Johannesburg - Well-known barber and entrepreneur Willie Mogemi is committed to being more than just a popular hairdresser, as he details his interest in using his influence to empower and guide young people to make sensible choices in life.
The entrepreneur from Soweto shares on how he has grown from strength to strength over the past few years, building his brand, which has also gained recognition in local schools.
Mogemi was animated in sharing particulars of the recent school programme with his associate, Lakokota Piano, which has given them the platform to have a one-on-one with pupils and build relationships with them.
Isu’Lihle Senior Primary School in Soweto was one of the schools that were chosen to be part of the initiative.
He explained how he had been able to influence young pupils to open up about their difficulties, which were predominantly depression and suicidal feelings.
He revealed he has been doing school tours, encouraging pupils to speak up about matters pertaining to their well-being.
“I was doing a school tour as part of giving back to the community. Well, kids that got depression... (it) helped them to look at themselves better after having a haircut. It was a great opportunity to encourage young leaders of tomorrow on my behalf as a professional barber.
“It’s not easy for a child to open up to a stranger, it takes influence, influence, and confidence to dig down into kids’ feelings and make them talk; to make a kid tell you about his own situation. So that is the reason why I am there as an influencer in my community because these kids look up to me, so my dream is to help connect them to a better institution. For instance, better psychologists and better assistance in these hospitals they go to,” shared Mogemi.
“I want to build a programme where kids do come through whenever they have depression instead of these community clinics that have them wait for months before helping them, or you have to pay money before people can help you.”
Asked about what inspires all his work, he said: “It is the creativity that comes to life.
“The community, the people that come through and give me a challenge, is what inspires me to take myself further. Because I am an artistic person, I tend to challenge myself every day to do something new.”
Willie hopes to build a franchise that will generate employment for young people and also have programmes that will up-skill them, particularly in schools.
The Star