In the heart of Soweto are two young men who’ve taken their future (and a nifty set of clippers) into their own hands. We sat with them to find out what it takes to be a young entrepreneur in Mzansi, and what independence looks like at such a young age.
Meet the co-founders of BlvckValvetBarbers: Jayden, 22, and Itumeleng, 25.
How did you two meet and go into business together?
ITU: We’ve always known each other since growing up. So, we met at Groove, and I’d already started cutting hair, same as Jayden. Jayden approached me and said, “Let’s rather partner and start something together.”
What drove you both to become entrepreneurs?
ITU: I have a child,neh? So, I had no choice but to start something so that I could support my son and my family.
JAYDEN: I’ve never had a mindset of working for someone else. So, I started in high school and that’s what I’ve become now.
Talk to me about hair. What’s the deal there? Why are you in this industry?
ITU: A haircut gives a particular person confidence. For example, let me say, there’s this girl you’re approaching, and you didn’t have a haircut? Nah. Once you get a haircut – definitely.
JAYDEN: Putting a smile on a person's face after giving them a haircut.
I see a lot of your branding speaks to Black Excellence. What does Black Excellence mean to you?
JAYDEN: Around Soweto, there are many entrepreneurs. So,we’re pushing a movement whereby black people should be empowered.
ITU: But especially youth. The youth should be empowered to follow their dreams. Whatever they want to do in life, they can achieve, regardless of whatever situation you’re in.
Have you been able to employ people?
ITU: Ya, most definitely. So far, we have four in the team. And we’re still recruiting other barbers. We’re still training them to know how to cut and we’re still going to recruit more. It feels great to see somebody else who can put something on the table for their family.
What does community have to do with the success of small businesses?
JAYDEN: It’s the support we get from the older people. They always guide us here and there because we’re young. They’re always available to help us where they can. In Soweto, people are very supportive.
We already know that business owners are providers at heart. Who is it that you do this all for?
ITU: I’m doing this for my son. I’m doing this to secure my son’s future. And of course, for my family and my peers.
JAYDEN: I’m also doing it for my family. I don’t even have a son yet; I’m just growing the surname at home.I want to create a legacy.
What does “Believe in Better” mean to you?
JAYDEN: I would say: Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better, and your better is best.
Why did you make the decision to use iKhokha and what has the experience been like so far?
ITU: Firstly, our clients were complaining more about using cash. Others wanted to transfer money, eWallet and everything. So that’s when we decided [that] we needed to get ourselves a swiping machine. So, when we researched, we saw iKhokha and its benefits. When I saw that iKhokha is for small businesses, that’s when we decided to buy it.
So far so good, I won’t lie. We’ve been using iKhokha for over a year now and have no complaints.
How would you say life is better as a business owner?
JAYDEN: Independence at a young age. I basically became independent during high school. It was the best moment when I brought groceries home to my grandmother. That’s just an amazing feeling, actually.
ITU: Being a business owner has been great because today, we are independent, and we’ve managed to move out of home and start our own lives outside. And we still want to achieve more in life. I can support my family; I can take my son to school.
What would your message be to the young people of SA who want to start a business?
ITU: I would say: never stop believing in yourself. Whatever plan or whatever idea that you have, just wake up and put it into action. We all don’t know what the future holds for us – so just go for it.
JAYDEN: I would say to a young South African, there are always downfalls. You fall once, you just rise up.
What can people expect to experience at BlvckValvet?
ITU: Good people. Clean haircuts. It’s not just a barbershop, it’s a vibe.
Follow the fade
South African youth are built different, and these two are living proof. If a unique hairstyle and newfound confidence are what you’re after, you now know where to find it. Check out their work and make a booking on any of their socials:
