All in the Family

Previous posts on this blog have discussed the importance of diversifying the economy in Gabon. With Gabon's main source of production being oil, employment opportunities in Gabon are limited. Keeping this in mind, entrepreneurship seems like a good idea for many Gabonese residents. A family in Gabon must share this same sentiment, as they are creating their own employment opportunity and inspiring others in the process.

Located in Gabon's capital of Libreville, is a hair salon known as The Fingers of Gold. While there may be numerous hair salons in the capital, this salon is unique because it is centered around family. The owner of the salon is a man known as Mr. Time with four children, ages 17, 15, 14, and 11. Mr. Time incorporates his children into the hair salon, passing on to them the special skill of doing hair. Not only is working in the hair salon giving the children the opportunity to learn the trade of doing hair and developing entrepreneurial skills, but they're also earning money to pay for important expenses. For example, the eleven year old son of Mr. Time, Chamfort, expressed that working in the salon helps him earn the money he needs to pay for his school supplies. 

The family also seems to be an inspiration to the clients they serve. One client praised the talents of the children in an interview about the family-owned salon, and further added that it is a pleasure to tell locals about the children. With this being said, the family is definitely a value added to their community. 

While the thought of running a family operated hair salon may not seem very unique to some, it is imperative that Gabonese people take the initiative to engage in their own trades to earn a living, and pass it on to their families. Entrepreneurship has a special value in countries such as Gabon where people are learning to expand their opportunities in a one sided economy. Mr. Time's family-owned salon is one example of how Gabonese people can use their special skills and create opportunities for themselves that can be passed down to their children. This family also leads as an inspiration to their community, showing that it is possible to innovate and become self-sufficient. 

Interview with hairdressing family
Video Source: Africanews

Source(s):

Gabon News : "Gabon: Meet Libreville's hairdressing family".  11 November 2016.
http://www.africanews.com/2016/11/12/gabon-meet-libreville-s-hairdressing-family/