HAIRDRESSER Victoria Makgoo's touch of magic inspires women in her village.
Victoria (35) from Morapaneng Village in Burgersfort, Limpopo owns a salon and also teaches women how to do braids to make money.
“We all know that Mzansi has a high rate of unemployment.
“It’s crucial to do something by opening small businesses such as selling food or salons to fight poverty,” said Victoria.
She told Daily Sun that besides running her business, she meets women once a month in the area to talk about hair.
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Through Sekhukhune Environmental Justice Network, Victoria has been given a platform to teach other women how to do braids to fight poverty and also use it as therapy.
“We meet once a month and talk about the importance of hair, how to manage your hair up to the best, and how to make a living through hair,” said Victoria.
Her unique hair-planting technique has made her a symbol of style and beauty. According to Victoria, people love to feel good about themselves.
"That's why I see doing hair as a special treat, and a little luxury that makes people feel great. I love starting and finishing different hairstyles. Seeing the immediate results of my work each day is satisfying," she said.
Victoria said the lack of job opportunities led her to become a hairdresser.
"I lost my office job seven years ago. After that, I remembered the talent I had as a teenager. It felt like a voice told me that my purpose was to do people's hair.
“So, I started with a few clients and gradually became popular not only in my village, but also in nearby areasplaces," Victoria said.
She specialises in various hairstyles such as knotlebraids, braids, straight back and up, freehand/cornrow, needle, Ben and Betty, twists, and other custom-made styles.
She said that her most popular style is the freehand, especially for children.
"It's easy to maintain and doesn't take much time. If I wait too long, it might be harder to do, especially if the hair is dry or has dandruff and needs washing first. Otherwise, I can do up to five in a day," she said.
She hopes to open branches all over Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts.
“My goal is to offer make-up, nail, and spa services, making her salon a one-stop beauty destination,” said Victoria.
Tshepiso Thobejane said Victoria is passionate about her work.
“I’ve been her client for the past two years, and she gives her best in her work," she said.
Thembi Jali said she attended one of the sessions to learn how to do braids offered by Victoria.
“The session was more than learning skills. It also served as a therapy for the women who were there. We shared our problems and advise one another on how to deal with them,” said Thembi.
