CITY life often leads us to overlook the significance of little things, given the abundance of resources at our disposal.
This is in contrast to individuals in rural areas, particularly those facing transportation limitations.
In Belaga, where the population is sparse and the conveniences of city life are distant dreams, an ambitious 18-year-old named Zulkifli Abdullah has carved out a unique niche for himself.
Zul, as he is fondly known, is not your typical barber; he’s a mobile barber, offering on-the-go haircut services right at your doorstep.
Armed with just a motorcycle and a keen sense of entrepreneurship, Zul has become the go-to person for those seeking a trim in the remote town.
The journey might take him between 20 and 30 minutes, but rain or shine, Zul is committed to being there for his customers.
“I’m always ready to hop on my motorcycle and reach my customers. As long as my service is needed, I will be there,” he said.
Zul, who is of Kayan descent, charges a modest RM10 for students and RM15 for adults, a pricing strategy that has proven successful for him.
Since launching his mobile barber business, Zul has built up a loyal customer base, all hailing from Belaga.
He manages to secure an average of nine customers a day, with even a slow day boasting five appointments.
Despite the presence of two brick-and-mortar salons in the area, people prefer Zul’s personalised service that comes to them, and he doesn’t even charge for transportation.
Working primarily from 2pm to 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Zul manages to balance his burgeoning business with his studies.
“I dedicate my weekends to this venture when I’m free. Apart from that, I’m focused on my studies,” he added.
In a region where internet connectivity poses a challenge, Zul’s determination to learn the art of haircutting remained undeterred.
Lacking the funds for formal classes, he turned to YouTube for tutorials and, remarkably, mastered the skill within just a month.
“Internet connectivity in our area is sometimes a problem, but that doesn’t stop me from learning haircutting skills from YouTube,” he said.
Born into a family of seven children, Zul takes pride in his self-taught expertise. His customers, mostly students and their parents, entrust him with various styles, often showing him photos for reference.
With the earnings from his mobile barber venture, Zul, the fourth child in his family, is not only funding his education but also supporting his three younger siblings. Looking ahead, he dreams of expanding his enterprise.
“I’m thinking of opening a salon one day when I have the capital, but until then, I’ll continue operating as a mobile barber,” Zul said.
The young man is proving that ambition and a pair of skilled hands can transform a simple service into a thriving business.
