Oluseyi Soneye, popularly known as “Coach Wig,” is a wig maker in the Olowu area of Ikeja. He is a banking and finance graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
In this interview with IkejaBird reporter Onyinyechi Ugwoke, he revealed that his ex-girlfriend at the university made him go into wig making as a profession.
“I have been in this business for about 7 years professionally. Although I have been exposed to the business for a longer time than that, since childhood. There used to be a salon close to my father’s house. I always go to look at them when they were making hairs after school, but I didn’t take it seriously until I met Chioma, my ex-girlfriend. Anytime she wanted to go to the salon, she always wanted me to accompany her. She would ask the hair stylist to allow me wash her hair or insert the thread in the needle. Just like that, I found myself able to do these things.”
One would think that unemployment was the reason he ventured into wig making as a full-time profession, but he tells us that this is not so, as he has held white-collar jobs before deciding to go into Salon business.
“I am actually a graduate of banking and finance. I am also a chartered manager and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. I worked in three industries, but later on I found my passion in the beauty world. To the glory of God, it has been caring for all my needs financially,” he said.
Soneye, unlike many others who charge a fee to train, provides free training as a way of giving back to society.
“There was a time when I provided free wig making training, and about ten people graduated, and they are all doing well in their various locations.”
Soneye owns a shop in the plaza, but he says that people did not recognise his abilities, so he had to venture outside the plaza to demonstrate his abilities.
Soneye stated that his experience in the wig profession gives him confidence, and that the competition does not frighten him.
“I started making wigs when there was nothing like bone straight, human hair, double drawn, closure, frontal, or 360 degrees. I started making hair during the time of Diana, Yaki, Darling, and Noble—those synthetic or fibre hairs. So, the experiences coupled with the fact that human hair is now available brings better productivity. My creativity works better for me now with the experiences I have gained so far.”
“Moreover, there are thousands of ladies that move in and out of Ikeja daily, so there is enough space for everyone to cash out. The competition only makes me upgrade my knowledge of human hairs,” he added.
When asked how he makes his customers happy, he said,
“I am not perfect, but I am a perfectionist who likes to give my customers value for their money.”
“I derive joy from seeing smiles on the faces of my customers, and this is because I have lived among women; I grew up taking care of my mother, grandmother, and sisters.”he said
Soneye believes in having handwork,
“I have five by the way. I am a barber, a photographer, and a cook; I cook for owambe. I can cook for over 100 people.” “Perhaps when I eventually want to go into full-time catering service, my wife is going to take over from me, but for now, this is what I do for a living.”
Soneye advises people to encourage handwork skills.
“It helps to reduce the high rate of unemployment, and we are all aware of the present hardship in the economy.”
“Even when you travel abroad, no matter the certificate you have, you still need all these skills to support yourself while you get a job that suits the qualifications you have.”
