"This one thing I do, and I do it well," the words of James Ngare, a barber with over 22 employees in Nakuru County encouraging the youth to do their work wholeheartedly.
On Wednesday, May 31, the barber popularly known as Barber wa Taifa narrated his grass-to-grace story and owned an award-winning barbershop, Jimmyjey Barbers & Spa with at least 22 employees.
In an interview with Inooro Tv's Hellen Muthoni, Jimmy stated he wanted to be a pilot but his family could not raise the school fees needed.
"I may not be a pilot but God had other plans, I am happy to create employment for the youth," he stated.
He detailed growing up partly as the breadwinner of the family assisting his mother to fend for the siblings.
Ngare noted that while still in high school he would help out at the barbershop near their home where he unfortunately gave a kid a poor cut.
"Onyi wherever you are thank you for nurturing me at your shop. I used to go to his shop every weekend and joined him after high school," he stated.
Jimmy progressed with his career even after losing his mother since he had to provide for his siblings.
According to the businessman, his main goal was to start his own shop and therefore he was saving as much as he could.
When he decided to get a bigger space for his business he had about Ksh100,000. He managed to acquire the entire floor which was being sold at Ksh350,000.
The barber explained that he was astonished his business had greatly expanded. However, he thanked God and his loyal customers for choosing him and referring others to his shop.
In December 2022, Jimmyjey Barbers & Spa won the best barbershop of the year at the Nakuru City Mums and Dads Entrepreneur Awards (NCMD).
To give back to society, the barber gives free haircuts to the homeless and street children in Nakuru County.
Ngare hopes to take over the beauty industry not only in Kenya but abroad. Offering quality service to all his customers.
"At Jimmy Jey, we believe every woman should be well taken care of by a professional in a comfortable environment. We are dedicated to providing the finest experience to all our clients," it reads on the shop's website.
Ngare offered services to celebrities and media personalities including journalist Salim Swaleh, Pastor Anthony Mwangi (Pastor T), and Singer James Muhia (Moji Shortbabaa) among others. He charges between Ksh300 and Ksh5,000 depending on the service.
Notably, as of May 2022, the beauty industry in Kenya was estimated to be worth Ksh100 billion with an annual growth rate of almost 400 per cent.
The industry offers the youth a chance to create employment and venture into entrepreneurship as the unemployment rate continues to soar.
