Years of saving for a salon

Interest in hairdressing for Febbie Siyabu, who comes from Njolomole Village, Traditional Authority Chakhumbira in Ntcheu, dates back to her childhood when she used to straighten people’s hair with heated rocks.

As she grew up in Blantyre, she started offering hairdressing services at home. She would plait hair and save the proceeds in hope that she would grow her business someday.

From as little as K1 000 (US$3) she started with, she saved enough for six years to pay for salon rentals when she moved the business from home at HHI and now rents even better premises at Northgate Arcade in Blantyre.

Just last year, she paid her fees at Victory School of Hairdressing to sharpen her hairdressing skills.

“The best thing I have done is to equip myself with professional hair dressing skills from the school I attended last year. This will help me grow my business further because clients will know that they are dealing with a professional. I have also sent my children to school from the proceeds. I believe that I’ll benefit more as we move forward in the business,” she said.

The 43-year-old mother of three said her salon has grown to offer diverse services to men as well.

“We do hair cuts for both men and women; massages, manicures and pedicures; threading, braiding and other things. Our customers can also find almost everything they want on sale right at the salon; from weaves, hair relaxers, mesh and many other cosmetics which we get from South Africa and China,” said Siyabu.

She, however, noted an increase in the number of salons has also increased competition.

“The good thing with Jolique Salon is that the employees are experienced and very friendly to our customers; our prices too, are fair. Apart from that, we offer discounts on public holidays,” says the lady entrepreneur who has employed five people.

In future, Siyabu plans to start dressing brides.

“We style brides and bridesmaids at the salon and I believe it would be just right to dress them, too. So, we will be selling wedding dresses and other accessories,” she said.