Many misperceive barbing as a “dirty job.” Yet, the barbing industry keeps welcoming new barbers and investors, including females who are getting more interested in the business.
Better Agbori told mangrovepen.ng that she is in love with barbing, admitting that she killed her interest in learning electrical wiring for barbing after her secondary education in 2015.
According to her, “After my WAEC exam, I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I was considering electrical work, but I later fell in love with barbing
“My neighbour asked if I’d like to be a barber because their company trains females in barbing for three months in Yenagoa. I agreed and the training was extended to six months.
“I later did seven months industrial training in my uncle’s salon.”
Better hails from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and she is a 100 level student of the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island.
“I’ve never felt ashamed of being a barber. In fact, being a barber is the best thing that has happened to me.
“Barbing has taken me to places I never thought I will be and met with people I never imagined meeting. Barbing is now a lifestyle I can’t be ashamed of.
“When I started barbing, some said I’m just looking for men to sleep with for money. Those words weighed me down, but many now appreciate my passion for barbing and I feel proud of it.”
She disclosed that she is the personal barber to a Bayelsa lawmaker and his family, adding that she does more outdoor barbing.
Better said that “Many people have promised to help me set up my barbing salon and sponsor my education, but none of these promises have been kept.
“Not having my barbing salon has made me lose many clients.”
She hinted that although she is saving to establish her barbing salon, she still has many bills to foot to reduce the huge financial burden on her brother who is sponsoring her education.
When asked if she had been sexually harassed by male clients, she said: “I know when a man needs something else, and I make it very clear that I don’t do that. So I can’t say any client has harassed me sexually.
“I know what I am going for. So immediately someone makes advances, I stand my ground. I tell them I only barb and don’t do anything extra.”
Better advised youths to stick to any productive thing they are fond of doing and be deaf to side talks, as it may discourage them from reaching their dreams.
“Be focused on what you love doing. No matter how small it is, it’s better than doing nothing.
“The money you get from your work is better than the money given you for free.”
