WHEN the word artist comes to mind, many people think of world-renowned painters such as Pablo Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci. But barbers also have the skills and talent to shape our hair into all kinds of styles and even art. But unfortunately, we fail to give them their flowers because we don't classify them as artists.
Thabang Chappie (35) from Mapetla, Soweto always dreamt of being an artist. He had to search for what type of artist he wanted to become because for a long time he didn’t know where to channel his art style.
“I remember that I was always hanging around barbershops and salons in my hood without thinking about why I was there,” said Thabang.
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He volunteered at a local barbershop and his mentor, Karabo, also known as “King Cutter”, allowed him to start cutting people's hair. He also specialised in chiskop and helped to wash clients' hair.
“The artist in me jumped out and I found myself experimenting with patterns and shapes on the clients who were willing to take the risk with me,” said Thabang.
“It has been almost 15 years and I feel like I’m a doctor. A client will arrive in my shop feeling moody and unconfident but will leave my salon feeling like a million bucks,” said Thabang.
The challenge that Thabang faces at his barbershop is load shedding as he uses electronic clippers, and he can't operate without power.
“My plea to the authorities is to be mindful of small business owners like me who are trying very hard to work for themselves.”
Achu Barbershop now employs people and Thabang told SNL24 that his dream is to have branches around Soweto and open an academy where he'll share his skills with youngsters who are interested in the craft.
