Becky Manige Quit Her Teaching Job to Run a Beauty Parlour!

Barely a year into her job as a teacher at Agakhan High School,  23-year-old Becky Manige was already bored. With the help of her partner she decided to let go of a great career to pursue a challenging business venture, for which she had no prior training or experience. Two years into it, there were no clients but she didn’t budge.

Later this year, the now 28-year-old businesswoman will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of her business, Head Turners Executive Salon, a unisex luxury beauty parlour located on Theatre Labonita building, Kimathi Avenue. The facility offers everything from haircare, men’s grooming, makeup, pedicure, manicure and massage. 

How and when did you hatch the idea of opening Head Turners Executive Salon? 

When I was a younger woman, I had this dream of doing a business that I’m passionate about. However, I did not know which business would suit me. I remember sitting down with my boyfriend then (husband now) and we zeroed down to opening a beauty parlour. This was a no-brainer because I’m a beauty girl – just seeing people looking good gives lots of satisfaction. This was in 2016, and I still a teacher.

You’re a professional teacher. How and why did you choose to let go of teaching to run a salon?

Yes, I’m a professional teacher. I landed my first and last teaching job at Agakhan High School. It was a great experience I should say, however one year into it, I realised it wasn’t for me. I was already bored by a career path I had chosen to take. I figured out what business I’d start with the budget I had, and beauty came calling. I resigned months later because the business needed my full attention.

How easy (or hard) was it turning your passion into business? 

It wasn’t easy at all! The first two years were rough because I completely had no salon business background. Besides, I was managing staff of 35 people, most whom being much older than I was. I was 23 years old at the time. The stiff competition from all the beauty salons in town was another shocker. I, however, didn’t stop marketing. One thing that I can swear by any day is great customer care of my staff which kept us open during that challenging phase of the business. From the very first day, treating our clients with love and care has been priority number one. We also try as much as possible to innovate as we deliver our services. 

Like they say, patience indeed pays, we’ve never stopped. I opened with one room which has since grown into the big floor space we have. I’m really thankful and grateful to God. We shall be celebrating our 5th anniversary end of this year.  My heart and soul has gone into making this space as productive as possible and I seek to always maintain that integrity with every step I make.

How did you source the funds to start? 

Whmmm! All I can say is that it was one of those miracles from God. Remember, I started small. It wasn’t this beautiful space you see now. I can’t put a finger on how much it was, because then, I found myself pouring in everything I got my hands on every other time.

Beauty is such a personal thing. Everyone is attached to their hairdresser, barber and makeup artist. How do you ensure to provide quality services, good enough to retain clients? 

It is a very tricky business I agree. Fact is, you can never attract everyone to come into your salon. You have to position your brand to appeal to a portion of the market. Those, then, are the ones you consistently market to. One other thing is I ensure to hire the best hairdressers, manicurists, makeup artists and barbers. I go ahead to empower and encourage them to deliver as required. I’m in every single day doing supervision.

At the end of the month, we sit down and evaluate our work. It’s then that we remind ourselves of our values as Head Turners Salon; Quality service, Great customer care and Respect for one another. 

What impact has the pandemic had on the business? 

I have interfaced many challenges, some unique others not, but the Covid 19 pandemic Oh My God! Till today we haven’t recovered from its impact. First of all, we lost many great employees during lockdown. It was so long, they chose to switch careers or find work elsewhere. We also lost many clients, who till now, prefer to receive services at home. Our sales dropped like never before, it was heart wrenching.

However, we are slowly recovering from it. Although, it seems the pandemic is not about to end. Maybe the worst is yet to come, who knows? We are still very hopeful, doing the best we can and adjusting every other time. 

Any regrets letting your teaching job go? 

Zero

Away from work, how would you describe Becky Manige?

I would describe myself as someone who is dependable, reliable, creative and hardworking. I’m happily married with two boys I proudly call my children. I’m passionate about beauty and fitness. In my free time you’ll most probably find me spending time with my family. It’s my first love. 

How do you create life & work balance? 

It’s simple, I set boundaries. My family is always priority number one on my list. And, definitely I make sacrifices because I’m still growing the business.

Future prospects.. 

My goal in life is to be Happy, Healthy, wealthy and Wise. 

Styling – Jwara UG

Hair & Makeup – Head Turners Executive Salon

Photos – Fawn Pictures

satisfashionug@gmail.com