For the last 30 years Begum’s Haircare has been serving Ponoka residents and all their haircare needs.
Owner Begum Mawji herself is celebrating a life milestone with her 75th birthday. She wants to celebrate with her customers and a special birthday gathering has been set for Wednesday, July 25.
Begum has lived in Ponoka for the last 35 years after moving from Africa and pretty much everyone in town knows her. “They’ve been so kind to me,” said Begum of the community and the customers.
She added that in a world where there appears to be an ever increasing sense of entitlement and racism, Ponoka residents have always treated her with respect and kindness.
“And really, (they) are nice, like family!” said Begum.
One of her biggest friends, customer and support over the years has been Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins who continues to get his hair done at Begum’s Haircare.
Calkins helped get Begum a trip to see the Aga Khan when he came to Canada in 2014 and spoke in Parliament. She’s grateful for his continued support and friendship.
That and the community support has left her with a feeling of being part of a larger family.
Begum got her start in hair care when she was younger in Africa and eventually was able to get some help from friends and family to take a course in England. The flight alone was thousands of dollars.
It set the stage for her lifelong career in haircare first in Mombasa, Kenya.
When asked about the reason to celebrate with customers, Begum says there’s so much uncertainty, if not celebrating now, then when?
She invites customers to come and celebrate with her.