Considering Starting a Business as a Young Barber: A Personal Journey
As a young professional, the decision to venture into entrepreneurship can feel daunting, especially when you have a stable career in place. At just 18 years old, I find myself at a crossroads, contemplating whether now is the right time to launch my own barbershop.
Since the age of 13, I’ve dedicated myself to the craft of barbering, working an impressive 45 hours a week. In those early years, I honed my skills through countless free haircuts before embarking on an apprenticeship at 15. It was during this time that I received valuable guidance that helped me refine my techniques and eliminate some bad habits. By the time I turned 16, I had earned my barber’s license and continued to balance my work life with high school by opting out of advanced classes. This decision allowed me to complete my studies while still immersing myself in the barbering world.
Now, with five years of professional experience under my belt and two years’ worth of savings totaling around $80,000, I find myself contemplating the leap into business ownership. My father believes I’m in an excellent position to start my own shop, especially since I can still live at home while I navigate this new venture.
One of the most promising aspects of my career thus far is the strong clientele I’ve cultivated within my local Muslim community. I consistently have appointments booked out for two weeks in advance, which reassures me that there is a demand for my services.
However, I still feel uncertain if this is the right time to initiate such a significant career move. Should I consider remaining at my current barbershop for a while longer, increasing my hours, or saving more money before diving into entrepreneurship?
Starting a business is no small feat, and while my experience and savings speak volumes, I also want to ensure that I take the right steps forward. If you’re in a similar position, weighing the pros and cons of launching a business at a young age, I encourage you to reflect deeply on your goals and assess both your readiness and the potential impact of such a decision.
What would you do in my shoes? Your insights could help guide my journey toward entrepreneurship.
