By:
• Sem Brakdav

• October 27, 2024 , 6:30 PM

PHNOM PENH — Every afternoon, Then Vannchhay rushes from school to find a spot near the Royal University of Phnom Penh, where he sets up his open-space, motorcycle-based barbershop.

Vannchhay says his motorcycle setup has enabled him to enter the barber business and earn money to support his education with minimal investment. He spent $250 to set up his mobile barbershop, which, unlike a regular barbershop, requires much less capital to run and offers him the flexibility to easily move it around.

“I learned how to cut hair back in high school, but I just started this on-bike shop a few weeks ago,” Vannchhay said, after finding a location on a street near the university.

Vannchhay, who is 24 years old, moved from Battambang to Phnom Penh a few years ago mainly to pursue higher-education studies. However, since his family could not afford to support him financially, he took a job as a deliveryman. Later on, he decided to use the barber skills he had developed thanks to his brother who has been a barber since high school.

So Vannchhay launched his on-bike barbershop, which he operates in-between classes and his studies. He is currently undergoing technical training at a private institute.

This bike barbershop business is slowly becoming Vanchhai’s main source of income. “I started this barbershop to earn income to continue my education and to cover my daily expenses,” he said.

Like many new businesses Vannchhay's venture is having a bumpy start, with only a few customers so far. “The big challenge for customers is finding a place to park their vehicles,” he said. “Some want haircuts but have to leave because they can’t find a place to stop.”

Though his business may be small, Vannchhay believes it can provide a modest income to support his studies. He charges 6,000 riels (around $1.50) per haircut. On weekdays, he operates from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from dawn to dusk since he does not attend school.

“My barbershop can’t compete with bigger, more professional barbershops,” Vannchhay said. “It just generates enough for me to feed myself and fund my studies. But I will definitely keep at it until I can perfect my craft.”

Despite a difficult start, he remains optimistic, hoping this will eventually lead to a sustainable income and, eventually, enough savings to open a proper barbershop.

“When I have enough money, I will open a full-service barbershop like others,” Vannchhay said.