Husbands and wives can successfully run a business together.
This is because they often have a shared vision and interest in a company’s success.
With this in mind, young Nilufa Nikhat and Arshad Aftab Ali, opened Gypsy Globe Salon in September 2024.
And in doing so, they did not just bring a business to life – they broke barriers and inspired others in the process.
When this newspaper visited their salon at the Charan Jeath Singh Mall in Labasa, Nilufa retreated from the limelight and let her husband do the talking.
“We both lived in Lautoka before we moved here,” Arshad said.
“For months, Nilufa looked for a job, knocking at various salons but she couldn’t find an opportunity.”
The 23-year-old said salons offered commission-based wages and stereotypes about women in business made the journey tough.
“In our culture, it’s not easy for married women to get jobs.
“This made things hard for Nilufa.”
She faced challenges but she never gave up. Arshad made sure he was always by her side.
With determination and hope they decided to set up their own hair salon, creating a space where Nilufa could thrive personally and professionally.
“As a man, I strongly believe we should always support our wives in their dreams and plans,” Arshad said.
Starting from scratch the couple set up Gypsy Globe Salon and in a little while, their dream became a reality.
“We had no customer base when we first opened last year,” Arshad said.
“It was tough. We didn’t have a reputation in Labasa, and without customers, it is hard to survive in the business field.”
But instead of letting that setback discourage them, the couple turned to social media. Their opening day video was a hit and a game-changer.
“We got over 70,000 views on the video.”
“It was just incredible to see how much support we received.”
A growing small enterprise still, Gypsy Globe Salon, has big plans for the future.
Arshad and Nilufa are now looking for a bigger space to operate from. They also plan to hire a small team to help them.
“Right now, we’re doing everything ourselves—running the salon and managing the business,” Arshad said.
“But we’re looking for a larger space, maybe upstairs in the mall and a few staff.”
As their business continues to grow, the couple hopes their story will inspire other women in Labasa.
They urge people to chase their dreams and take a leap of faith regardless of the obstacles they might face.
“We’re proof that with hard work and support from family, anything is possible.”
Nilufa Nikhat and Arshad Aftab Ali are breaking barriers in Labasa. Picture: NACANIELI TUILEVUKA
