How Samson Adikwu grew 16-fold in one year

When you think hairdressing, you naturally think women and nothing more. But that isn’t the case with Samson Adikwu, a graduate of Biology at Delta state University Abraka.
Samson went into the business basically because of his passion for hairdressing. He believes that people who have passion for hair and beauty can easily become hairdressers and make money from it.
According to him, one of the key reasons why he decided to become a hairdresser is to pursue his career dreams. “Growing up, the dream to be a stylist was quite strong with me and so becoming a hairdresser means this dream will become fulfilled,” he said.
Samson learnt hairdressing in 2010 but started professionally in 2013. Before he became his own boss, he had worked in some salons as a student.
However, he opened his own shop in 2016 and named it Trimzykiss Beauty Salon. But this was a mobile shop which he set up to get enough capital for his permanent site.
“I started with just N15,000, which I used in buying small equipment,” he said, adding that he is now worth over N250, 000 within one year, which is over 16-fold growth.
Speaking on how he became a professional hairdresser and what is required to set up a salon, Samuel said that he went through training programs in a community college, attended beauty and cosmetology schools where he obtained licenses.
Speaking on the challenges he has so far encountered, the young entrepreneur said the major challenge is high overhead costs.
“All professions have their unique challenges and hairdressing is not an exception. Many salons experience minimal or non-existent business growth. This is because many rent the business premises and work for long hours without breaking even.”
“This leaves them frustrated because they may not even raise enough money for rent. There are two types of hairdressers: those that own their own premises and those that hire premises. The latter have more challenges in making income than the former. Paying rent for premises raises business costs, a disadvantage for those tenants,” he explained.
Samson told Start-Up Digest that the chemical he handles poses serious health-related risks. The products and chemicals are inhaled and can cause respiratory diseases or skin-related problems.
To avoid being hit by such ailments, Samson often ensures he washes his hand regularly.
“Every occupation has occupational hazards and hairdressing is not an exception. The said health risks together with musculoskeletal problems caused by posture or long hours of sitting or standing are key challenges, and the most important is sourcing for loan,” he stated.
“Nobody wants to give out loans to a business like mine,” Samson said.
The young entrepreneur has been lucky to work with veteran salons and said that this enabled her to garner more knowledge and learn changing trends in hairdressing.
Speaking on his progress so far, Samuel said that he has made about 250,000 and above, adding that what led to the spontaneous growth was his doing something different.
“The competition was high so I decided to change my techniques in making and styling hairs. My relationship with my customers became cordial. Most times I call to remind them of my availability. These are my selling points,” he stated.
Hairdressing is a very lucrative business especially for those that have the mind of creativity and art, Samson stated.
“It generates quick income. It’s is a great profession for those that have creative mind and those that can handle competition because there are lots of good stylists out there. It is also a business one can do alongside other business of choice,” he stated.
On his long term plans, Samuel said, “I intend making Trimzykiss Beauty a household name in Nigeria and the world at large. So I am working on some beauty products which will be launched anytime soon. I am working on the quality of now,” he revealed.
The young entrepreneur advised that young people, especially educated ones looking for collar jobs, should leave their comfort zone and learn a trade.
“Not everybody can get a collar job. But they can create their own business thereby creating financial freedom for themselves,” he added.

ANGEL JAMES