THE HIGH STREET BARBER

JOSIE JACKSON CAUGHT UP WITH GIOVANNI SPONZIELLO, TO HEAR HIS STORY OF 60 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

Not happy with my college education, at 17 I obtained an apprenticeship in ladies hairdressing and worked in a prestigious salon in the baroque city of Lecce in Puglia, Italy. There I gained valuable training before moving to Rome, and in 1963, after receiving a working permit, I moved to England. I became a top hairstylist, a good manager and educator, a technical instructor and business administrator, which took me to various parts of the world.

In 1985 I moved to Plymouth and built a wellrespected hairdressing operation of 12 salons that meant an average of 2,000 clients per week. In 2002 I put away my hairdressing tools and retired from the profession, dedicating time to my family, to the garden, and venturing into new interests – today at the young age of 82 I still keep in close contact with hairdressing professionals, and for a few hours a week I enjoy styling men’s hair in a local barbershop.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES YOU WERE TAUGHT AS AN APPRENTICE?

I was fortunate to be doing my apprenticeship in a salon where standards were very high. I gained valuable experience by observing and practising the styling methods of the time in women’s and men’s hair. In gents’ hairstyling there were no electric clippers – these were manually operated and the barber used multiple sizes, along with a sharp razor, to produce different grades - what we know today as skin fades. The razor was widely used not only to shave but also to add softness and a sculpted finish to certain hairstyles.

LET’S TALK TRENDS…

From a fashion/trend point of view, stylists of the past know well that hairstyles come, go and come back again – with variations of course. According to recent surveys, skin fades are very popular with men right now. Barbers of yesterday produced the same styles years ago – no change here.

Over the years there has been a dramatic change in trends from short back and sides to longer and more casual styles, with men also embracing colour and perming. Facial massage and lotions have recently risen in popularity, but this is a return to my apprenticeship days when hot towels and a facial massage was the norm.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?

In this industry, the main objective will always remain the same: to satisfy your clients. Ensuring you achieve both quality and quantity are key to success. Having an open mind to ideas and to learning, to listen, and to never adopt an attitude of knowing it all, is also crucial.

“Shop owners need to show interest in each member of staff, their objectives, and their worries.”

HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY CONTINUE TO DEVELOP?

Whatever qualifications or standards a person achieves, there is always the scope for specialist training. Shop owners need to show interest in each member of staff, their objectives, and their worries, in order to plan and invest in the further development of their skills. Motivation, technical know-how and professional maturity can encourage people to work hand-in-hand with manufacturers; taking advantage of their investments and knowledge can help achieve greater results. At 82 I am still an apprentice and learning – and am still passionate about our industry. I have had many proud moments during my career, including presenting at shows and seminars, and travelling internationally. The profession has rewarded me well, and I hope that I have contributed in equal measure.