Kassim Abdulraheem’s journey into the world of barbering began in grade nine when he gave his first haircut to his best friend, an experience he humorously describes as a “butchering” of hair. Despite this rocky start, Abdulraheem continues to be his friend’s go-to barber, even as he now resides in Ottawa.
Inspired by watching barbering videos on his iPad as a child, Abdulraheem, also known as Kay, has turned his passion into a thriving business at the age of 20. He is the proud owner of Kay Cuts Studios, a popular barber shop in downtown Hamilton.
Joining forces with over 60 stylists and barbers in the community, Abdulraheem is eagerly participating in a special event where free styling and cuts will be offered to racialized youth. This gathering marks a significant milestone in Hamilton, and Abdulraheem is enthusiastic about the positive impact it will have on the community.
Having established his own barber shop on King Street E. in February 2024, Abdulraheem emphasizes that his work goes beyond just cutting hair; it is an art form that allows him to connect with diverse individuals on a daily basis. Interacting with around 15 clients per day, he treasures the opportunity to engage with a variety of personalities and stories.
Furthermore, Abdulraheem highlights the sense of community that has blossomed around his barber shop, where people gather to relax and socialize. This communal aspect has been a rewarding surprise for him in his entrepreneurial journey.
In a similar vein, Sajjad Bazouni, another young entrepreneur in Hamilton, embarked on his barbering career in his teenage years. At 18, he opened Blend It Barbershop and welcomed his friend Hassen Al-Masoodi as a business partner. Bazouni’s passion for the job stems from his love for storytelling and the joy of boosting clients’ confidence through transformative haircuts.
Both Abdulraheem and Bazouni are set to participate in an upcoming event at Bernie Custis Secondary School, where a collective of stylists and barbers will provide complimentary services to marginalized youth. The event, named Excel in Style, aims to uplift young individuals by offering them a fresh look and a confidence boost.
Organized by Lohifa Pogoson Acker, a prominent figure in Hamilton’s hairstyling scene, the event seeks to address the underrepresentation of Black and textured hair in styling services. Pogoson Acker emphasizes the importance of hairstyling in shaping one’s identity and confidence, particularly for marginalized communities.
With an overwhelming response from over 400 registered youth, the event has expanded its roster to accommodate 66 barbers and hair stylists, along with 90 volunteers. The outpouring of support underscores the community’s commitment to empowering young individuals through personal care and grooming services.