This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 31, 2019, The Standard published an inspiring story of Gladys Kanyiri, a hairdresser from Meru town who turned her passion into a successful business.
After completing Form Four, Kanyiri's options were limited to a short course in hairdressing or early marriage. However, she was determined to make something of herself and approached the owner of a local beauty salon to take her on as an apprentice.
For six months, Kanyiri learned every aspect of hairdressing and later landed a job as an assistant at a popular salon in Meru town. Despite the low pay and strict employer, Kanyiri worked hard and saved every penny she could spare.
She bought essential items for her future salon, including basins, towels, mirrors, and a blow dryer, and stored them in her house. With her savings, Kanyiri eventually opened her own salon, located along Ghana Street in Meru town.
However, the business did not take off immediately. For an entire month, Kanyiri only had two clients, but she did not give up. By the third month, her fortunes shifted, and many of her former clients followed her to her new salon.
Today, Kanyiri's salon is thriving, and she has trained several assistants and apprentices. She attributes her success to her high standards of hygiene, which she believes are essential for any salon.
“The biggest lesson I have learnt in this business is the importance of hygiene. Clients are very conscious about the cleanliness of combs and towels even though they may not question you directly and that is why I go through over 60 towels a day,” Kanyiri said in an interview.
