In the heart of the northern region, Eneas Shoikuti is challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by women: manicure and pedicure.
With a passion for creativity and a drive to excel, Shoikuti is redefining what it means to care for nails.
In a society where certain professions are often associated with specific genders, Shoikuti’s journey into the world of nail care was met with raised eyebrows and scepticism. However, his unwavering determination and dedication to his craft have propelled him to success, proving that talent knows no boundaries.
“When I was in primary school, I dreamed of becoming one of the best beauticians. It took years to realize that dream, but now I’m fulfilling it, breaking barriers in the process,” he said. Navigating through challenges, he encounters resistance and
criticism.
“Some people believe it’s not normal for a man to do this unless they are gay. But I focus on my passion and ignore negativity,” he said.
It took him some time to perfect his skills about a year or so. He has been doing nails for three years now, he has realized that in the industry, you never stop learning to perfect everything. You will learn new things every day that you will need to practice.
“I spend more of my time doing nails. I still have other businesses to run, like Epic Urban Interiors, so if I’m not in the nail studio, I’m in the workshop doing headboards, beds, sofas, and more,” he said.
He stated that he was very scared when he got his first client but to his surprise, he did the most and the client loved his work.
“I feel like I don’t know where to start. The thing is, I have so much trust in myself, and I like perfect things. Though I was scared, I tried my best. It was really hard to do perfect nails as a beginner,” he said.
His dedication did not go unnoticed. His clients, initially surprised by his gender, praise his skills and passion. “I never thought you could do it better than women”, those are the words from his client.
Inspired by his talent for drawing, Shoikuti aims to inspire others to pursue unconventional career choices. “I want to make a difference and inspire young people,” he says, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passion.
To stay updated on trends, he relies on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Moreover, his vision for the future is to expand his business nationwide, ensuring top-quality services for all.
He added that it is not easy for a man to be in this industry, but sometimes you need to be different.
He says men who want to join this industry should aim to make a difference, they should believe in themselves and have self-confidence.
“Not only that, but they should also have passion, set clear goals, and strive to achieve them. You will find people thinking negatively about men who do that, and staying positive can be very difficult, but maintain a positive outlook at all costs.”
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