By Gomezgani Msiska

Copyright mwnation

In a modest salon nestled in the heart of Zomba, buzzing with the hum of clippers, the scent of acetone and the soft shuffle of customers arriving for their appointments, Joseph Sandram is doing more than shaping brows or perfecting nail sets. He is reshaping perceptions.

At just 27, he has become a notable name in Malawi’s growing beauty industry. But his path to success has not been as polished as the nails he paints. His story is one of quiet defiance, resilience and an unwavering commitment to passion all rooted in a decision he made eight years ago.

He says: “My journey into the beauty industry began about eight years ago. After completing my Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations, I was always drawn to creative pursuits and seeing my sister succeeding in this field sparked my interest. Her passion and success inspired me to follow a similar path and I have never looked back.”

Born and raised in Zomba, Sandram began offering beauty services such as threading, eyelash installation, nail care, pedicures and manicures in 2017, while awaiting university admission. What began as a side hustle, quickly evolved into something bigger- a lifeline and eventually a business venture that supported him through university.

“Initially, it was just something to help me earn some money while waiting for school, but it became a real business sustainable even during my university days. I realised it was something I could grow,” he said.

But stepping into a career not traditionally associated with men, especially in Malawi, came with its own set of hurdles.

“During my first year at university, I faced a lot of skepticism and stigma. A lot of peers on campus questioned my choice. Some even said it was not a man’s job with others going as far as suggesting I was gay or not masculine enough,” he said.

The pressure and judgment could have easily pushed him away from his craft. But Sandram chose a different path one defined by discipline and confidence in his vision.

“I stayed focused on building my skills, delivering excellent work and surrounding myself with supportive people who encouraged me, over time, the positive reputation helped to silence the critics and ultimately helped me overcome these challenges,” he said.

Still, it was not always easy to balance academics with entrepreneurship. Sandram, who pursued a Bachelor of Science degree, admits there were moments of strain.

He explained: “When my grades started to slip, I had to make a difficult decision. I scaled back on my beauty services to focus on my academics, it was a necessary step to get things back on track. But it taught me discipline and how to manage priorities.”

In recent years, Sandram has noticed a surprising and encouraging trend in his clientele a rising number of male clients seeking grooming services.

“There has definitely been a shift, more men are coming in for pedicures, nail treatments, and other grooming services. I think social media and celebrity culture have played a big role in normalising male self-care. Men are becoming more comfortable prioritising their appearance and well-being,” he said.

And with that shift has come a greater appreciation for Sandram’s work particularly among those who once doubted him.

“One of the moments that always stands out for me is when a client left a glowing review, beaming. They said I had changed their confidence and self-esteem. Seeing the impact my work has on someone’s life is fulfilling. It is moments like those that remind me why I love this industry,” he said.

Sandram sees the evolution of beauty, particularly for men, as far from over. “I predict male grooming will become even more diverse, we will see more men exploring unique styles, products, and services. The industry will continue to break down traditional barriers, embracing individuality and self-expression,” he added.

He is also hopeful that more young people especially young men will feel empowered to follow their own paths in beauty and fashion.

“My advice would be to follow your passion and do not be afraid to break norms, the beauty industry is evolving, and there is room for creativity and innovation. Build your skills and stay up to date with industry trends. Most importantly, be authentic and genuine in your work clients will appreciate it,” he continued to say.

For Sandram, beauty is more than aesthetics it is a form of therapy, self-care, and empowerment. His salon has become a safe space, not just for grooming but for conversation, healing, and confidence-building.

He continues to work in Zomba, offering an array of services while mentoring younger aspiring beauty professionals. Whether it is a student needing a confidence boost before a presentation or a businessman preparing for a special event, Sandram treats every client with the same attention and respect.

He said: “I believe everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, if I can play a part in that even a small one then I have done my job.”

In a world still wrestling with outdated gender roles and expectations, Joseph Sandram stands as a quiet revolutionary proving that true success comes not from fitting in, but from standing out with purpose.

Speaking to a Blantyre based customer to Sandram Taonga Msiska, said that it is not about him being a nail tech but his work is exceptional and impressive

She said, “ it is not about him being a male tech, the first time I saw his work I was impressed and when he starts doing your eyebrows, you would not want to go to another tech it’s like you are hooked to his services, he does an amazing job.”

She did not stop there Msiska also tackled the customer care services of saying that his customer care services would be rated 10/10 and very exceptional.

“His customer care services are exceptional, he is flexible and professional, he is also friendly to his customers even for the first timers you do would not feel like its your first time going to get services from him,” she said.