Umuhoza Freddy, popularly known as Nana, discovered her passion for hairdressing through social media. What began as a simple interest quickly turned into a thriving business, surpassing her initial expectations.
Nana’s professional journey began in the hospitality industry, where she held various roles. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck Rwanda, she seized the opportunity to pursue hairdressing.
Umuhoza dedicated herself to learning from tutorial videos on social media, focusing on techniques shared by experienced braiders. She specialized in unique styles that were not widely available in Rwanda, setting herself apart in the industry.
As her skills grew, Nana began sharing her work on social media, where it received significant praise and attention. This exposure led her to approach Rwandan celebrities, offering her hairstyling services, and many accepted, leading to successful collaborations.
After working from home for three years, Nana expanded her business to a professional space, where she now trains and employs a team of up to 12 young men and women.
Reflecting on her journey, Nana attributes her success to her hands-on skills and the reinvestment of earnings into her business. “My hands were my initial capital,” she explained. “I didn’t need anything else but my skill in braiding. The money from my clients allowed me to purchase the necessary supplies, such as hair extensions.”
Despite her success, Nana faced numerous challenges, including meeting her clients’ expectations. “Matching a client’s vision requires patience and understanding,” she noted. “Sometimes, they show you a picture and request a specific style, but after you recreate it, they might say it’s not what they wanted.”
Nana now reflects on the traditional notion that prestigious jobs are those found in offices. She wishes she had ventured into her own business earlier, as it has proven to be far more rewarding than she ever imagined.
“If there’s something you’re passionate about, don’t dismiss it just because it seems small,” she advised. “When I started in the braiding business, people mocked us, saying it was a job for the uneducated or school dropouts. Whether it’s tailoring or another craft, embrace your talent, cultivate it, and work hard—it will grow over time.”
Umuhoza Nana dreams of owning a large salon fully equipped with all the necessary tools and expanding her business across all provinces, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest hairstyles.
