The hair grooming industry has emerged as a lucrative market for young entrepreneurs passionate about pursuing this business.

Recently, Business Today visited Joe's Fade Cut, owned by 31-year-old Mwatilefu Joel, a young entrepreneur who has successfully opened two branches despite numerous challenges.

Joel launched his business in 2015 after graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from a vocational training centre as he struggled to find employment. However, he always had a passion for hair grooming that developed during his years in tertiary education.

Currently, Joel employs ten people, including nail technicians, barbers, and hairdressers. He shared, "I started with chair rentals, but then I thought, 'Let me start something small for myself.' I moved away from the mall and opened my own shop in Ongwediva in 2018, during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses were closed during the lockdown, I converted one room of my two-bedroom flat into a workshop and began working with clients by appointment."

To date, Joel has trained over 20 barbers, many of whom have gone on to establish their own businesses. He believes that transferring skills is crucial for helping individuals start their own ventures and combat unemployment.

"Our brand aims to uplift others so they can stand on their own. So far, we have a few employees. I am the sixth. We also have a nail technician in Ongwediva and someone for hair plating because we prefer not to refer clients to other shops. That's why we decided to offer a full range of services."

Despite the challenges the barber industry faces—often influenced by social media showcasing diverse hairstyles and haircuts—Joel emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene and professionalism for success in the field.