By Abdullah Ajibade
Two young boys had been her regular customers for a while. Their father always brought them in, and there was never an issue. But one day, their mother came instead, and everything changed.
As soon as she saw the female barber, she turned down her service and declared in Yoruba, “Okunrin lawon omo mi, Ade ori ni won, bawo ni obinrin a se e ma gerun ade ori!” (“My sons are crowns. How dare a female cut their hair!”)
For Kanyinsola, those words hit hard. They weren’t just a rejection of her service but a reminder of the deeply rooted beliefs that often stand in the way of women pursuing unconventional careers. That day, she went home in tears. But rather than let it break her, she made it her strength, which keeps her growing and proving that skill and passion know no gender.
Barbering wasn’t just a random choice for Kanyinsola. When she's not hitting the books, she's behind the barber chair, giving her clients fresh cuts and fades. Her passion for it began during her time at an all-girls secondary school. While traditional female-focused skills like hairdressing and makeup held little appeal for her, Kanyinsola found herself drawn toward male-dominated fields such as men’s fashion design, shoemaking, and barbering.
Now, in her final year as a linguistics student at Obafemi Awolowo University, the journey of Kanyinsola, known as Kanyindbarbergirl, into barbering formally began in 2019. Balancing multiple roles, she started learning the craft on weekends while working as a secretary at a law firm in Ibadan, Oyo State. By the time she gained admission to the university, she had already become a professional.
The pandemic and subsequent industrial strikes gave her even more time to refine her skills, allowing her to work in male hostels on campus and various barbershops to build her clientele and reputation.
Contrary to common assumptions, Kanyinsola dispels the idea that she can’t work well with women, emphasising that growth and continuous learning have enhanced her orientations. She hopes to partner with other talented women, building a network of support and shared expertise in the future.
To connect with male clients and foster trust, Kanyinsola adopted unique strategies, such as leveraging her knowledge of football. This approach has helped her bridge the gender gap and establish strong professional relationships. “The zeal, passion, and love I have for what I do keeps me moving,” she shared, even as she acknowledged the challenges of balancing her career with her studies and personal life.
She doesn’t shy away from the realities of these biases but has chosen to rise above them with resilience and determination. “I didn’t let the voices of opposition stop me,” she explained. “I’ve learned to embrace the strength and potential of working with diverse individuals, regardless of gender.”
Kanyinsola is among a growing number of Nigerian women entering non-traditional fields like barbering. As more women challenge societal norms, there is hope that the stigma surrounding their choices will gradually diminish.
Looking ahead, she aspires to establish a “top-notch barbershop” that will set a new standard in the industry. Simultaneously, she intends to pursue a career as a linguist out of love for linguistics and the intricacies of languages.
For other girls who share her ambition, Kanyinsola encourages them to pursue their interests within morality and legality, urging them not to allow stereotypes to stand in the way of their dreams.
Kanyinsola can be reached via X on Dbarbergirl
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| Kanyinsola |
A Nigerian female barber, Olanihun Abosede Grace Kanyinsola, overcomes gender-based biases to pursue her passion for barbering while inspiring others to break stereotypes and follow their dreams.
Two young boys had been her regular customers for a while. Their father always brought them in, and there was never an issue. But one day, their mother came instead, and everything changed.As soon as she saw the female barber, she turned down her service and declared in Yoruba, “Okunrin lawon omo mi, Ade ori ni won, bawo ni obinrin a se e ma gerun ade ori!” (“My sons are crowns. How dare a female cut their hair!”)
For Kanyinsola, those words hit hard. They weren’t just a rejection of her service but a reminder of the deeply rooted beliefs that often stand in the way of women pursuing unconventional careers. That day, she went home in tears. But rather than let it break her, she made it her strength, which keeps her growing and proving that skill and passion know no gender.
Barbering wasn’t just a random choice for Kanyinsola. When she's not hitting the books, she's behind the barber chair, giving her clients fresh cuts and fades. Her passion for it began during her time at an all-girls secondary school. While traditional female-focused skills like hairdressing and makeup held little appeal for her, Kanyinsola found herself drawn toward male-dominated fields such as men’s fashion design, shoemaking, and barbering.
Now, in her final year as a linguistics student at Obafemi Awolowo University, the journey of Kanyinsola, known as Kanyindbarbergirl, into barbering formally began in 2019. Balancing multiple roles, she started learning the craft on weekends while working as a secretary at a law firm in Ibadan, Oyo State. By the time she gained admission to the university, she had already become a professional.
The pandemic and subsequent industrial strikes gave her even more time to refine her skills, allowing her to work in male hostels on campus and various barbershops to build her clientele and reputation.
Contrary to common assumptions, Kanyinsola dispels the idea that she can’t work well with women, emphasising that growth and continuous learning have enhanced her orientations. She hopes to partner with other talented women, building a network of support and shared expertise in the future.
To connect with male clients and foster trust, Kanyinsola adopted unique strategies, such as leveraging her knowledge of football. This approach has helped her bridge the gender gap and establish strong professional relationships. “The zeal, passion, and love I have for what I do keeps me moving,” she shared, even as she acknowledged the challenges of balancing her career with her studies and personal life.
The challenges
Kanyinsola’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Rejection, especially during her early years, was a recurring obstacle. “The major challenge I faced was rejection, particularly from women,” she recalled. “Many mothers and aunties would bring their children to the shop only to refuse my services because I was female. It was tough, but I’m grateful for the customers who stood by me and appreciated my work.”She doesn’t shy away from the realities of these biases but has chosen to rise above them with resilience and determination. “I didn’t let the voices of opposition stop me,” she explained. “I’ve learned to embrace the strength and potential of working with diverse individuals, regardless of gender.”
The Future
Looking ahead, she aspires to establish a “top-notch barbershop” that will set a new standard in the industry. Simultaneously, she intends to pursue a career as a linguist out of love for linguistics and the intricacies of languages.
For other girls who share her ambition, Kanyinsola encourages them to pursue their interests within morality and legality, urging them not to allow stereotypes to stand in the way of their dreams.
Kanyinsola can be reached via X on Dbarbergirl
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Excellent write up. I have also always admired the work of Kanyin. I will continue to wish her the best because she has actually proven her self in this male-dominated field
ReplyDeleteHappy IWD to Kanyinsola
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteThat's my barber!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMake she come barb Ade Ori abeg. I miss her touch on my hair. Even my hair misses it.
I miss your hair too. Lol.
DeleteThank you Observers Magazine for featuring me. It's truly an honour and I deeply appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.