Many young people struggle to start their dreams because they fear what others will say. But for 27-year-old Jean Claude, commonly known as JC, the laughter from his friends became his motivation.
In 2021, JC was an unemployed young man living in Nyamirambo. He always loved hair styling, but he did not have the money or support to join a professional training school. One day, he got a chance to work in a small salon as a helper. His job was simple: sweeping the floor, washing hair, and arranging hair products.
“When I told my friends that I wanted to work in a salon and become a hairdresser, they laughed at me,” JC said. Some said that salon work was only for women, and others told me I would stay poor forever.
Even though the words hurt him, he continued working. He watched the salon owner every day, asking questions and practicing on mannequin heads during break time. He used the little salary he got to buy a second-hand hair clipper so he could train more during the evenings.
His big change came when he started watching free online tutorials on hair cutting and styling. He practiced on supportive neighbors and sometimes offered free haircuts just to improve his skills. Slowly, people began to notice that he was talented and creative.
Two years later, JC opened his own salon called JC Touch Salon. Today, the salon is busy every day. He receives more than 50 customers per week. Some come from far places because they heard about his professional work. JC has also trained two young boys who are now working with him.
“Success does not come in one day,” JC said proudly. “I kept working even when no one believed in me.”
One of his workmates, Eric, said, “JC is good at his work. He listens to what customers want, and he is always improving.”
JC’s story teaches young people that work is not defined by what others think. He encourages the youth to follow their dreams, even if they start small.
