Brooklyn Fischer, left, aka The Hair Doc, with a client
Image: Screeengrab
A MITCHELLS Plain barber is growing his business after cutting out his PlayStation gaming to focus on giving his community fresh cuts.
While many young people are struggling to find work, Beacon Valley barber Brooklyn Fisher, 21, decided to create his own opportunity.
What started as a teenage hobby in his bedroom has grown into a business that supports him financially and has helped him build a name for himself online and in his community.
Fisher's journey comes at a time when youth unemployment remains one of South Africa's biggest challenges.
According to Statistics South Africa, 45.8 percent of young people aged 15 to 34 were unemployed in the first quarter of 2026.
Rather than waiting for an opportunity, Fisher chose to create one for himself.
He first picked up a clipper at the age of 13 after being inspired by a friend who cut his hair.
Curious to learn more, he spent hours watching videos on YouTube, following international barbers whose work motivated him to improve his own skills.
By the age of 16, he had built a steady client base, cutting hair for seven people every weekend and earning his own money while still in school.
He said: “It wasn’t much money at first, but it showed me that I could make something of this and support myself."
After attending AZ Berman Primary School and Wynberg Secondary School, Fisher completed an internship at a Green Point barbershop.
To invest in his dream, he sold his PlayStation and used the money, R4 000 from his savings, to purchase professional barbering equipment.
He added: “I knew if I wanted better results, I needed better tools. Selling my PlayStation was a sacrifice, but I believed it would be worth it.”
He began focusing on content creation and sharing videos of his work online.
One video attracted more than 400 000 views, helping his business grow. Today, his TikTok account has more than 26 800 followers.
He transformed part of his bedroom into a barbering space, complete with a chair, mirror, and lighting.
As demand increased, clients began booking house calls and travelling to see him.
He added: “Before it was about the hair. Now it's about the person. People sit in my chair and share what they're going through.”
His impact has not gone unnoticed. Friend Joshua Benjamin MacCurry described Fisher as a role model whose faith and determination inspire others.
"He leads by example and encourages people to believe in themselves and keep pursuing their goals," he said.
For Fisher, barbering opened the door to entrepreneurship, content creation and a future he built for himself, one haircut at a time.
A CUT ABOVE: Brooklyn Fisher
Image: Supplied