At the age of 24, his list of achievements is something to really be admired. But Hohepa, or ‘Hops’ as he’s sometimes known, wasn’t always the accomplished businessman that he is today.
Three and a half years later, he decided that the time was right to make a move to Wellington, where he soon found himself working alongside former Maori All Black’s captain Brendon Blake at his barbershop known as the Blade and Boar.
A year later, when Brendon felt that it was time to move on, Hohepa saw a golden opportunity and, with the help of his father, became the Blade and Boar’s new owner in 2017 at the age of just 21.
Fast forward to 2020 and the Blade and Boar has expanded into three different locations in the North Island. Ponsonby, Wellington and, lastly, the Wynyard Quarter on Auckland’s waterfront, in 2018. He’s also released what he hopes to be the first of many hair care product’s called Micky Day, with 10% of all proceeds going to Movember, a charity set up to help men fight prostate cancer, depression and mental health.
New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world, and it was something that really hit close to home when Hohepa was younger and still living in Masterton.
“Growing up in the Wairarapa, we had quite a high suicide rate. I lost a good friend to it and I suffer from a bit of anxiety myself. It’s a big thing and a lot of guys find it hard to talk about it.
“I’ve always liked Movember; it’s done a lot for the men’s community. We’ve done an event with the organisers before – a world record competition in haircutting. They ran the whole thing and they were just awesome.”
After all he’s been through and after everything he’s accomplished, calling him a success story would be a bit of an understatement. However, despite all his achievements, Hohepa’s still a very humble and down to earth individual. When I asked him what inspired him and what his secret was to reaching his goals, he explained that he was always a bit of a yes man who always tried to put himself out there and try new things.
“Take every opportunity that comes your way, give it a go and don’t be afraid to fail. If it doesn’t succeed, keep going.” (KERRY LEE)
And to try Micky Day for yourself, order it at www.mickyday.com
And for more information about Movember, and what you can do to support them, please visit www.nz.movember.com
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