Building a beauty empire with a comb and a vision

Aristote Kagombe, a Tanzanian of Congolese descent known simply as "Aristote" to many has become a household name in Tanzania for his exceptional talent as a hairstylist.

Starting with a comb, a dream, and a lot of determination, Aristote has transformed his passion for hair styling into a flourishing business empire.

Aristote began his career with no formal training, yet his eye for style and relentless work ethic led him to rise through the ranks of the beauty industry.

He started out in women’s salons, working his way up from the ground, learning the ropes as he went.

“I didn’t know much at first, but I was determined to learn,” Aristote recalls.

"For two years, I saved everything I could, hoping to one day open a salon that would stand out.”

Aristotle’s dedication paid off when he finally opened his own salon. But what set him apart wasn’t just his styling ability—it was his keen business sense.

He quickly noticed a common problem among his clients: many struggled to find high-quality wigs to wear.

Spotting an opportunity, Aristote began selling wigs sourced from Kariakoo, a busy market in Dar es Salaam.

“It’s about making things easier for my clients, and they love it,” he explains. This small step marked the beginning of Aristote’s rise as not only a stylist but also a trusted source for top-tier wigs.

Realising the potential of the wig market, Aristotle made a bold move. Armed with $3,000 in savings, he travelled to China and Vietnam to secure premium wigs directly from suppliers. This investment proved to be a game-changer.

“Anyone who buys a wig from me knows it’s real and high-quality,” he asserts. “I don’t deal in cheap products. I want my clients to look amazing and have hair that lasts.”

As Aristote’s reputation for providing top-quality products grew, so did his following. Today, his clients are willing to spend up to 10 million Tanzanian shillings on wigs, seeing them as a valuable investment in their appearance.

“People know now that good hair makes all the difference,” Aristote notes. “When you feel beautiful, it boosts your confidence, even if you’re not wearing designer clothes.”

But Aristotle’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a man working in a predominantly female industry, he has faced his fair share of judgement and stigma.

“It’s strange to some people, but to me, hair styling is a creative art. Creativity shouldn’t be limited by gender,” he says. “Look at the world’s top fashion icons—they are often men. Society needs to let go of these outdated views.”

Despite facing societal pressures and even celebrities demanding discounts, Aristotle has remained true to his values.

“I thank God for helping me overcome these challenges. It takes determination to keep going strong,” he reflects.

His rise as a successful hairstylist is not just about the hair; it’s about building relationships and making clients feel confident.

“My clients leave feeling good about themselves, and that’s what keeps them coming back,” Aristote says. He often celebrates his clients on social media, sharing their photos and showcasing their new looks.

“It’s not just about the hair—it’s about confidence.”

Now, with a flourishing salon and an ever-expanding wig business, Aristotle has turned his attention to other ventures. With earnings from his salon, he has ventured into real estate—a field that has significantly increased his income.

“Real estate has been a great investment,” he says. “It offers big returns if you’re committed.”

Today, Aristote owns multiple properties, provides his children with quality education, and enjoys the fruits of his hard work by travelling abroad.

His success has also earned him admiration from high-profile figures like Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, who treats him like family.

Reflecting on his journey, Aristote offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in the beauty industry.

“This business requires solid planning and capital,” he advises. “Hair business globally is costly. But if you’re smart with your investments, it can pay off big time. With an initial capital of around 50 million Tanzanian shillings, you can easily make 90 to 100 million.”

Through his story, Aristote hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and break down stereotypes.

“People shouldn’t judge someone by their profession,” he says. “Respect what people do, because that’s where real success comes from.”

Aristote’s journey proves that with persistence, a keen eye for opportunity, and the courage to defy expectations, anyone can turn a dream into a reality.