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For Richard Mhlanti, the journey from hard hat to hairdryer is a story of growth, discipline and discovering purpose.
The former Mpumalanga resident relocated to Gqeberha in October 2001, initially taking up work in construction to steady his life and earn a living.
While the job paid the bills, it was not where his passion lay, and over time, he began to realise his future lay elsewhere.
Mhlanti first fell in love with doing hair at a young age, practising different hairstyles on himself.
“I would practise on my own hair because I was scared to do other people’s hair. I didn’t want to mess up their hair.
“After a while, my friends started asking me to do the same hairstyles I was doing on myself.
“It wasn’t until a friend of mine was doing these ladies’ hair that I saw how their moods would change when they left the salon with their new hairstyles,” he said.
“My mother sent me to Gqeberha to work because I was young and I was drinking too much.
“I enjoyed doing hair more than anything. I love seeing how a new hairstyle can change the way a woman carries herself and the confidence that comes with it.
“When they look in the mirror, smile and start taking selfies, that happiness makes me happy.”
In 2004, he decided to pursue a formal career in hair, enrolling in cosmetology at the Port Elizabeth College in Russell Road.
From there, he began working in salons in Richmond Hill, steadily building his skills and reputation.
During the 2000s, he completed an apprenticeship at Bliss Hair Salon and Skincare in Walmer, refining his craft and gaining valuable industry experience.
The talented hairstylist specialises in Caucasian hair, particularly highlights and colour changes.
Sonja Tifloen, owner of Bliss Hair Salon and Skincare, has known Mhlanti for more than three years and describes him as a “gentle giant”.
“The first word that comes to mind is personality. People often get intimidated by his size, but he’s a really kind and gentle person.
“He is especially brilliant with colour, and most of his clients are ladies with blonde hair,” Tifloen said.
According to Tifloen, one of Mhlanti’s greatest passions outside of hair is cricket, and he is not shy about sharing this love with his clients.
“He is so passionate about the game. He talks to clients about cricket, watches matches whenever he can, and even debates the latest scores.
“It’s something that really lights him up,” she said.
Now a father of two, Mhlanti says his biggest motivation comes from home.
“My children are the reason I keep pushing myself to do better.
“I would love to open my own salon one day, but the hair industry in Gqeberha is very competitive.
“If I have to relocate to make that dream happen, I will consider it,” he said.
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