Julina Kaakunga 

Life after high school has been challenging for young Vivien Tjerivanga, but such obstacles did not deter her from pursuing a handy craft that led her to financial freedom.

Currently pursuing a degree in education, Tjerivanga (21) is known for her magical hands that transform the heads of her clients.

 “Vivien is not someone you would expect to be doing hair, but she is so good, and I find it hard to believe that she only does rastas,” said Kauaa Mbaha, one of Tjerivanga’s clients. 

Tjerivanga has younger siblings; she enjoys off-loading some responsibilities from her parents.

“I started plaiting right after completing high school in 2020, so that would be in 2021. I think I have always had an independent mindset in school. So, when I started tertiary education, I could not stand watching my parents do everything for me,” she told Youth Corner.  She has since found a way to make ends meet with her hands – hairdressing. 

For her, hairdressing is not just about the monetary value that she gets from it, but she loves giving back to those who have helped and are still helping her to date.  Flashback to four years ago, Tjerivanga said she would have not imagined doing what she does today.   She recalls her best friend worrying about her hair, and that is when she assisted her.  To her surprise, she was getting compliments everywhere.  She then braided two more people, after which she was ready to make a change in her life.

When it comes to juggling between her business and studies, Tjerivanga, like any other student who is hustling, said she does not have it easy.

“You know, when you plait for so long, it is no longer only about the money, but building a relationship with your customers, and there comes a time when you need to study for an exam or so and a customer is traveling and wants her hair done. That becomes difficult because you would not know what to sacrifice,” she explained. 

She said despite these circumstances, she would not change anything, as it all has been working for her. She also believes nothing good comes without a cost. Apart from the wonderful praises she has received, she is overall grateful for the skills and the connections she has made with her customers.

“It is not easy to be studying and doing a side hustle, but anything that you put your mind to, you can achieve; just believe in yourself and remember that God won’t help someone who cannot help themselves,” she encouraged. 

So far, her services include plaiting box braids and knotless rasta.  “Everyone has been asking why I do not do fishtail, but I think I am good now. I know it is not hard to learn, but I also don’t think it is as common as it used to be back in the day,” she said. -julinak990@gmail.com