Semisi Qalica once dreamed of becoming an architect. Today, the 44-year-old from Yadrana, Lakeba, Lau, jokes that he became an “architect of men’s hair” instead.
The founder of SIMS The Barber Fiji, Semisi has spent the past 20 years turning barbering into a business built as much on relationships as it is on haircuts.
His journey was far from conventional.
Before barbering, Semisi took whatever work was available — cutting cane, planting pine, working in construction, selling coconuts and collecting rubbish.
Then came an opportunity to become a barber.
He took it, and two decades later, the trade has become his livelihood and passion.
Semisi was among the local barbers to introduce the fade haircut to Fiji’s grooming scene and later embraced technology by introducing online bookings for customers.
Today, SIMS attracts clients from Fiji and overseas, including long-time customer, musician and entrepreneur Apakuki Nalawa, known as Kuki, who credits the barber with transforming his image.
This business, however, is about more than appearances.
It is about veiwekani — relationships and the connections built between people.
“Our life is about veiwekani. In business, relationship building is vital,” he said.
With support from the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, Semisi is now expanding SIMS to offer facials and other therapeutic grooming services, creating a space where men can groom, relax and unwind.
“Stop overthinking it. If we are given a vision or an idea from God, don’t sleep on it. Work it.”
The aspiring architect may not have ended up designing buildings, but Semisi has spent 20 years designing a business around craft, community and connection.
