WINDHOEK-The hairstyling industry is probably one of the most challenging businesses for reasons that you will find barber shops at every corner nowadays but any how it all depends on your social skills to make it in this business.
Barber Risto Godfield, a 24-year-old, opened up his barber shop five years ago along Eveline Street in Greenwell Matongo in Katutura to make a living. After completing his Grade 12, Godfield struggled to find a job and decided to put his skills to test. “I never worked in my life and that’s why I started my own business so I can make something out of it for myself. I’ve been looking for work but I didn’t find anything,” says Godfield. He adds that running a hairstyle business is not easy, especially when there are no customers for the day. “When I don’t receive any customers it becomes a big problem because I don’t make anything, and also when electricity is off, I lose out a lot because the machines I use need power to work,” he says.
Godfield do haircuts such as the panga, brush cut, trim, fade trim, English cut, Mohawk and also do dye as well as waves. His prices range from N$15 to N$110.He says that maintaining customer is not a challenge for him because he knows his capabilities, and always make sure customers are happy with the haircuts.“I give my customers a reason to come back to me over and over again. Its’ all about how you handle your customers, and giving them what they want. The more you can be of service, the more valuable you become and the more loyal your customers will be,” Godfield says.
So far he employs two ladies only and hopes to employ more when he sets up other barber shops around the capital next year. He advises all unemployed as well as school leavers and drop outs to do something for themselves, instead of waiting for things to happen. “If you are not doing anything, think of ideas, work on those ideas and make something out of them. If I can than nothing can stop you from doing it either,” he encourages. Godfield is inviting anyone who would like to support his business to contact him at 0813194663.
By Selma Neshiko