In a demonstration of resilience which has been the hallmark of his life, Jimmy Ofuoyan, founder of 360Kuts, an international hair cut outfit, has vowed to continue to spread love and inspire others, despite the criticism from some Nigerians.
The grace to grace story of the 360Kuts boss is one of courage and determination, which both played key roles in his rise to fame and fortune. Born into a large family, he became a school dropout after his primary education. The only option was to become an apprentice at his older brother’s salon where he acquired skills in braiding and fixing of women’s hair.
Men’s haircut in which the 360Kuts’ CEO is admired for his unequalled in parts of Italy, was through self-learning, during his years as a trainee stylist under the tutorship of his brother. The difficult formative years had swelled strength and emboldened him to pursue an uncommon vision.
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Jimmy Ofuoyan was determined to chase him dream abroad after he became a master of the hairstyling craft. His intention to reach Europe through Libya became a death trap and he fell into the hands of human traffickers in the war-torn North African country. Unknown to him, providence had prepared a way of survival ahead, even while in illegal incarceration by his captors.
With blade and comb in his hand, he became the barber of his captors and other inmates–360Kuts was unofficially born. He escaped after 18 months in prison and made it to Italy, first in a migrant camp in Sicily, where he worked as a disc jockey at events and carnivals, and later moved to Pescara where he offered home services as a barber.
The 360Kuts CEO’s fame spread across the region, up to Milan, owing to his unique and phenomenal skills as a hair stylist. His professionalism attracted footballers and celebrities and he made a fortune from patronage. He was crowned the best in the trade in Pescara and Milan areas of Italy. He won the Blurriest/Fastest Fade Technique Battle against other home-grown barbers.
The entrepreneur lost his father this year and as a way of dealing with the huge loss, he offered free haircuts and shopping spree to strangers in the city centre, to also serve as charity in the community that has given him so much. Rather than receiving commendation by fellow compatriots for being a good ambassador and promoting the image of the country, vile comments were directed at him.
The 360Kuts’ chief hairstylist said the unfair criticism will not make him compromise his stand to inspire others to never give up and help others, even in their most difficult circumstances.
“Living in a society where people see every good deed as something beneficial or selfish, I knew I was going to get canceled and a lot of hates as seen on the Vanguard newspaper page on Facebook and other social media handles, especially from Naija where I’m from! Just because I posted a video helping people on the streets,” he wrote.
“Meanwhile, on that very day, I’d lost my dad and i truly understood more about life and I had no other way to express my grief rather than spreading love and compassion. To be 100% clear, I don’t care. I’m always going to use my channel and platform to help other people, spread love and positivity and try to inspire my audience/followers to do the same.”