Salon Is Not Only My Earning Source, It’s My Pride
A Delightful Life Story of a Salon Entrepreneur from Susta Rural Municipality, Ramnagar, Nawalparasi (West), Lumbini Province
This story reflects the hardships of a young man from the small, remote village of Ramnagar, Susta. Like many rural youths, he once dreamed of going abroad for work, believing that was the only path to stability. He endured uncertainty, heavy labor, and the struggles of economic insecurity. Yet, through perseverance and support, he found not only financial stability but also dignity, pride, and self-esteem in an unexpected place—his own salon.
Jayram Hajam, the youngest in his family at 20 years old, had to end his education after completing SLC/SEE. He decided to go abroad for employment, completed his passport, and began processing his application for a Gulf country. While waiting for his visa, he started barbering informally, cutting hair to pass the time despite having only limited knowledge.
During this period, he learned about a 15-day “Handsome Parlor Skill Development Training” conducted in collaboration with Susta Rural Municipality and LWR/SAHAMATI to provide youth with technical skills for livelihood resilience. Jayram applied and was selected.
Building a Business from Scratch
After a series of motivational sessions, home visits, and personal meetings, Jayram was encouraged to abandon his overseas employment plans and instead establish his own salon. At first, he started in a small space with very few customers and limited income. It was a struggle.
The project team, however, continued to support him through motivational classes and financial literacy programs. With their encouragement, Jayram shifted his salon to a more central market location. There, he built a one-room iron structure and equipped it with proper tools. He also diversified his services, offering haircuts, hair coloring, facials, massages, and threading.
With time, training, and determination, Jayram became recognized as an exemplary salon entrepreneur in Susta. Today, he even provides employment to another person through his salon.
Income, Dignity, and Vision
Currently, Jayram earns about NPR 20,000 per month. He uses this income to meet household needs, saves regularly in his local cooperative, and is determined to expand his business in the future.
Jayram’s journey shows how access to skills, resources, and encouragement can transform a life once destined for foreign labor into one of local entrepreneurship, dignity, and pride.
