Interviewer: Hello, how are you doing?
Genevieve: I’m doing very well thank you. How about you?
Interviewer: I’m good too. Now, let’s dive into your journey—what you’ve achieved isn’t easy and it’s not something everyone just wakes up and decides to do. What inspired you to start this business?
Genevieve: About three or four years ago, during the lockdown, I found myself at home with nothing to do and a lot on my mind. One day, out of boredom, I decided to try braiding my sister’s hair, even though I had no experience. She was hesitant at first, but I was determined. I grabbed an old extension, pulled up a YouTube tutorial, and spent about seven hours—taking lots of breaks—trying to braid her hair. The result wasn’t great, but the process was surprisingly therapeutic. It helped me forget everything else that was going on. A week later, I felt inspired to try braiding locs on another sister, which was completely out of character for me. Normally, I prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, but in that moment, I realized how much I enjoyed the distraction and the creative process.
Interviewer: So, it was like an escape?
Genevieve: Yes, it became an escape for me. After finishing a hairstyle, I immediately felt the weight of reality again, so I kept going to stay busy. As I mentioned, I asked my older sister if I could try locs on her, and she reached out to a woman she knew for advice on the right extensions. I bought the suggested extension and spent the entire day—until almost midnight—working on her hair. The result wasn’t great; the locs looked more like canes. Realizing I needed help, I reached out to a lady who was skilled with hair. She became my go-to for tips and advice whenever I wanted to try something new. My third attempt was butterfly locs on another friend who believed in me and came all the way from Kasoa. We spent the whole day on it, but the results were still not good. Yet, she confidently wore the hairstyle to church, and when people asked, she proudly said I did it. Seeing that, I knew I could do more.
Genevieve: After lockdown, I confidently announced on Snapchat that I was taking braid appointments. My friends were surprised but supportive. I set up my room with all the essentials and quickly got the hang of it. Word spread, and soon, I was running a successful hair business called The Hair Gallery, thanks to the overwhelming support from friends and my determination to make it succeed.
Interviewer: It’s surprising that you haven’t been braiding all along! I assumed you’d always had a passion for it, like some who develop the interest young. It’s interesting that you picked it up later. So, why did you change the name from The Hair Gallery to Gene’s Hair Gallery?
Genevieve: At that time, I wanted to take the business to the next level, so I tried to register “The Hair Gallery.” However, it was already taken. I had to come up with a new name quickly, but most options were too common. Since the business was something, I started out of boredom and it was about me, I decided to rename it to “Gene’s Hair Gallery.”
Interviewer: It’s rare to see students start doing hair and take it as far as you have, with a whole building, employees, and even registering the business. What motivated you to scale it up instead of just braiding in school? What drove you to make it something bigger?
Genevieve: In my final year, I moved to a new hostel with strict rules, but I kept doing hair. They introduced a rule where everyone visiting had to sign in, and they noticed I had a lot of people coming in. Eventually, the porter caught me doing hair, and I was told to leave the hostel. It was tough, especially since my parents wanted me to focus on school, but I wasn’t ready to give up. I decided to find a place for my business. The prices were high, but I was determined. I found a small spot in East Legon, started with just a chair and a mirror, and gradually built it up with the support of my family. People were surprised at how quickly I transitioned from my room to a shop, but I knew it was all about the work, not the glamor. I started small, added more equipment as I could afford it, and slowly grew from there.
Interviewer: That is inspiring. You mentioned that your parents wanted you to focus on school. How did you manage to balance both? First, how did you juggle school and work? And second, how did you navigate the expectations of your parents while also meeting your own business goals?
Genevieve: Balancing school and work was tough, but I was really lucky to have supportive friends like Jason and Adwoa. They kept me on track, reminding me of classes, assignments, and exams. Even if I missed class, they’d fill me in, and I’d catch up. As for my parents, my mom believed in me, knowing how determined I am. My dad was worried my work would interfere with my studies, but I reassured him I could handle it. Eventually, he just wanted to see me graduate with good grades, so I made sure I didn’t let him down.
Interviewer: How do you handle managing your finances and the money coming in from your business? And how are you planning for future investments and growth?
Genevieve: For young entrepreneurs, saving is very important. I used to spend on impulse, but starting my business taught me to prioritize saving. Unexpected expenses will come, and without a safety net, you have to cover them yourself. Now, I allocate funds specifically for reinvestment and essential costs, and saving has become a key part of my financial strategy.
Interviewer: Do you see yourself continuing with this business long-term, or do you envision it as a stepping stone while you focus on other career goals? How does your degree fit into your plans for the future?
Genevieve: I see my business as a lifelong commitment. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about and have been praying for. My goal is to grow it significantly beyond its current level. For now, I’m fully focused on the business, though I do plan to further my studies in the future.
Interviewer: What are the key differences you’ve seen in managing your business while you were in school compared to now, after graduation?
Genevieve: Handling a business in school is less stress
Interviewer: In school is less stress? (shocked)
Genevieve: Yes, in school, the stress was different. I didn’t have to handle bills or hostel fees—my main focus was just working with clients. Now, with a shop, there are constant expenses and scheduling conflicts. There were also its downsides. I used to juggle classes and client appointments, which sometimes meant losing business if I couldn’t fit everyone in. Now that I’m out of school, I have more flexibility and can manage my time better, so I face less of that kind of stress.
Interviewer: Okay so right now you’re doing this full time?
Genevieve: Yes, full time
Interviewer: Does your job involve you being at the shop all the time?
Genevieve: Now that I have workers, I need to be there regularly to manage everything, unlike when I was in school and handled everything solo. Back then, it was just me, so I could manage my time more freely.
Interviewer: Actually, how was the transition from working with just a window and a chair to managing a whole space with employees? What was the process like?
Genevieve: After starting with just one chair and a mirror, I quickly realized I needed more space as my clientele grew. The landlord offered a larger area in the building, which I initially hesitated to take on. However, seeing the overflow of clients and the discomfort they experienced, I decided to expand. Using my savings, I renovated the new space over three to four months without anyone knowing. Gradually, I invested in more chairs and mirrors, and the larger space allowed me to increase my capacity and hire more workers. This expansion meant I could accommodate more clients and reduce cancellations.
Interviewer: Reflecting on your journey, what major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Genevieve: Looking back, some of my biggest challenges have been managing workers, dealing with the lack of support from some friends, and handling reinvestment. Managing workers has been particularly tough; their mistakes or successes directly affect the business, which adds a lot of responsibility and stress. Another challenge has been the lack of support from some friends. It’s difficult when friends don’t support your business and instead go to others for similar services. This can be emotionally draining, but I make it a point not to let it affect our relationships. Lastly, reinvesting in the business can be demanding. Even when you’re making a profit, you often have to put that money back into the business. Despite these hurdles, the overall experience has been positive and rewarding.
Interviewer: How do you stay consistent and keep attracting customers? Is it your marketing, the quality of your service, or something else that keeps people coming back?
Genevieve: I will say that it is a combination of effective marketing and high-quality work. The results speak for themselves, and with the help of influencers promoting the business, both the quality and visibility of our service influence customer loyalty.
Interviewer: Where do you see this business in about five years?
Genevieve: In five years, I know that the business would be thriving with multiple branches and a strong presence everywhere. My goal is for it to be widely recognized and consistently successful. That’s my serious prayer and belief, and I’m confident it will become a reality.
Interviewer: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently or any changes you would have made?
Genevieve: Looking back, I wish I had done more to publicize my business while I was still in school. Although people knew about it, I believe increased visibility would have made a significant difference. It’s not too late, though—I can still focus on boosting publicity now.
Interviewer: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your journey?
Genevieve: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to go for what you want, even if it starts as a joke. When I began, I didn’t think I’d get this far—I was just trying to pass the time. But persistence turned it into something real. Also, involving God has been crucial. I’m a big believer in prayer and affirmations. I used to cover my walls with motivational verses and promises. Without that spiritual foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, whatever your goal, take it seriously and stay grounded in faith.
Interviewer: Those are all my questions. But something you mentioned piqued my interest.
Genevieve: Sure, go ahead
Interviewer: You mentioned at the start that you’re a “soft girl” who enjoys “soft life”. Given that, what kept you motivated through the long hours of braiding, balancing studies, overcoming obstacles, and even expanding to a shop?
Genevieve: To be honest, I was really enjoying the money—seeing how much I could earn from each client kept me going. Braiding for one person meant a certain amount, and if I did it for several, I’d earn enough to cover various expenses. Plus, I loved seeing the finished results and hearing compliments. Knowing that my work made people look good and feel happy kept me motivated, even when the hours were long.
Interviewer: I guess you would say it’s passion now.
Genevieve: Yes, definitely
Interviewer: Do you have any final words?
Genevieve: I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Gene’s Hair Gallery. I’m deeply grateful to God and to all of you. The journey hasn’t been easy, and I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone. Not every client is a perfect match, but I always strive to do my best. If there are complaints, I work hard to address them and ensure satisfaction because a single negative experience can impact the business. I’ve learned to be patient and to put clients first, as their happiness and recommendations are what keep us thriving. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Interviewer: Thank you very much for your time.