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Nairobi Hustle: Meet barber whose clientele include politicians and musicians – VIDEO


When Joe Muthua started his barber business in a tiny room, he did not know that he would one day shave politicians, musicians and other high profile Kenyans one day.

Onestop Barbers has since grown to offer overall men grooming services that include pedicure, manicure and head massage.

From operating as the only barber, Muthua now has about 20 employees that include shampoo and massage girls, manicurists and barbers.

He attributes his growth to hard work and tenacity that has kept him going despite the challenges.

“Every business has challenges and the only way to survive is to wake up every time you get knocked down by different challenges. I used to fear moving to a more spacious location because of the prohibitive rent but I overcame and opened up to clients who supported me to be able to afford the rent,” Muthua told Nairobi Hustle.

His advice to budding entrepreneurs is for them to be ready to take risks so as to grow from one level to the next.

“There is nothing as fulfilling as having your own business. First take the risk to start a business with little or no capital depending on the idea. When expansion opportunities come your way, do not be afraid, take the risk without fearing to fail and you will be successful,” Muthua says.

FAMOUS CLIENTS

When Nairobi News visited Onestop, we found Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and gospel artiste Pitson among Muthua’s clients for the day.

Ali said he has been a client of Muthua’s long before the barber expanded to occupy the new spacious location at Pioneer Building.

“They are professionals, always giving me the perfect service and so I always have to keep coming back to them,” the MP said.

Pitson has stuck with Onestop for the last six years and says that the only time he visits a different barber is when he travels out of the country.

“The few times I have shaved elsewhere I end up coming to Onestop Barbers as they are the only guys who give me that perfect cut, dye, manicure and pedicure,” Pitson said.

Muthua, who is passionate about mentoring young people, says he loves offering free advice to those intending to become entrepreneurs.

“I would like to urge any wannabe entrepreneur to come so that I can offer ideas and share lessons that I have learnt over the years,” he says.