The Barbershop

After testing positive for HIV, one Ethiopian woman refuses to be a victim.

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This is an inspiring story of resilience. After Metsawet's abusive and unfaithful husband infected her with HIV, she decided to move away with her four children in search of a better life. At first, she worried she had made a huge mistake – she had no money and was worried that she would die and leave her children with nothing, but was insistent that she didn't want her family to be dependent on charity. Metsawet discovered a local aid-funded program that offered HIV positive people access to free ARVs and small loans to start a business. With $50 in seed money, Metsawet opened a small barbershop. Today, she's living a happy, healthy and productive life. Her barbershop is thriving, her kids are doing well in school, and she makes sure to educate all her customers about the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness.

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