James Ngigi, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Nakuru County, Kenya, had initially aspired to become a pilot. However, due to financial constraints, he had to put his dreams on hold. Instead, he began learning barbering skills at a neighborhood barbershop during his secondary school days. This informal apprenticeship eventually led him to pursue a career in barbering. Ngigi's journey in the beauty industry started in 2009, after completing his KCSE exams.
Ngigi's mother, who was raising him and his two siblings as a single parent, encouraged him to develop his barbering skills. He started working at a barbershop in Nakuru town, gaining experience and saving towards opening his own shop. In January 2015, Ngigi finally opened his own barbershop, JimmyJey, with one chair, one sink, and one employee. On his first day, he made Sh1,000, offering various services such as shaving, hair dyeing, and facial scrubs.
JimmyJey's business grew steadily, and within two years, it had outgrown its premises, forcing Ngigi to move to a bigger space with three chairs. By 2018, he had relocated again, this time paying Sh35,000 a month in rent, and was attracting 15 to 20 clients a day. The business continued to expand, and by 2019, Ngigi had five chairs, two sinks, five barbers, and two beauticians, serving at least 30 clients daily.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to Ngigi's business, forcing him to close for about two months. However, he adapted by offering home call barbering services, sometimes late into the night, to keep cash coming in until restrictions eased. This improvisation helped him navigate the crisis, and by 2021, Ngigi was ready to rebuild and expand his business.
In 2023, Ngigi expanded into salon services and launched the Jimmy Jay Beauty and Spa Academy, partly to meet client demand and partly to tap into the growing interest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). This move marked a significant milestone in his business journey, as he transitioned into running two connected but distinct businesses: the beauty enterprise and the academy.
Ngigi's business growth received a significant boost when he was awarded Sh10 million from HEVA Fund's Ota Growth Fund in October 2025. This capital injection enabled him to invest in modern equipment, expand his services, and clear outstanding debts. The financing also strengthened his management skills, equipping him with knowledge on bookkeeping, human-resource management, and customer service.
Today, JimmyJey (Kenya) Ltd employs about 55 people and has trained hundreds in the beauty industry. Ngigi's business continues to grow progressively, with increased sales and a strong social media presence. The support from HEVA Fund has been instrumental in his success, providing not only financial capital but also valuable business advice and guidance.
Key points
- James Ngigi's journey from a failed pilot dream to a successful beauty entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
- Ngigi's business, JimmyJey (Kenya) Ltd, has grown significantly, employing 55 people and training hundreds in the beauty industry.
- The Sh10 million funding from HEVA Fund's Ota Growth Fund has been instrumental in Ngigi's business growth, enabling him to invest in modern equipment and expand his services.
