THE HIGH STREET BARBER

JOSIE JACKSON CAUGHT UP WITH THIS ISSUE’S HIGH STREET BARBER, REBECCA ‘SPECK’ ESSEX-CROSBY, OWNER OF KREW BARBERS

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BARBER?

I’ve been a barber full-time since 2014, however I’ve been in the hair industry for over 30 years. I trained as a hairdresser at 16 and have always covered barbering within the salons I’ve worked at; I found that I preferred the precision, detail and ability to work with such a diverse range of clients that barbering offered.

YOU RECENTLY MOVED PREMISES – WHAT PROMPTED THIS?

Krew had been in the same premises for six years, however issues with the landlord and management company meant that the best thing for our business was to find a new home.

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS EXPERIENCE?

Moving premises was both stressful and exciting. It was hard, both physically and mentally, to dismantle and leave the shop I had spent the last six years building, however I was excited to bid farewell to a leaking roof and faulty electrics. I love interior design, so I was in my element with a blank canvas.

CAN YOU SHARE THREE TIPS FOR OTHER BARBERS EITHER RELOCATING PREMISES, OR OPENING A NEW SHOP FOR THE FIRST TIME?

1. Choose your premises wisely and talk to previous tenants if possible.

2. Check out the structure of the building and find out what the upkeep is like.

3. If you’re relocating, make sure to utilise all of your original furniture where possible, as this will help you keep costs down.

YOUR NEW SHOP HAS A SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION CLINIC. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHY YOU WANTED TO HAVE THIS IN THE SHOP, AND WHAT TRAINING WAS NECESSARY?

I trained as an SMP practitioner in 2020 – I gained my qualification on an intensive course in London after having my eyebrows tattooed. The effect blew me away which made me think about the impact this could have on someone’s scalp. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to incorporate this into the business at our previous premises as licencing rules are very strict. I’m so excited to finally have a fully licensed clinic room under my own roof at Krew.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?

I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, I never thought I’d be here. I’ve brought up three strong boys after walking away from an abusive marriage. I’ve worked really hard to get to this point, regardless of the hurdles life has thrown my way.