Nailed it!
Pulling from his natural talent in drawing and painting, Eneas Shoikuti is now comfortably occupying a space in the female-dominated industry of grooming fingernails and toenails.
A nail technician for over a year now, the 23-year-old was so confident in his ability that he opened an Instagram account @ epic_nails_and_beauty on 4 March 2021, a day before he started training to become a nail technician.
“I have a natural talent in drawing, and always wanted to make a living from it. I targeted things that are hardly done by my gender, and saw fantastic_samuel_nails_ perfect on Instagram. He is perfect at doing nails, and since painting is my hobby, I believe it’s just art and it will work for me using (Phil 4:13),” he told Youth Corner.
Shoikuti said he ventured into doing nails despite being ridiculed by close friends.
“I don’t regret anything thus far. I cut my friends off because of their negative perception of my decision, and focus more on growing my business which is greater than their negativity.”
He received his qualification after a twoday training session by Anna Mumbala, owner of Anna Chosen Nails Training, and occasionally watches YouTube or Instagram videos to keep up with the latest trends.
In addition to doing nails, which is his major profession, Shoikuti does a number of other trades.
“I am involved in electrical installation, as well as joinery and cabinet making, I’m also a photographer and a graphic designer. Call me Jack of all trades,” he quipped.
Shoikuti aspires to be a self-employed beautician in the future, providing professional services, and expanding his business to other parts of Namibia.
His advice to young people is to always push themselves out of their comfort zones, and challenge themselves to achieve greater heights in various fields. “Use your skills to unlock opportunities and make great connections with others. Put yourself in a place that will help you grow; not suppress your growth and surround yourself with people who understand or at least make effort to understand you,” he urged. -rosemaryhaufiku5@gmail.com