Rwandan hairdresser Rehema Akimana recently shared a surprising story about an unforgettable mistake she made early in her career — accidentally shaving off a client’s entire hair. The incident, which she revealed during an interview with IGIHE TV, turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons in her professional journey.
Speaking with journalist Migabo Panthera, Rehema recalled the day things went unexpectedly wrong while attending to one of her clients.
“At the time, I was still learning the craft. My tools weren’t in good shape, but I thought I could manage,” she said. “After a few minutes, I realized my machine wasn’t working properly — before I knew it, I had shaved off all the client’s hair!”
Rehema explained that the experience left her embarrassed and discouraged. She feared it might be the end of her career before it even began. However, instead of getting angry, her client surprisingly comforted her and encouraged her to keep improving her skills.
“I took it as a lesson,” Rehema added with a smile. “Now, I’m one of the barbers many clients trust. Whenever I remember that day, I see it as part of my growth.”
Today, Rehema is among the young female barbers making a name for themselves in Kigali. She continues to inspire other young women to take on professions traditionally viewed as male-dominated and to pursue them with passion and confidence.
Rehema’s story is a reminder that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. What began as a mistake became the foundation of her determination and growth in the world of hairstyling.
