Joyce Mugure

I grew up in Dandora in Nairobi, and life was not easy. After high school, I faced many challenges and had to find ways to survive and support myself. I did different kinds of work, including being a house help and selling small items, because college felt out of reach. At the same time, I could see a real gap in my community. Many women did not have access to proper hair care knowledge, and I saw how often hair was damaged because of the wrong techniques and lack of professional guidance. That stayed with me and made me want something different for my future.

My turning point came through the Teenage Moms Foundation, where I met people who believed in me and helped connect me to an opportunity that changed my life. Through their support, and with a scholarship from Royale, I was able to join Lintons Academy. I was incredibly excited because, for the first time, I could see a real path forward. I was not just learning a skill. I was being given a chance to build a profession, restore my confidence, and imagine a more stable future for myself and my family.

At Lintons Academy, I discovered that hairdressing was far more than I had imagined. It was not just about plaiting hair. It was about technique, professionalism, client care, product knowledge, and understanding healthy hair and scalp treatment. I still remember the moment I first held a tong and successfully created curls after watching my teacher demonstrate it. That moment gave me confidence and made me realise that I could do this. I could become excellent in this field. The Academy exposed me to new equipment, new products, and a much higher standard of training than I had ever seen before.

My apprenticeship at Spritz Hair Studio was another major step in my journey. It gave me the chance to observe experienced stylists, learn how to serve clients professionally, and understand what excellence looks like in a real salon environment. Over time, I grew in skill and confidence, and today I work at Spritz Hair Studio as a stylist. I now manage my own clients, make my own bookings, and set appointments independently. That transformation means a lot to me because it has given me not only employment, but dignity and financial stability. I am now able to earn more than KSh 35,000 to 40,000, which has made a meaningful difference in supporting my daughter, my family, and myself.

What has also stayed with me is the importance of building trust with clients. Many of my clients begin as walk-ins, but I focus on listening carefully, understanding their hair history, and helping them start a healthy hair journey. That has helped me build loyalty and turn first-time visits into regular appointments. It has shown me that this work is not only about beauty, but also about care, trust, and long-term transformation.

When I think about the future, I do not only think about myself. I think about the girls and young women who are where I once was. In the next two to three years, I hope to introduce a hairdressing course at the Teenage Moms Foundation so that more young women can access vocational skills, employment, and hope. I want others to know that their circumstances do not have to define them.

My story is proof that when donors invest in scholarships, quality training, and pathways into employment, they are not only helping one student learn a skill. They are helping a young woman rebuild her confidence, support her family, and become a source of change in her community. I am where I am today because someone believed in me, and that belief has changed the course of my life.