How Fiona Took Her Future Into Her Own Hands
In a small salon in rural Eastern Uganda, Fiona spends hours on her feet braiding and styling hair.
Her hands move swiftly with practiced rhythm, and she pauses on occasion to ensure her client is comfortable. Nothing makes Fiona happier than a satisfied client. For her, hairdressing isn’t just about a new style; it’s a way to help people feel confident and take pride in who they are.
Fiona is no stranger to building self-confidence. She had to forge that path herself to become the successful hairstylist and businesswoman she is today. Raised by a single mother of six, financial hardship meant Fiona had to drop out of school after primary.
“I faced a lot of challenges. Some people undermined me because of my situation and thought I couldn’t do anything. So, I also put myself down,” Fiona explained.
Eventually, Fiona found work as a housemaid, determined to save enough money for a hairdressing course — a passion that grew from braiding her sister’s hair as a young girl.
After months of saving and perseverance, she finally trained to become a hairdresser, but even after gaining the skills, her first salon job paid so little that Fiona was unable to build financial stability. “If a salon charged UGX 30,000 (about USD $8) for a hairstyle, I was paid just UGX 5,000 (about USD $1.30), yet I was the one who did the hair,” she recalls.
Opportunity through Educate!’s livelihood bootcamp
Things began to shift when Fiona decided to join Educate!’s livelihood bootcamp — a flexible and inclusive model designed to support young women to start businesses and build agency. Encouraged by a community mobilizer who recognized her potential, she saw it as a chance to turn her passion for hairdressing into her own business.
Within the bootcamp, Fiona began to shift her mindset. She took every opportunity to learn and challenge herself, building her confidence, communication, and networking skills along the way.
“The training gave me the confidence and belief that I can actually do something. I also learned how to speak to people, and that’s what led me to my business partner Christine, who has done hairdressing for longer than me.”
- Fiona
Mentorship That Sparked Action
Fiona was particularly inspired by a trainer who shared how she had started a mobile money business with only UGX 100,000 (USD $27). That story sparked something in Fiona, showing her that, contrary to her earlier beliefs, you can start a business with limited resources. It just requires the willingness to use what’s in your hands and keep moving forward, step by step.
Encouraged and determined, Fiona launched a mobile salon business using what she had learned within the bootcamp sessions. When she wasn’t attending home appointments, she supported Christine at her nearby salon. To strengthen their partnership, Fiona contributed some of her own tools — a hair dryer, hair extensions, and other salon essentials she had purchased.
Over a year after attending the livelihood bootcamp, Fiona continues to see positive changes in her work and daily life. She now earns nearly six times what she used to make as an employee of a salon owner. She has also grown even more independent, moving out of her sister’s house and earning enough to rent her own home while caring for her six-month-old baby.
“I’m very proud of myself because I’ve come very far,” she says. “I’ve changed. I’m independent. I can handle my own rent, take care of my daughter’s needs, and cover daily expenses.”
Fiona’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. Many of her friends now reach out to her for advice, inspired by her journey and success. Fiona feels proud to guide others, though she knows it’s still a learning process for her too.
Looking ahead, Fiona dreams of expanding her business into a wholesale hair products enterprise. She also envisions opening a larger salon and boutique where she can train and mentor other young women in hairdressing.
Fiona’s story reflects a journey of self-belief, empowerment, and financial growth. Through the skills, mentorship, and confidence developed through Educate!’s livelihood bootcamp, she is not only building a better life for herself and her child, but also inspiring others to believe they can do the same.