BusLeiaCassie

Hamidu's journey into the world of barbering began after he completed his secondary education, with a desire to turn his passion into his livelihood. Eager to kickstart his career and secure a source of income, he wasted no time in apprenticing at his friend's barbershop, immersing himself in the art of grooming and styling. Among the reasons that draw Hamidu to his craft, one of the most cherished is the opportunity it affords him to forge meaningful connections with clients, guiding them towards a hairstyle that not only enhances their appearance but also bolsters their self-assurance and inner confidence.

Hamidu trained as an apprentice for two years in his friend's barbershop. Before apprenticing, he visited the shop daily, observing how his friend barbed and interacted with customers. Once he became an apprentice, he taught himself discipline by waking up early to clean the shop and ensure everything was in place. He also learned customer relations with the hopes of attracting new customers through referrals. Hamidu gained valuable insights into running and managing a barbershop effectively. His parents encouraged him in this pursuit so he could become financially independent.

Hamidu allocates the bulk of his earnings towards essential expenses such as food, clothing, transportation, hospital bills, recharge cards, internet data, and providing support to his siblings and parents, recognizing the importance of familial and personal obligations. However, amidst these financial commitments, he remains steadfast in his belief that his collaboration with Leadership Initiatives will further the growth of his business, affording him the means to attain the lifestyle he has long envisioned. With unwavering optimism, Hamidu envisions using the success of his enterprise as a way to give back to his community, viewing his business not only as a source of personal prosperity but also as a conduit for positive impact and social responsibility within his local area.

Operating a barber shop in Bauchi State, Nigeria poses several formidable challenges for a small business owner. Firstly, securing consistent access to quality grooming supplies such as clippers, razors, and hair products can be problematic due to irregular supply chains and price fluctuations. Secondly, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses from local authorities can be a bureaucratic process, often requiring time and resources that could otherwise be invested in business operations. Thirdly, attracting and retaining skilled barbers can be difficult, as qualified personnel may be scarce and demand competitive wages.

Hamidu is a 38-year-old married man who lives with his wife in a room and parlor apartment in the Yelwan Makaranta community of Bauchi. As the eldest of six siblings, everyone in his family looks up to him. His father works as a non-academic staff at the University of Maiduguri, and his mother is an Islamic teacher.

Every morning, Hamidu wakes up for prayers according to Islamic rites, then takes a nap before finally getting up at 7:00 AM to prepare for work. After breakfast, he gives his wife money for the day's meals and heads to the barbershop. Hamidu has been very supportive of his parents and siblings. He is currently sponsoring one of his younger sisters' education at the School of Nursing and covers her school fees and upkeep.

As the firstborn in his family, everyone in Hamidu’s family looks up to him and expects him to care for them. However, he does not make enough money to financially support his entire family. Therefore, he needs to work extra hard to meet the demands and is looking for ways to improve his business. Hamidu is happy with the opportunity to work with Leadership Initiatives because he believes that through this organization, he can learn a lot about running his startup business, start making a profit, and begin employing more people.

In his words, “If someone had told me that I would be working with Leadership Initiatives, I wouldn't have believed it. Seeing the competition at the orientation, I had already given up hope. However, when I was informed that I had been selected, I was extremely happy. I hope to become a one-stop barbershop in Bauchi and beyond. Additionally, I aspire to employ more people from my community.”