Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Diaspora: Lessons from Ikechukwu Micheal a Nigerian Barber in Italy

This morning, under the gentle light of the Verona sun, I had the chance to meet with Ikechukwu Michael, a Nigerian barber living in Italy. His story, like so many others in the African diaspora, is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Despite the challenges of balancing two jobs and navigating life in a foreign land, Michael continues to pursue his passion for barbering while working night shifts at a food factory.

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I met Michael in Verona as part of my ongoing research into the presence of Africans in northern Italy, a project I began in 2013 to document how Africans are building lives here.

What strikes me in these interviews is the resilience and resourcefulness of people who, despite cultural and economic obstacles, have managed to not only survive but thrive. Today, I share Michael’s story because it speaks to the power of the entrepreneurial mindset and how it helps individuals stand out and live on their own terms.

Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about financial gain—it’s about identity, purpose, and standing out in a world that often demands conformity. The African diaspora has long been known for its resilience and resourcefulness, and Michael’s journey is no exception.

From Festac Lagos to Verona: A Life Built on Skill

Michael’s journey as a barber began over 22 years ago in Festac Town, Lagos, where he owned two thriving barbershops. In Nigeria, barbering was more than just a job for him—it was a way of life. “I’ve been a barber for over 22 years, starting back in Nigeria,” he shared with me. “I owned two barbershops in Festac Town before moving to Italy. Barbering is not just something I do for money; it’s a part of who I am.”

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The move to Italy brought a wave of challenges. Like many immigrants, Michael initially struggled to find his footing in a new country. Although he managed to secure a job working night shifts at a food factory, where he operates a forklift, the fire of his true passion never dimmed. “Even though I often work night shifts and should be resting during the day, I still find time to cut hair whenever someone calls me,” Michael told me, with a smile that radiated pride. “Today, I’ll be back at work by 4:00 p.m., but for now, I’m out here doing what I love.”

In the African diaspora, stories like Michael’s are not uncommon. Many African immigrants, including those I have been interviewing in Verona since 2013 bring valuable skills with them when they move to Europe, the United States, or other parts of the world.

These skills, whether in barbering, tailoring, cooking, or other trades, often serve as lifelines in foreign lands where job opportunities may be scarce for immigrants.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 36% of African migrants in Europe are employed in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, but many, like Michael, are also engaged in entrepreneurship as a means of supplementing their income and maintaining a connection to their home cultures. Building a Client Base in a Foreign Land

One of the most challenging aspects of starting a business in a foreign country is building a client base.

I asked Michael how he managed to attract clients in Italy, where he had no established connections. His answer was simple but insightful: “It all comes down to who you know,” he said. “When I first arrived in Verona, I began visiting different churches. I would introduce myself to people, letting them know I’m a professional barber. One person might say, ‘Give me your number; I will call when my son or husband needs a haircut.’ Then I would move on to another church and do the same, and that’s how I built my client base. I am still cutting the hair of many of those clients today, right in their homes since I don’t have a barbershop here.”

This grassroots approach to building a network is a hallmark of entrepreneurship within the African diaspora. Without access to formal business networks, many African immigrants rely on their communities for support.

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Churches, cultural associations, and social events often serve as key platforms for networking and business development. For Michael, visiting churches wasn’t just a way to practice his faith—it was a strategic move to grow his clientele. Read more at https://aclasses.org/ikechukwu-micheal/