Nation

Meet the Innovative Educator Earning Extra Income as a Barber in Toa Payoh

2024-10-25

Author: Wei Ling

Introduction

In a remarkable blend of passion and entrepreneurship, Nurkhai Arina, a 29-year-old pre-school physical education teacher, has embarked on an exciting side hustle as a barber straight out of her Toa Payoh flat. Teaming up with a close friend, she officially launched KZ Barbershop this past August, catering to the local community with a unique service right from the corridor of her home.

Services Offered

Specializing in men's haircuts and chic short hairstyles for women, Nurkhai has quickly gained traction, averaging about five clients each evening. Many of her customers are loyal patrons who followed her from a salon where she spent five years honing her skills. Her cozy corridor setup allows her to charge a modest fee of $28 per haircut, making it an accessible option for many in the neighborhood.

Social Media Presence

Nurkhai's entrepreneurial journey has taken off on social media, particularly on TikTok, where she shares engaging videos of her barbering experiences along with insights into starting a business. The response from the online community has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous netizens offering their encouragement and support.

Community Support

In an interview, Nurkhai expressed her desire not only to run her own business but also to inspire others by showcasing that entrepreneurship can indeed sprout from humble beginnings. Thankfully, her family stands firmly behind her, and she enjoys the support of her neighbors, who have expressed no issues with her innovative setup. To maintain a clean environment, she diligently sweeps the corridor at the end of each day, ensuring that no hair remains behind.

Future Aspirations

This budding barber has no intention of stopping here; Nurkhai dreams of expanding her business into a fully-fledged barbershop complete with air conditioning and hair-washing services. "This is just the beginning," she declared confidently. "There are many more services I can provide."

Conclusion

As Nurkhai continues to grow her side hustle, she serves as a reminder that with creativity and determination, anyone can forge their own path in business, regardless of where they start. Keep an eye on this inspiring educator; the future looks bright for KZ Barbershop!