For Ismaila Balde, founder of Alpha Continental Haircut, self employment was a lifelong ambition that had to happen. Working for various

reputable companies in various different countries in Africa and Europe, this Guinean-born entrepreneur has had a lot of influential experience. Ismaila has now took that all important step, which has marked a turning point in his life.
Using the savings that he had, he started from scratch with a vision to expand. From thereon, he has never budged from the ethos of hard work that underpinned the opening of his first shop. As with anything else, Ismaila mentioned the hurdles were enormous but you ‘get over them eventually’ and ‘If you want something in life, you cannot give up’ which is important in understanding what he has achieved in his field so far.

Giving a first class service to his customers was essential in establishing Ismaila’s high reputation in a competitive sector. As Ismaila describes, the distinctive cuts, friendly and lively atmosphere along with value for money was what has made this salon so unique and successful. He is now building up a team of growing staff.

Alpha Continental Haircut has now moved to new premises in Little Horton with plans already in the pipeline for expansion. Selfless in his approach, Ismaila is keen to help others onto the same road. More important, he believes networking is a must for businesses as well as the obvious benefits, it offers an outlet for the likes of him to encourage more people into working for themselves which in the long run is vital to securing Bradfords future.