#A Story of a Barber#

By vermavkv on May 15, 2024 • ( 8 )

The Journey of a Barber

In 2001, when I first arrived in Calcutta, I found myself in Bansdroni, residing in a flat provided by the bank. The weather was peculiar, with high humidity making one feel constantly sweaty and uncomfortable.

Sundays were typically reserved for tackling household chores, and one such task was getting a haircut. Being new to the area with no acquaintances, I set out in search of a barber shop.

After walking a short distance, I stumbled upon a five-star salon, where I was informed that a haircut would cost me 400 rupees. Being somewhat thrifty by nature, I found the amount exorbitant and decided to seek out another barber.

I discovered a humble salon

Not far from there, I discovered a humble salon run by a seasoned barber. Despite its simplicity, the place exuded a welcoming aura.

As I inquired about the wait time, an elderly gentleman, who seemed to be the owner, assured me that the rush would subside later in the day, promising personalized service upon my return in the evening.

True to his word, when I returned later, the salon was less crowded, and the owner attended to me with great respect and care. Despite his advanced age, his energy and passion for his craft were palpable.

Through conversation, I learned that he hailed from Bihar, my native district, which immediately sparked a connection between us.

From Sweeper to Skilled Hairdresser

He recounted his journey from being a young boy working as a sweeper in a small Kolkata salon to eventually becoming a skilled hairdresser after two decades of dedication and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and humiliations along the way, he never lost sight of his goal.

After twenty years of experience, he finally opened his own salon, where his expertise in customer service and his remarkable memory for individual preferences set him apart. Unlike typical sales tactics, he never pushed unnecessary services onto his customers but instead catered to their specific needs with genuine care and attention.

Aside from his professionalism, what struck me most was his humility and his devotion to devotional songs. He took pride in his work and treated both customers and employees with respect, earning him the nickname “Barberopreneur” in my eyes.

Despite his success, he remained grounded and harbored hopes for his children’s future. His son, despite being educated, showed little interest in taking over the family business, a fact that saddened him but didn’t deter him from supporting his son’s choices.

After 10 years, I again posted at Kolkata. when I returned to Kolkata and revisited his salon, I found him still dedicated to his craft, a testament to his unwavering work ethic and passion.

Reflecting on his journey, I realized that his story held valuable lessons for all of us, regardless of our social status or educational background.

Lessons Learned:

Find your passion and dedicate yourself to it.
Experience is a valuable teacher, even the tough parts.
Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of success.
Treat everyone with respect, employees and customers alike.
True success comes from hard work and self-belief.

Barber’s story is a reminder that happiness and fulfillment can be found in any profession, as long as you approach it with dedication and a positive attitude.

His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected entrepreneur exemplifies the essence of hard work and the pursuit of happiness.

As we navigate our own paths in life, let us remember the lessons learned from this remarkable barber and strive to find joy and fulfillment in whatever endeavors we pursue.

Yes friends, it is not luck or privilege that determines our success, but rather our willingness to work hard, stay true to ourselves, and embrace the journey with open hearts and minds.