Rose-Mary Haufiku
While some are still waiting for the Covid-19 pandemic to trigger their yet unknown abilities to make money, Gerson Sheefeni is honing his abilities to cut hair.
This 21-year-old Unam student’s obsession for barbing started when he was seven years old, but for some unknown reason he never took it serious until age 14 in grade 8.
When he was in his second year at varsity, he created an Instagram account to let everyone know that he is “one great and affordable barber in town”.
“The dial-a-barber business only came by in 2020, and it is going quite well,” Sheefeni told Youth Corner.
Sheefeni said he loves being creative and making people smile and for that reason decided to be barber as a means of satisfying both his emotional and economic needs.
When not cutting hair, Sheefeni is concentrating on his honour’s degree in medicinal chemistry. Explaining his career choice, he said he is passionate about science and human biology, and “so keen on exploring the natural being of the human anatomy and learning more about its reactions to certain conditions”.
Sheefeni also loves reading newspapers and novels.
“I am a man of multiple indulgences. Sometimes I play football, dance and watch movies. Playing chess and going for a walk around the hood also is a must when I need peace of mind,” he added.
Sheefeni said he never has days off as when he is not at school or does not have clients, he indulges in economic and political discussions on social media.
He said he started cutting hair for the love of doing it but now uses it to be financially independent, adding: “Being spoon-fed has always been a red flag for me”.
In five years’ time, Sheefeni hopes to have changed many youngsters’ lives through his art of being a barber. He also desires to open a hair-cutting school and barbershop to curb unemployment in the country.
This young man certainly is a good example of always having a back-up plan in life. So, be creative and make money. Do not just sit around waiting to be given everything that you require. Venture out.