23 Sep 2014

It is often said that some people are born talented, but add mentorship to talent and you will definitely get a perfect individual with moving outcomes.

Mentors have the required knowledge, experience and sometimes resources to nature a talent, and the effectiveness of mentoring depends much on the willingness and obedience of a person who is mentored.

This is an observation by Ms Thato Mai, a 28-year-old resident of Lehututu, whose hair dressing talent has earned her a good reputation amongst many, who always chase after her service. 

Recounting her history in an interview, the gifted hairdresser said she never acquired any formal training in hair dressing, safe to say that it is a talent from God.

She revealed back during her days at Lehututu Primary School, out of naivety did people’s hair, particularly her friends and family members, for free, little realising that her talent was growing.

As a novice she knew she needed some training and it was while at junior secondary school that, during school vacations, she would meet people with hair dressing knowledge.

Ms Mai highlighted that that was when she started knowing how to use hair machines such as dryer and products such as avocado oil, and various hair sprays.

In 2004, the Lehututu-born hair dresser continued her high school at Matsha College, and the following year, her supportive father passed away after a long illness putting pressure on her to develop survival strategies.

“I survived by doing people’s hair, including students and teachers, and the weekends were always busy for me,” she said.

Ms Mai admitted that it had never been her dream to make any career out of her hairdressing because after completing BGCSE, She went for further training in electrical and installation (Trade B) at Ghanzi Brigade. 

Her expectation was that upon completion she would easily be absorbed in the labour market, but things derailed from the anticipated plan in 2009 as she found herself at the receiving end of unemployment, she said.

She locked her certificates in a box and used her talent to eke  a  living and the same year she got an employment with a local saloon and the reward was commission based. 

The platform gave her more popularity and the impetus she needed to start up her own business, particularly because many customers were attracted to the saloon because of her.

Furthermore, she said it was at her previous employer where her talent got exposed to its apex. She described her former employer as loving and always encourages her to accomplish her dreams.

After a considerable thought and encouragement from her fiancé, she decided to start her own business, which is today, strategically located in a small complex next to the community hall.

Unlike her peers who start their business on credit, Ms Mai kick-started her business with her own savings. She bought all the necessary machinery needed in hair dressing.

She has also employed one person who assists her during busy hours.

Mai believes that her success has come with hard work, passion and good customer care. ENDS