Shujaa Jimmy Jey: Barber giving confidence to the downcast, one free haircut at a time

“There's a memory that stays with me, etched deeper than all others,” he reflects as his skilled hands stroke his beard.

 “Just last year- 2023- when I was out and about giving free haircuts, I met an older man in FreeArea. He looked heavily burdened, and his eyes told a story of someone who had given up. I approached him, introduced myself, and said that I wanted to give him a free haircut, which he accepted,” recalls James Ngare Ngige, popularly known as Jimmy Jey, during an interview with him at his barber shop.

During their conversation, Jimmy says he discovered that the man was a skilled chef struggling to find work because his unkempt appearance and dirty clothes led others to see him as a street urchin, and was now contemplating his final goodbye.

This deeply touched Jimmy, who, after the haircut, offered him some extra clothes and encouraged him to tidy himself up and seek a job at one of the restaurants.

The man took his advice and did just that.

“Nothing has given me more satisfaction than the thought of saving someone who wanted to give up on life, simply through a haircut. This has to be among my greatest achievements,” says Jimmy.

For close to a decade now, Jimmy has been dedicating a day off in his week to serve those on the margins of society – from street children to elderly pensioners.

This he says brings him personal satisfaction.

Additionally, Jimmy notes that it’s an opportunity  to practice and experiment with new hairstyles.        

“Everyone deserves to feel dignified,” says Jimmy, his eyes twinkling as he leans forward at his desk. "A haircut gives a powerful transformation. When you give someone a kick-start like that, you instil confidence in them that helps them conquer challenges they might not have imagined overcoming at that moment.”

On one of the walls of his office sits a framed photo of his wife and young daughter – his pride and joy and the future heir to his craft, so he believes.

“I intend to teach her about the business, yes, but more importantly, about the heart behind it,” Jimmy shares with a warm smile.

“I want her to understand that success isn’t just about the money that comes in but also about the lives we touch. A true professional means having the heart to serve even when there’s no payment. People before profit- that’s the legacy I want to pass down.”

While this may seem like a walk in the park, Jimmy notes that the business has not been without challenges.

Like a skilled artist who knows his canvas, he has mastered the art of reading people, which he has used to overcome these challenges.

“Out there in my chair, I've met all kinds of souls,” he says. “Some pour their hearts out the moment they sit down while others prefer the comfort of silence, and that's perfectly fine. Understanding people’s energies has been invaluable, especially in my community work,” he chuckles softly, recalling encounters with particularly difficult clients.

“Even when faced with attitude or entitlement, I remain unchanged in my service. After all, sometimes the toughest exterior hides the most vulnerable interior. That’s why I let them set the tone whether they want conversation or quiet.”

When asked about the emotional toll of being everyone's confidant, Jimmy's expression turns contemplative.

“When I started, these stories used to weigh heavily on me,” he admits, his voice softening.

“I would lose sleep thinking about people's struggles, carrying their burdens home with me. But with time, I’ve learned an important lesson; you can't carry the weight of everyone’s world on your shoulders. Sometimes, all you can do is offer what’s within your power – a fresh cut, a listening ear and a word of encouragement.”

A gentle smile crosses his face as he adds, “I’ve found peace in knowing that while I can’t solve everyone’s problems, I can speak life into their situations. The ones I can help with are the ones I do. For the rest, I’ve learned it is not my fault, and that acceptance has been liberating. Now, instead of being drained, I feel more motivated when I can be that spark of hope in someone’s day.”