Smiling hair, happy beards: A Turkish barber is the company I keep

The Company We Keep is a column on the CN&CO blog that profiles some of the most interesting people in our networks. Here we share the details of the lives of people we know, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of our society and proving that people truly are at the heart of everything we do. This month, Carel chose to feature Kacim Meddahi.

I have often commented that I am bad at many things, but really good at choosing the people I have in my life. I count myself very lucky that, from my childhood, I have had a diverse group of friends. When I was younger, it seemed to happen more naturally, but as I get older, I work hard at ensuring I mix with, learn from and have fun with people who are young and old, have various sexual identities, are from different races and economic back grounds. Not only does this diversity enrich my life tremendously, it has often lead to amazing experiences and business opportunities.

One person I have known for nearly a decade is Kacim. Working with and for his equally legendary brother Muhammed and other family members, they run the Turkish Men’s Grooming Lounge in the Morningside Shopping Centre. They work long, hard hours. Seven days a week. And whether I merely walk past to Woolworths, Exclusive Books or The Refillery or am on my way to them for an appointment, they always make me feel valued and appreciated.

After uncle Chris – Chris for Men, Hyde Park – retired (I had my first haircut with him when I was about one and spent three plus decades getting my hair cut by him – as well as receiving advice on tennis, German cars and much else besides!) I had my hair cut at a few places before popping into Kacim’s spot, and I have not looked back.

The man is brilliant with clients and a case study for anyone wanting to deliver top notch client service. He is energetic, knowledgeable, personalises your experience and is genuinely interested. He uses humour to great effect – and people who smile and make me smile, are often on my Best Friends list!

To boot – Kacim has won many international hair cutting and shaving competitions. So, while I don’t really have a hairstyle (never been my thing really – apart from wanting neat and easy to maintain – and older age means thining hair and less options anyway!) I LOVE getting a wet shave. It is one of my best treats for myself. Kacim handles the switch blade with skill rarely seen. As the blade glides across my throat, I always get a bit of a thrill!

Being an immigrant is often not easy. Being an entrepreneur definitely is never easy. Working with family can be tricky. Keeping your passion and delivering world class service is not something many maintain in their careers.

However, my friend and barber Kacim does all of the above. I am proud to keep his company and look forward to sharing a whiskey for his birthday this week and joining him and Muhammed for our end-of-year dinner!

For more CN&CO stories to help you grow your business and lead your best life, follow us on @cnandco. And to get hold of Kacim or Muhammed, call 078 352 6508.