Bassir Ali Said: A Man, Two Professions, One Passion for Service

At 65 years old, Bassir Ali Said embodies passion, perseverance, and joy for life. During the day, he skillfully wields scissors at his salon in Surinam, and at night, he cleans the silent corridors of a hospital. Between these two worlds, of service and art, he has built a simple, dignified, and happy life where work is a song and hairstyling is a calling.

It is just six o'clock in the morning in Surinam. While most residents are still asleep, Bassir Ali Said carefully organizes his cleaning tools. His night is coming to an end, but his day is just beginning. After spending several hours working for a cleaning company—particularly at the hospital, where he ensures the cleanliness of rooms and corridors—he returns home for a brief break before opening his hair salon, just a few steps from his house.

“I have never been afraid of hard work,” he says with a calm smile. “It is thanks to this that my children have succeeded in life.”

As a child, Bassir loved to play with his own hair or that of his cousins. He would spend hours creating shapes and waves, inventing styles.

For Bassir, work is a matter of dignity. For over fifty years, he has worked tirelessly, day and night, with a respect-commanding energy. Even at 65, he continues to rise before dawn, working at the hospital at night and then styling clients throughout the day, never complaining.

His story begins in the sunny streets of Surinam, in the south of Mauritius. Born into a modest family, Bassir fondly remembers his childhood years. After completing his CPE exam, he decided not to continue his education, saying that school was not for him. At that time, he needed to find a way to help his family, which led him to an apprenticeship in a small hair salon in the village.

That was where everything began. "The boss taught me patience, discipline, and especially the art of understanding people," he recalls. For him, hairstyling isn't just about cutting or combing; it is about listening, observing, and sensing how a person feels.

After five years of learning the craft, Bassir gained confidence and eventually started working independently, cutting hair in people's homes with just a bag of tools. His talent, gentleness, and seriousness quickly made him popular among the locals.

Years later, with significant experience and savings, Bassir finally opened his own salon in Surinam, a dream come true. Today, he serves 15 to 20 clients daily, from morning until 5 PM, providing more than just a haircut—he creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Bassir has a unique trait: he sings for his clients. He sings songs by his idol, Mohammed Rafi, and it brings joy to both him and his clients. He believes that music and hairdressing are two forms of art, and he enjoys the dance-like rhythm of his scissors as he sings.

Beyond being a dedicated barber, he is also a proud father and husband. Married in 2004 to Nazma, who provides unwavering support, he has three children who are his greatest pride. Bassir worked hard so that they could have opportunities he didn't have, wanting them to pursue their dreams without worry.

In his salon, everything reflects his personality: simple, orderly, and warm. Bassir is not just a traditional barber; he innovates and creates modern hairstyles while respecting classic styles. He aims for everyone to leave happy, regardless of age.

Of course, this double life is not easy. The night work at the hospital demands significant endurance, but Bassir never complains. He believes that when you love what you do, fatigue disappears, and he finds fulfillment in serving others, whether by keeping the hospital clean at night or making people feel beautiful during the day.

When asked about retirement, he laughs, saying, "Retirement? As long as my hands can hold scissors and my voice can sing, I will continue!" For Bassir, every client is like a chapter in his life, and he cherishes the relationships he has built over the years. His salon has become a meeting place for the community where conversations flow, and time stands still whenever he sings.

Ultimately, Bassir has passed along something even more precious to his children: the value of hard work, discipline, and family love, teaching them that dignity comes from how one lives, not from what one possesses.