简体中文
Business is on the rise for Brazilian hair traders in Namibia, as more ladies seek virgin Brazilian hair to supplement their own hair, and attain a glorious look.
Toini Tobias is one of the Brazilian hair-inspired entrepreneurs who live in Namibian capital Windhoek. She has been selling Brazilian hair since 2011.
"Brazilian hair business is not too bad," Tobias said as she giggled to her statement.
The demand for Brazilian hair has steered up entrepreneurial spirit amongst many Namibians, maximizing on the Namibia's stylish women's yen for a universal hairdo.
"I was looking for ways to earn an income. I noticed that Brazilian hair was gaining popularity and many Namibian ladies were willing to spend on it. A friend introduced me to the trade. So I decided to give it a try," she told Xinhua on Wednesday. She has not looked back since.
Tobias said she imports Brazilian hair through a friend who has direct links and network in the trade in Brazil. "Sometimes I order the hair online thorough a Brazilian hair trade agency in China, which they then courier to Namibia. It's cheaper when you buy in bulk," she shared.
According to Tobias, the start was not easy. "But after a while one builds a network of clients. You have to sell genuine virgin hair if you want to last in business and you build a good reputation in the trade," she said, reasoning that satisfied clients or buyers usually refer friends to her.
A pack or bundle of Brazilian hair on average goes for 2,000 to 3,500 Namibian dollars (200 to 350 U.S. dollars), depending on the size or length.
Tobias is not alone in the trade. Tuyeni Iiyambo is another Brazilian hair trader who earns up to 50,000 Namibian dollars (5, 000 U.S. dollars) on a good month from her own sales.
Unlike Tobias who depends on market networks and business referrals, Iiyambo's approach s more rigorous."I have sales representatives in the country and profits from the regions are even more," she said.
"Furthermore, to gain more clients, I offer incentives. I also encourage the sales representatives to promote the business on social network sites and local media," she added.
Meanwhile, more people are benefiting from the Brazilian hair market. Direct Brazilian hair traders are not the only ones benefiting from the booming trade. The hairdressers are winning big too.
Sonia Shikende is a hairdresser based in Windhoek. She said that more ladies show up at her salon with Brazilian hair. Hairdressers have since developed innovative ways to plait and style with Brazilian hair as ladies hunt for a new look. "I had to upgrade my skills and master the art of hairdressing Brazilian hair," she said. "We charge over 350 Namibian dollars or more, depending on how the client wants their hair done."
But it's not all glory and praises in the trade.
Many have warned prospective buyer to be careful when buying Brazilian hair. "They sell us fake Brazilian hair, which they market to us as original and virgin Brazilian hair," said Niita Eino, a resident in Windhoek.
"Some salons also steal a bit from the packets. While some mix Brazilian hair with fake hair," she added.
Nevertheless, as luck would have it for the traders, nothing is holding back the ladies from parting their hard-earned cash in exchange for Brazilian hair.
Magano Kalenga is a renowned Brazilian hair fanatic who prefers Brazilian hair over other extensions and weaves. She said she does not mind spending on the costly hair. According to Kalenga, Brazilian hair makes her look good and she loves looking good.
"Brazilian hair maybe costly, but once you invest in a pack you will not regret it. They last longer and they are re-usable. They are also easy to maintain and they rarely tangle and spread all over the place. You can use them all year long. All you do is retouch, add color or throw it back," said Kalenga.
