Today we’d like to introduce you to Zola Mandisa.
Zola, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Here is my story… I am a Barberette that holds a Master Barber, and Cosmetology license since 2016. When I merged over from the Cosmetology program into the Barbering program, I was told by several Instructors when asked:
“What are your plans once you finish the program?”
I would reply, “My plan is to merge the two, Barbering and Cosmetology.”
They would say, “That’s too much, just stick to one thing.”
If I had listened to what they wanted from me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This has been a long journey of doubts, people telling me what I should and should not be doing. It’s hard being a Barberette in a male dominated industry.
I’m constantly being told things such as:
1. I’m not good enough.
2. I’m a female in a man’s world.
3. You a girl, you don’t belong in a barbershop. 4. You a women I want a man to cut my hair.
5. Shouldn’t you be in a salon not a barbershop.
6. She a girl! She ain’t cutting my hair! Why she in here shouldn’t she be at an office job somewhere.
I can go on and on about degrading things thats has been said to me. But, I always hold on to the words my brother told to me. when I first decided to step into the Barber Game.
“Sis you gotta be tough, always stand your ground no matter what, men can be A-Holes and wants to intimidate you just because you are a female”.
I will Always Stand Down and Stay the Course! Zola Z will never back down from no one. The fact some don’t want me here, is the EXACT reason why I will remain to prove them wrong.
If HE can do it SHE can tooI!
This journey as a Barberette has inspired me to create a documentary called “The Life of Barberette” Coming soon so stay tuned, you don’t wanna miss this!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been several bumps in the road. Building a vision is completely different from working a 9-5. I wear multiple hats and have a wide range of responsibilities; mother, school student, and running a business. To keep myself focused, every single day I wake up with a new mind set and attitude to keep me going. Perseverance is my daily mantra.
I am the brilliant owner of Zola Z Canvas Creations. My motto is “It’s not just about the haircuts it’s about the Experience.”
The shop creates an old-school appeal, in a serene atmosphere where you are bound to take a nap, and just relax after a hard day’s work. My services include hair care, beard treatments, restoration services, haircuts, facials and massages. Where our moto is “It Wouldn’t Feel Like Artwork If The Canvas Didn’t Capture The Eye”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the brilliant owner of Zola Z Canvas Creations; where our motto “It’s not just about the haircuts it’s about the Experience”.
The shop creates an old-school appeal in a serene atmosphere where you are bound to take a nap and just relax after a hard day’s work; Services include hair care, beard treatments, restoration services, haircuts, facials and massages.
“It wouldn’t feel like artwork if the canvas didn’t capture the eye”.
What does success mean to you?
Most people will say success is reaching a certain goal financially, or based on status. Success to me is being at Peace!! I know everyone wants to be financially stable, and have some form of status. But I believe without sanity, none of it matters really does it?
I know so many people have careers or jobs they hate. Saying every single day to themselves “Damn I hate this place. I don’t want to be here.”
To the point of sitting in the parking lot, at their place of employment. dreading the thought of going in. I was once there, but vowed to never feel that way again. I love my career as a Barberette!! I plan on doing this until I’m old and grey. Cutting is my life and I am passionate about my work! I wouldn’t trade it for NOTHING. Roads get bumpy and shit happens along the way, so Just Keep Pushing!!
Pricing:
- Haircuts $44
- Shaves $55
- Natural Haircares Services Starts at $75
- Facials $45
- Massages $1 a minute
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zolazcanvascreations.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/zolazcanvascreations?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zola.mandisa.39
