From a single chair in a tiny room over a decade ago, James Ngigi, also known as JimmyJey, has transformed his humble barbershop into a thriving beauty empire, JimmyJey (Kenya) Ltd, in Nakuru Town.

• The business now encompasses a barbershop, salon, beauty and spa, and a training academy, employing 55 people and training hundreds more.
• Ngigi's entrepreneurial journey began after his dream of becoming a pilot was deferred due to financial constraints, leading him to hone his barbering skills.
• A significant boost came from a Sh10 million award from HEVA Fund's Ota Growth Fund in October 2025, enabling expansion and investment in modern equipment and business management training.