The holiday season is usually a time to cash in for the business-minded, and although people leave the city, it brings a lot of benefits to hairdressers, barbers, and nail technicians, just to mention a few.

But for some, like Jukla Kaatondoka, a Windhoek-based tailor, the busy holiday season means a slowdown in business. 

"During the middle of the year, I used to get many orders, but now it has slowed down because people have traveled. I design everything, like school uniforms, traditional attire, fashion gowns, and many more. I am not going to close now because I still have unfinished orders for some clients, so I first have to finish them, then I can go to the north."

Paulina Erastus, a student who struggled to get a holiday job, ended up working in a salon.

"During the weekend, I used to go to school, and I had to take my books and read instead of just being at the salon for money. I only did it sometimes, but now I have free time to do it. It's festive season, and I do not need to travel to the north empty-handed. I have to work for the money so that I can surprise my grandmother, who used to help me while I'm here; I have to surprise my friends and other students, too; they have to be surprised."

Experience also contributes more to one's business. Leena Ndjodhi has been in the beauty industry for about 20 years, landing stable clients.

"I have stable customers; whenever 50 percent are gone, maybe 50 percent are here, so at least I can thank God. It is not easy because I can go for a week without doing anything. Most people give up because they do not really get anything they expect in a day. Sometimes you can come Monday and not get anything, Tuesday you don't get anything, and the weekend comes and you get money, so it's not an easy business."

Ndjodhi accommodates two men who have a passion for businesses like hers.

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Maria Kaalushu