Popular Nigerian hair vendor and entrepreneur, Chinedu Akanigwo, monotonously known as HairbyHairboy, has opened up about how personal hardship, particularly hunger, became the driving force behind his journey to success.

He made this revelation during a recent interview, where he spoke about the challenges that shaped his determination to build a thriving business and online presence.

According to him, his lowest moments came when he struggled to afford regular meals, an experience that forced him to reassess his situation and take decisive action at a young age.

HairbyHairboy explained that the situation pushed him into early entrepreneurship, leading him to start his hair business in 2016. At the time, he also began promoting his products on social media, despite receiving little to no engagement.

He recalled that the early days were discouraging, as his posts attracted minimal attention, making it seem as though he was “posting to himself.”

“I almost gave up, but I said to myself, this is the only means to survive, don’t quit,” he said.

His persistence began to yield results in 2022 when his content started gaining recognition online.

The gradual growth eventually translated into a major breakthrough in 2025, when a series of hair-related videos went viral, significantly boosting his visibility and business reach.

Observers note that his story reflects a broader trend among young Nigerian entrepreneurs who are leveraging social media platforms to build brands from scratch despite limited resources.

Today, HairbyHairboy is regarded as one of the fast-rising figures in Nigeria’s digital commerce space, with a growing audience drawn to both his products and his personal story.

While his recent success has sparked conversations about determination and resilience, questions remain about the next phase of his career as he continues to expand his influence in the competitive online marketplace.