What began as an attempt to cut his grandfather’s hair has become a mobile grooming business for KNUST alumnus Robin Ohene Adjeku, who is working to make barbering more convenient through appointments at clients’ homes.

Featured in this edition of KNUST Plus, Ohene Adjeku, founder of Aro Cutz shares how a skill he returned to during financial difficulties at university became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey.

His introduction to barbering came when his grandfather invited him to cut his hair, despite knowing he had no previous experience. Armed with a comb and a blade, he accepted the challenge. The first attempt did not go well, but further practice encouraged him to continue.

“After a couple of tries, I realised that I had a skill in me,” he said.

Years later, while studying at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, financial difficulties at home prompted him to take up barbering again. As he cut hair for clients on campus, recommendations and referrals brought him more customers.

“So after uni, I realised that this is something that I’m good at and I’m passionate about, so I needed to turn it into a business,” he said.

His mobile service allows clients to book appointments and receive grooming services in the comfort of their homes. He describes his ambition as creating the “KFC of barbering”, with convenience and accessibility at the centre of the business.

“So currently, my goal is to create convenience and also make sure that people are able to access my services wherever they are, at whatever time they want it,” he said.

Building trust, however, took time. As an undergraduate, he encountered prospective clients who were reluctant to let someone unfamiliar cut their hair. He said their confidence grew after successive haircuts, helping him attract more clients and increase his earnings.

Another challenge was the perception that barbering was an unsuitable occupation for a university graduate. Oheni-Adjefi said he faced questions about why someone with a university education would choose the trade, but remained committed to developing his business.

“I didn’t let that doubt or the naysayers turn me away from my passion and my goal,” he said.

He encouraged young entrepreneurs to expect criticism, remain confident in their ambitions and persevere through the early stages of building a business. He also spoke of the importance of faith in his own journey.

For Oheni-Adjefi, the experience has reinforced his belief in pursuing ambitious goals, even when others question them.

“If your dreams don’t scare you, you’re not dreaming hard enough,” he said.

Story: Nhyira Okona-Frempong