WEAVING MAGIC: A variety of styles (YU NAN)

Variety of styles

Paulma Afro Hair Salon is opened to everyone. Services include a wide range of styles for all hair types, from hair extensions to braiding, relaxing to cornrows, hair coloring, haircutting, and hair treatment.

Some styles take two hours, but others can take up to eight hours, topping the price list at more than 1,200 yuan ($190), according to Makuena.

"Chinese and African hair have different textures and needs. African hair is essentially curly and thicker," she said. "We have special haircare products like shampoo, creams and relaxers that are imported from the United States, Europe or Africa."

"Everyone is welcome. We cater not only to the African, but to Chinese and other foreigners, who come for either a regular haircut or an Afro style," explained Luyeye.

Since the salon opened early this year, customers from as far afield as Shanghai and Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, have walked through the door and the salon has quickly established itself as the favorite place for Africans to have their hair done.

Jesus Ela from Equatorial Guinea has been a loyal customer for several months. The overseas student at University of Science and Technology Beijing trusts Makuena so much that it is the only place he will have his hair cut.

"I am afraid that Chinese hair stylists don't know how to handle my dry, curly hair because they're not used to it," Ela told ChinAfrica. "But, Paulma can meet my needs."

Chinese are also curious to try the salon.

"I would go for African micro-braids if I have opportunity. It sounds quite interesting as Chinese people with straight, long hair cannot get these type of braids themselves," said Yi Yi, a film producer, "but perhaps, eight hours [to do hair styling] is too long for me."

Luyeye suggested that Chinese try an African hairstyle as it is fresh and can make a fashion statement. "They are curious about it," he said.

ENTREPRENEUR: Martha Makuena, hairdresser and owner of Paulma Hair Salon YU NAN

Ability to adapt

Encouraged by customers' enthusiasm, Luyeye plans to soon open branches in Shanghai and Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, respectively.

The African entrepreneur noted that understanding Chinese culture as much as possible is an advantage to do business in China, but it is much more important to properly position yourself for future advancement.

"I would like to have my hair salon first serve Africans, but of course, as an entrepreneur, I would certainly like to see a return in five years," he said, adding that he also expects this venture to have long-term effects on foreigners looking to start a business in China.

Having worked in many countries worldwide, Luyeye sees China as a land of opportunity. He works here, lives here and invests here, and his family speaks fluent Chinese, which makes the integration much easier.

Luyeye believed his late father's words helped him to adjust quickly in new places. "My father told me: 'My son, if you arrive at a place where you see everyone dancing with their left leg, you do the same thing. Don't think you are special.'"

"I have always kept that in mind, and that piece of advice has helped my career success," he said.