BACK TO MY ROOTS

RICHIE FINNEY, CREATOR OF CAPTAIN FAWCETT, DISCUSSES HIS UNUSUAL JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF BARBERING

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

My first job was at an old-fashioned tailors called Hepworth’s, selling suits. I was a real rogue, and I kept running away from home so back then I did all kinds of jobs. I hitchhiked around the country and would pick potatoes and carrots, chop cauliflowers or wash dishes. I was an itinerant labourer. Eventually I left home properly, and I went to a place where I had my favourite holiday, which was St David’s in Pembrokeshire.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON A CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY?

I had an incredibly formative life. I ended up in film school and after I graduated, I went straight onto my first feature film within six weeks. I worked on loads of films, everything from Memphis Belle and Chaplin to Billy Elliot, and whilst I was doing that I used to make my own moustache wax in baked bean tins in my kitchen. My wife, who is a well-known make-up artist said to me one day “Can I take some of that to work?”. So, I bought a hundred empty jars on eBay for a tenner, and now it’s used on movie sets.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

Other people heard about the wax I was making in my kitchen and were contacting me. I’ve always thought if you want to do something, you’ve got to take it to the ‘nth’ degree. I am an addict. I have had addiction problems. Now, I don’t smoke or take any drugs, what I do is channel this energy into what I do. Eventually, I became busier and busier, so I ended up phoning a distributor, and the last movie I worked on was in Budapest about 15 years ago!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

That’s a difficult question. I think it’s about believing in yourself. I did a business course recently and I realised I didn’t understand the first thing about business in the traditional sense and then I thought, “My God, how on earth have we got to where we’ve got today?”.

You can have imposter syndrome all the time. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who believe in your work. If you believe in something, whether it’s a small fledgling idea, other people will come along with you if they can see your determination. The challenge is when you are single minded.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

My mother would always say that if something doesn’t succeed, just try, try, try again. We will always get knockbacks. Find your self-confidence, and even though you will have periods of self doubt you’ve got to get up and dust yourself down. There was a famous, song by Carole King: “You’ve got to wake up every morning with a smile upon your face and show the world that you’re as beautiful as you feel.”

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN THEN THAT YOU KNOW NOW?

It’s okay to be yourself, not everyone will have your drive but try to have an understanding of other people. I’ve always found that quite difficult, so I think it’s about being generous in spirit.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?

Taking that label off the baked bean tin. Being back in that kitchen and having this idea.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU NOW?

One of my favourite hobbies and passions is motorcycles, and I love it. I live it. We’ve also organised Barber’s Ride for the last seven years, which, to date, has raised over £125, 000 for Make A Wish and that’s happening this year in Ireland. So I’d like to have a little bit more time riding my bikes.