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HOW TO START A SMALL BUT PROFITABLE EXECUTIVE BARBERSHOP IN KENYA

Among the many small business idea choices in Kenya lies the barbershop business commonly known as kinyozi. This business ranges from executive barbershops to small and simple barbershops. A barbershop (locally known as Kinyozi) is a good example of a sustainable business because people will always need haircuts. Fashion styles may come and go, but hair cuts aren’t a fad or trend – they’re a basic necessity. Moreover, Kenya’s middle-class is growing at an alarming rate and you can jump onto this tide by starting your own executive barbershop.



One good thing about Kinyozi business is that it is not seasonal. Business flows in as usual come rain come shine. This makes it a worthwhile venture to delve into. When I started writing about profitable businesses in Kenya in our Profitable Business Ideas WhatsApp Group, I got these questions a lot, “What’s the most profitable business in Kenya? What business can I start with Ksh.20,000 to make Ksh.1,000 daily? What is the best business in Kenya….”



I did not realize this so soon and so my answers kept conflicting… One day I would say, saloon business was the best, the next car wash, tents for hire… then grocery store business. Not until sometimes ago when I was at my favorite Kinyozi (Wineca Executive Barbershop). The shop was full of executive clients waiting for executive cuts. And I thought to myself; if there are 15 seats in this shop — all serving — each client paying Ksh.300 for a cut, Then by the time we all walk out, the house makes Ksh.4,500. In like what, 30 minutes?

Not so much money after all, right?
Now assume — each barber serves 5 clients per day.
Give or take, this shop makes Ksh.22,500 per day.
Hypothetically.
If those figures don’t make this business the best then I don’t know what does.

Here are 5 more reasons why the Executive Barbershop Hustle is yet the best small business in Kenya.

*The Kenyan middle class is growing and with it, more people are willing to pay more money for executive things – haircuts being on the list.
*As an executive barbershop owner, you can make between Ksh.100 and Ksh.1,000 per cut depending on your locations, shaving style and after shaving services. For example, I pay Ksh.300 for my haircut in Wineca Kisumu — Ksh.500 for the same cut in TRM’s Kings and Queens Salon (Nairobi) and even more in other malls.

*With time, haircut customers develop personal relationships with barbers — where the dresser understands the client’s styles and vice versa. This is an advantage to the house because you are guaranteed to get repeat business if the last cut was good.
*Executive barbershop business does not require excess capital to start.
*Manpower to run the business is easily available.

Step 1: Getting Started



Before you start your own barbershop you will need to become a barber. A beauty course in one of the many training centres in the country is inexpensive, and you can complete school and obtain your recommendations within a short period. If however you’re not interested in becoming a barber (or if you are busy with your current occupation) then you can always consider the option of hiring a trained barber.

Step 2: Find Ideal Premises



Of course, the ideal location is one that is easy to locate and access. Most first-time customers to your business will be walk-in customers and therefore it is important to maximize on available foot traffic by choosing a strategic location for your business. Keep in mind that you might be required to pay a good-will fee on some of the prime locations. Average rent prices in residential areas in urban centres vary from Ksh.5,000 – Ksh.15,000. The same unit may go for Ksh.1,000 – Ksh.5,000 in rural areas. High end streets attract premium rents of above Ksh.80 per square foot. Keep in mind that some landlords require payment of a deposit prior to moving in. So just to be safe, set aside a budget of Ksh.20,000 for premises if you are moving into a Ksh.10,000 per month premises.

Step 3: Shop Fit Out



Call in a carpenter to carry out a basic shop fit out. This may include installing mirrors, cabinets as well as painting the shop. On average carpentry labour costs Ksh.1,000 per day. The entire project may take three days and therefore you should budget for Ksh.15,000 or thereabout.

Step 4: Apply For Licenses



The most basic form of license you will require in order to operate is the single business permit. Cost of this permit varies from county to county with small stalls attracting as little as Ksh.7,000 license cost per year in some regions.
Those in the Nairobi Metropolitan region are advised to set aside at least Ksh.20,000 for single business permit.

Step 5: Buy Equipment

The following is an example of a shopping list you can use. Note that it is not mandatory to buy all the items listed as you start. You can forego some of them and stock up on as the business grows.


*2 Basic barber chairs – Ksh.10,000 each (Locally made)
*2 WAHL Clippers – Ksh.3,000 each
*Equipment Sterilizer – Ksh.10,000
*Locally Made Sink Seat – Ksh.15,000
*Cosmetic Products – Ksh.3,000 (Including spirit and after-shave)
*Fabric sheets, towels, apron – Ksh.3,000
*Hair Style Charts – Ksh.1,000
*2 Waiting or Lounge Chairs – Ksh.750 each (Plastic chairs)
*Water heating & storage – Ksh.5,000
*Small Basins – Ksh.1,000
*Backup Generator – Ksh.50,000
*Entertainment System – Ksh.30,000

Step 6: Build A Clientele


Once you start the business, you will need to build a clientele by giving great services and good value for money to your clients. That means treating each customer like royalty every time they step into your shop. Good customer service, neatness, good hygiene and reliability are just but a few qualities you should adopt to woo more loyal followers.

Tips



-Evenings are peak hours as well as weekends and public holidays
-You may consider adding a money agency business (e.g M-Pesa or Agency Bank) on the side to ensure steady supply of business
-The business typically takes 6 months to reach peak
-High-end executive barbershops charge Ksh.500 for a routine hair trim while standard ones charge Ksh.150. If you are targeting low income earners then Ksh.50 per trim would be a fair bet.
-You will make more money by adding other services like hair dying, face scrubbing, face steaming, manicure and pedicure.

How Much To Invest



If you are planning to start at full-scale operations then you will require a budget of at least Ksh.200,000 (For a standard executive barbershop). However you can always start small with Ksh.50,000 e.g. by reducing on your list of equipment and renting out a small room.

How Much To Expect



On average a well performing Kinyozi can give a net profit of 30% of total investment per month.

Final Word



The executive barbershop business idea is an ideal option for anyone who wishes to widen their fishing net. And you don’t have to be a trained barber to start one. You can simply use your entrepreneurial prowess to start, then train a few young men from your area and recruit them to work for you. That way you will not only have established a source of livelihood for yourself but also helped create employment for deserving young men and women.
Your barbershop might take a few months to reach a peak. But, once it peaks and you have a loyal clientele, you are good to go. With time, your barbershop will expand in terms of profit, capacity, and personnel. If you think about it, go for it. A well-located executive barbershop can well be your side hustle or main hustle.

*Written and compile By*
Gabriel Your business mentor and consultant For more inquiries whatsapp 0741351726

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