Lucy Kifalu is an entrepreneur running a barbershop and salon in Malindi, Kilifi County.
Despite being in a male-dominated industry, she has managed to steer the business for over five years now.
Additionally, Lucy works with an all-female staff in a bid to empower and better lives of women in her community.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Lucy runs Kifalu’s Beauty Salon and Haircut where she offers among other services massages, manicure, pedicure, hairdressing and face scrub.
In an interview on Citizen TV, the entrepreneur noted that she started off by working at a local salon in her locality.
She then joined Catholic Institute in Malindi and pursued a cosmetology course.
It was after her graduation from the college when she opened her barbershop and employed three female staff.
“I employed female staff because I wanted to run a unique barbershop and do away with the belief that women cannot be engaged in such professions,” Lucy said.
However, her fears were confirmed as most male clients were initially doubtful of her capability to shave.
Lucy was brave enough to stand the challenges and it was not long before male clients started walking-in and inquire about her services.
“With time, male customers started walking in and most of them we eager to have the experience of being shaved by female barbers,” she stated.
Valentine Betty who works at the shop as a barber said the job has saved her from unemployment, and it has helped her take care of her children and family.
She developed an interest in barbering after interacting with Lucy.
“I met Lucy and from the way she would shave her clients, I was interested and from our interaction, here I am,” she said.
Lucy hopes to expand her business and set up branches in other places as well as establishing a college.