Cutting edge

Customer satisfaction is his top priority
Octavia Tsibes
Tunohole Mungoba



Popularly known as 'Cheez the Barber'; growing up, he has always had aspirations of becoming a professional football player as “as it was every man's dream.”

After a few years of growth, Mathues realised that life is not always about what you want, but how patient you can be to figure out your true passion.

“You need to discover who you really are and what you can do with yourself, because I believe are all multi-gifted. After unlocking this gift, I started cutting and styling hair in 2011 as it is one of the things I can do with myself and I am still learning every day on the job.”

Cheez tells The Zone that he was always inspired to become a barber as he always saw international superstars such as Ludacris rock amazing haircuts in their music videos and movies. “I also got the much needed boost from my family and friends as they encouraged me to look into it and see what I could do with it.”

Cheez says his day is very simple and consists of a clientele of a maximum of 12 clients per day.

“Most people would ask me why would I limit myself and only have 12 clients, but honestly it is not about the money to me, it is rather about the executing the job you have in front of you as success is the end goal,” he says. Cheez spends almost an hour on one client's head as fades are the most popular haircuts amongst his clients.

“What I like most about my job is I get to interaction with people who have good intentions, but overly I keep my days simple as it is one my philosophies.”

He lists getting a job as a barber in town and made N$560 plus as a tip on his first day on the job as his major break. “I told myself to myself to that this was not actually a bad idea as I was still playing football at the time and I was not getting paid and it all made sense to me to focus on this new thing I just discovered,” he says.

He also tells The Zone that his biggest challenge in his career in the misunderstanding between him and his clients.

“I definitely do see myself elevating as years go by and it will not be where I am today.

Cheez also adds that he cannot tell what sets him apart from others, “but what I can tell is that I mostly focus on me and what I am currently doing. It is important to centre your own success in your life.

That is the only way you will not get distracted by others.” He advises all the Namibian youth to believe in themselves and their vision.

“Most importantly, inspire to not make a living, but inspire to make a difference. At the end of the day, that is what matters most.