When Esther Tuhirirwe joined Rockies Organization in 2016, she was a talented young girl, who was at risk of dropping out of school due to her family’s limited financial capacity. With Rockies’ support, she returned to school and completed both her secondary and vocational education.

Through her involvement in dance and music, Esther quickly recognized the importance of grooming, stage appearance, and visual presentation in the performing arts. She identified cosmetology and hairdressing as complementary professional skills that could enhance performance while also offering a viable livelihood. Through structured mentorship and targeted skills development, she diversified her abilities and began building a sustainable future.

As part of this journey, Rockies supported Esther to undertake professional training in cosmetology and hairdressing at Buganda Royal Institute in Kampala, complemented by an apprenticeship in prominent salons. This empowered her to transform her passion and creativity into a practical source of income. Today, she is the founder of Esther’s Touch, a hair and beauty salon in Makerere - Kikoni, Kampala, providing her with financial independence and long-term stability.

Out of her own volition to give back to the organization, she remains an active member of the organization. Alongside running her business, Esther serves as the Costume and Make-up Officer at Bantu Cultural Troupe, mentoring younger beneficiaries in grooming, stage presentation, professionalism, and self-reliance. Looking ahead, she plans to expand Esther’s Touch into a chain of salons that will create employment and mentorship opportunities for other young women.

Her story reflects Rockies Organization’s impact: enabling young people to overcome vulnerability, transform talent into enterprise, and transition from dependence to self-reliance.