Caroline, a 28-year-old single mother of 2, has turned her passion for hairdressing into a successful business and runs a thriving hair salon where she lives.
Besides plaiting people’s hair, Caroline sells beauty products, clothes, shoes and bags among other items.
Caroline divorced her husband and moved back to her parents’ house with her 2 children. Life was not easy, as they had to rely on seasonal agriculture for survival. During the off-season, she took on piece jobs, cleaning people’s homes for a small fee, which, however, was not enough to meet her needs.
One day, Caroline attended a local community meeting at her local business centre where she found out about a hairdressing course. As this was always her passion, she signed up right away.
“I trained in cosmetology as part of a group of 20 under Plan International’s programme. We learned hair plaiting, makeup, and pedicure,” Caroline explains.
“From a young age, I always had a passion for hairdressing. I would often play with people’s hair, but I didn’t have the knowledge or skills to make it a career. So, when this opportunity came, I jumped at it.”
Caroline
“From a young age, I always had a passion for hairdressing. I would often play with people’s hair, but I didn’t have the knowledge or skills to make it a career. So, when this opportunity came, I jumped at it.”
The programme’s hands-on training, coupled with an attachment at a local salon, gave Caroline the confidence to start her own business.
“During my attachment at [the salon], I gained so much experience that clients started following me for my services even after I had left. That’s when I realised I could turn my passion into a source of income,” she says with pride.
Today, Caroline’s thriving salon supports her family and enables her to dream bigger.
“I can now afford to pay rent for both my house and the salon. I also want to create jobs for other youths in my community.”
Caroline
“I can now afford to pay rent for both my house and the salon. In a good week, I make up to USD50. With hard work and determination, I have already bought a residential stand where I want to build my own salon and home. I also want to create jobs for other youths in my community,” she added.
Caroline’s new-found economic stability has also brought profound changes to her family’s daily life.
“Before this training, we survived on eating sadza twice a day. Now, we can have tea for breakfast, something we could not afford before. My eldest child is now in school, and the younger one is starting next year. I am happy to say I can provide for them without relying on anyone.”
Sharing her success story with other youths
Despite her busy schedule, Caroline has not closed the door on other youths.
“I have met youths and shared my journey to motivate them. I show them that no matter the challenges, your life can change with hard work and determination.”
Despite her success, Caroline acknowledges the hurdles she faces as a young entrepreneur.
“Some clients do not disclose that they don’t have money until after I have done their hair, which affects my business. I also have to deal with negative perceptions about salons being gossip hubs or being labelled as loose women or prostitutes. I have learnt to ignore these distractions and stay focused on what matters – providing for my family and growing my business.”
Caroline dreams of expanding her business, which she says is often hampered by the lack of power.
“If I can get modern equipment like blowers, chemicals, and reliable electricity, my business can grow even more. Lack of power is a major setback.”
Her journey is a beacon of hope for many, proving that with the right opportunities and support, young people can transform their lives and communities.
“I am very happy that I am now independent and can take care of myself and my children. Plan International gave me a lifeline, and I’m determined to make the most of it,” she concludes with a smile.
About the project
Caroline pursued a qualification in Cosmetology through the Sparking the Future of Youths project, a collaborative initiative between Plan International Zimbabwe and Divine Foundation Trust.
The project aims to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of 1000 direct and 8000 indirect youth, particularly young women, in Chiredzi District by addressing unemployment, gender-based discrimination, and climate-related challenges. It incorporates climate-smart agriculture and green skills to enhance sustainability and market linkages.
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