“Tokouso” opens its doors

By Nefertiti Matatia 06 July 2018, 12:00AM

There’s a new Barber Shop in town. 

With a startup cost of about $10,000, two friends established Tokouso from their savings to achieve their dream. 

Monu Taufa from Tonga and Mo Mafua from Samoa spoke of their vision to bridge the barrier between their two island nations through their new venture. 

Tokouso means brother and to them this is very important to their vision of establishing their business. 

Though history tells of the rivalry between Samoa and Tonga, the two owners believe the covenant of friendship creates brotherhood, despite the country a person represents.

Tokouso, located at Savalalo, is a place to feel connected, comfortable and welcomed. 

“Back home there are a lot of Tongans who haven’t even seen or met a Samoan their whole life because of the stories told about the two islands,” Monu said. 

“At the end of the day if they are Tongans, Samoans or Fijians, they are all welcome here.”

Monu hopes to create new friendships with the new business. He worked in Fiji for three years and also as an I.T. expert, but to be his own boss is exciting for him.

“Barbering is not just cutting hair, it is like a lifestyle. Being able to transform a person is like the happiest moment.

 “As you can see we try to bring in a clean environment. It feels like entering home. When people in Samoa think about a barber shop, they think about a simple chair, a backboard with the Chinese clippers and capes. 

“We are thinking about full on air condition, overseas clippers, the equipment, the tools and the way we treat the people. We are just here to provide for the people that are in need, in a very stylish and fashionable way.”

This is not Monu’s first barber shop.  

“It is not the first barber shop I have ever had because back in Tonga where I am from, I was involved with three barber shops.”

There are no limits for the two friends when it comes to extending their business. 

“It is a slow pace situation at the beginning, but then it moves as we go forward. What we want to offer is quality haircuts at an affordable price for anyone to come in and feel relaxed. Whether you are Tongan or Samoan or Fijian, we are all brothers.”

By Nefertiti Matatia 06 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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