encourages her craft, even allowing lunchtime nail sessions that keep her connected to clients and creativity alike.
Money has never been the motivation. Her drive stems from the way someone’s entire demeanour changes when they feel good about how they look. Whether it’s a perfectly sculpted nail, a flawless makeup look, or a stunning Instagram post, she thrives on the joy her services bring. In an often intimidating digital world, she brings warmth and clarity. For her, satisfaction lies not in the paycheck, but in the spark of confidence ignited in every client she touches.
Achievements have not been in short supply. From launching her very own makeup line (currently on pause but never forgotten) to having her work recognized by a global nail brand, her milestones are both impressive and inspiring. Her role as a local brand ambassador, invited by a distributor who believed in her work, remains one of her proudest moments. And there’s something profoundly rewarding about seeing logos she designed appear on social media, packaging and print, tangible proof that her work lives on beyond the screen.
Still, she knows the hustle never sleeps. One of the toughest lessons has been learning to draw lines between work and life. For entrepreneurs, the clock rarely stops ticking, and the to-do list is never quite done. Yet even in the chaos, she’s found rhythm. She’s found peace in knowing she’s building something deeply hers.
To those just starting out, her message is clear: begin. Perfection is a myth and failure is just a redirection. Starting something, even when it’s hard, is better than staying stuck in a cycle of doubt. Every great brand starts small and growth is built on consistency, not comfort.
Her understanding of branding is both deep and intuitive. To her, a brand is a story, a reflection of everything the business stands for. It’s not just the colours or the logo; it’s how people feel when they experience what you offer. And in her view, you can’t separate the brand from the business. A strong brand is the business. Without one, it’s easy to fade into the noise.
Trinidad and Tobago’s brand ecosystem, she says, has flourished with the rise of social media. More creatives are stepping into their light, and branding is no longer an afterthought. There’s a growing sense of pride in originality and presentation – a shift that she’s proud to be part of. Though she hasn’t yet ventured into markets or pop-ups, the idea is not off the table. The future is open, and her vision is ever-evolving.
Hers is a story of love – for creativity, for service, for showing up authentically. It’s a journey marked not just by polish and colour, but by heart and humility. Whether she’s perfecting a manicure, designing a flyer or encouraging a fellow entrepreneur, she is proof that passion, when paired with courage, can shape more than a brand – it can inspire a movement.
