The story of Jimmy Ofuoyan would be absolute blockbuster if turned into a motion screen picture in Hollywood. Besides the teary part it is certain to bring, the inspiration behind his life would give audacity to people whose resilience is weakening.
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Jimmy Ofuoyan is the founder of two global brands: 360Kuts, also known as Khalilimages, based in Italy. From merely dreaming about owning a barbing salon, 360Kuts has become a centre that caters to men and women hairstyling needs. Khalilimages is a photography and digital content platform with huge following around the world.
However, like everyone of us has a tale, so does Jimmy Ofuoyan. His life is an emphasis of the fact that there is no smooth mountain anywhere, because if there was, it would be easy to climb. He was born into family of nine in Nigeria 24 years ago. His family comprises four sisters and three boys, of which he is the youngest of the guys.
The 360Kuts, also knowns as Khalilimages CEO did not have the luxury of a ‘normal’ childhood, which is expected to be filled with memories and access to formal education. He literally battled to survive on his own and the distinctive thing about him was that he mobilised everything within himself to prepare for the lonely journey ahead.
While he was 12, Jimmy Ofuoyan took up how to braid and fix women’s hair at his older brother’s unisex salon. As a smart and intelligent kid that he was, he quickly absorbed the nitty-gritty of the trade. Issued a certificate of independence after a few years, he consolidated his knowledge in the business by also learning men’s haircut by watching videos on YouTube.
To pursue his dream, Jimmy Ofuoyan
relocated to Libya, with final destination being Italy. He fell victim of human trafficking cartel who imprisoned him in one of their camps in the North African nation. In captivity, his talent continued to speak for him, as he became the hairstylist for other victims and his oppressors who held him for 18 months.
After Jimmy Ofuoyan escaped from captivity in Libya, he journeyed to Italy where he was first kept in a holding place in Abruzzp, Sicily. Against all the odds, he found a menial job such as working as a disc jockey to thrill guests at parties and events.
He was subsequently moved to a place in Pescara where he began to thrill with his skill as a professional hairstylist. He offered premium home services to people who couldn’t resist his talent and expertise.
“One of the pivotal moments in my career was when I relocated to Libya and found myself in a prison camp. It was during that difficult time that I realized the power of my hairstyling skills. I started providing haircuts to the captives and even the traffickers themselves, using just a razor blade and a comb. That experience not only improved my skills but also ignited a fire within me to pursue my passion even amidst adversities.
“It happened (breakthrough) when I had the opportunity to offer a haircut to a player from the Pescara football club. Being the first migrant and foreigner in my state to achieve such recognition in the hairstyling industry was a game-changer. The experience brought attention to my work and attracted influential personalities and football stars to my Instagram account. It was a turning point that catapulted my career and gave me a platform to showcase my skills to a broader audience.”
He won the Blurriest / Fasted Fade Technique Barber Battle against other good hairstylists and barbers in his commune and barbershop where he’s worked for several years. He is regarded as one of the best hair stylist in Pescara and Milan regions in Italy.
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