–By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Ese Laura Oghene:

Elohor Ekokogbe (2017/2018 cycle) has a B.Sc. in Business Administration and is the CEO of God’s Own Salon which she established after STEP training in Hairdressing and Makeover. She hails from Ethiope East LGA. She is four years in business as she shares her experience.

“I am naturally gifted in hair weaving. I continued with the practice after my study in the university when it became obvious that there was no white-collar job for me. I plaited hair for three years till I enrolled and received professional training through STEP.

“Since establishment, I have experienced lots of changes. First of all, I got a business name which increased my popularity in my environment. I have acquired more equipment such as a standing hair dryer, hair rollers, a hand dryer etc. 

“I have also diversified into the sales of attachments, weavons, wool, hair beads, hair beauty products, body sprays and perfumes to satisfy customers’ demands.  The returns for my investments are awesome. STEP is hope for the future.

“I have trained two persons and have four trainees at present. I contribute to the upkeep of my parents, support my husband and assist my siblings and other dependents. STEP made my life easier.”