Introduction

While other teens might indulge in video games or binge-watching their favorite shows, 13-year-old Keanu Akbar is carving out a unique entrepreneurial path from the stairwell of his HDB block in Clementi, Singapore. With a mere $8 per haircut, this industrious secondary school student is not only earning pocket money but also pursuing a passionate hobby.

Motivation and Skills

Motivated by a past experience of a botched haircut, Keanu decided to take matters into his own hands. “I thought to myself that I could do a way better job cutting my own hair,” Keanu shared in an interview. He diligently turned to online resources to educate himself in hair-cutting techniques and, by December 2024, was ready to cut hair for others.

Establishment of His Salon

Over the past few months, Keanu has honed his skills through practice on his older brother and friends, leading to the establishment of his makeshift 'salon' on the stairwell. This unconventional setup has proven successful — since starting this side hustle, he has earned over $800, largely through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers, including his own family members.

Social Media Marketing

Interestingly, Keanu has embraced social media as a marketing tool, regularly posting his haircutting adventures on TikTok and Instagram. Some of Keanu's videos have gone viral, with one exceeding 138,000 views and garnering over 2,000 likes, amplifying his reach and clientele.

Family Skepticism and Support

Despite his entrepreneurial success, Keanu faced skepticism from his father, Iyan, who initially doubted his son's ability to balance work and academics. "I didn’t have much faith in him and was unsure about his skills at first," Iyan admitted. However, after experiencing Keanu's haircuts firsthand, his opinions changed, and he now appreciates his son's craftsmanship.

Commitment to Education

"Now, I’m saving money by letting him cut my hair,” Iyan remarked, indicating the family's support for Keanu's dreams. They have also helped him invest in better tools to enrich his cutting skills while ensuring his academic performance remains a priority. Keanu’s commitment to his studies is evident; he reserves weekends for his hair-cutting business but dedicates his evenings to schoolwork.

Future Aspirations

With his O-Levels looming in three years, Keanu is steadfast in his desire to pursue hairdressing as a career. "It's not just about cutting hair; it's about making someone feel confident and good about themselves," he says. His ultimate aspiration is to open his own barbershop one day, a dream he is actively working towards as he continues to refine his skills and learn the trade.

Conclusion

With determination and creativity, Keanu Akbar exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of Singapore's youth, showing that passion paired with hard work can lead to incredible opportunities, even from the unlikeliest of places—a stairwell.