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.
Below is a step-by-step guide on what it takes to start an executive
barbershop.
Kinyozi Business Idea in Kenya
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 Ksh5,000 – Ksh15,000.
The same unit may go for Ksh1,000 – Ksh5,000 in rural areas. High end streets
attract premium rents of above Ksh80 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 Ksh20,000 for premises if you’re moving into a
Ksh10,000 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 Ksh1,000 per day. The entire project may take three days and therefore
you should budget for Ksh15,000 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 Ksh7,000 license cost per year in some regions.
Those in the Nairobi Metropolitan region are advised to set aside at least
Ksh20,000 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 – Ksh10,000 each (Locally made)
*2 WAHL
Clippers – Ksh3,000 each
*Equipment
Sterilizer – Ksh10,000
*Locally Made
Sink Seat – Ksh15,000
*Cosmetic
Products – Ksh3,000 (Including spirit and after-shave)
*Fabric
sheets, towels, apron – Ksh3,000
*Hair Style
Charts – Ksh1,000
*2 Waiting or
Lounge Chairs – Ksh750 each (Plastic chairs)
*Water
heating & storage – Ksh5,000
*Small Basins
– Ksh1,000
*Backup
Generator – Ksh50,000
*Entertainment
System – Ksh30,000
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 an money agent 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 Ksh500 for a routine hair trim while standard ones
charge Ksh150. If you’re targetting low income earners then Ksh50 per trim
would be a fair bet.
How Much To Invest
If you’re
planning to start at full-scale operations then you’ll require a budget of at
least 200,000 (For a standard executive barbershop). However you can always
start small with Ksh50,000 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’ll not only have established a source of livelihood for yourself but also helped create employment for deserving young men and women.