Venktesh Salon

Venktesh Salon is based in Mahalgaon, which is a bit outside the main part of Nagpur. It is a quiet place and our shop reflects that. I started this business because the local people needed a place to get their hair cut without having to travel all the way into the city. The shop is just a simple room in a small building. I don't have any big signs, just the name Venktesh Salon painted on the wall. Inside, I have one main chair and a smaller one for children. Most of my customers are farmers or people who work in the local shops. We don't do any of those modern styles you see on TV. It is mostly just short haircuts and basic shaves with a straight razor. I keep a bucket of water and some clean towels ready at all times. There is no air conditioning here, just a small table fan that I move around depending on where I am sitting. I know everyone in Mahalgaon, so work is also a time for catching up on all the village news. Sometimes people just stop by to say hello even if they don't need a haircut. It’s a very slow pace of life and I am happy with that. I open up when the sun comes up and usually close early in the evening. It’s a modest way to live and serve the people in my community. It keeps me busy enough.