RAW TALENT ‘24

SIAN JONES, SPOKE TO THE WINNERS OF MODERN BARBER’S RAW TALENT BARBERING COMPETITION 2024 TO HEAR WHAT THEY PLAN TO DO NEXT

WINNER: STUDENT

TOBY WALLEN

How did it feel to win the Student category at Raw Talent Barbering Competition 2024?
It was really good. I was very proud of myself, for the short amount of time I’ve been barbering to go up to London and do that – it was amazing.

How did you celebrate your win?
I went home to see family and went out for food to celebrate. It was just nice to celebrate it.

What made you enter the competition?
I entered the Generation Barber Student Competition, I was in the top five for that but didn’t win so I just thought why not, I’ll do it, see how well I do, and get my name out there.

So what made you want to become a barber?
My grandma used to be a hairdresser, so it was always in the back of my mind, especially in lockdown. I was cutting my Dad’s hair and thought, why not? I decided to go to college and I just went for it.

Was there a moment when you realised that this is what you want to do?
It was when I was in college and I did my first skin fade. I went into my barbershop and started doing more haircuts and I just loved it from there.

Tell us a bit about the shop you’re in at the moment…
It’s really good. It’s called Levels Barbershop in Newton Abbott. It’s brilliant there, I couldn’t ask for any better. There’s five other people and we all have a great laugh.

What does the future hold for you?
I want to be entering more competitions and then, in the future, build up my clientele and eventually open my own shop.

WINNER: GRADUATE

COSMIN GRADINARU

What made you want to enter the Raw Talent Barbering Competition?
When I saw the category I wanted to do it because it was perfect for somebody with my experience. It’s amazing for the new barbers and gives us a boost. You need to start somewhere.

How did it feel to win?
It was amazing. It validates all the late nights in the shop (UDOU Creatives), learning and perfecting the style. When I entered the competition, I didn’t have a lot of time, so I just wanted to do something new that represents me – and I love to do burst fades. 60% of my clients are burst fades.

Can you tell me a bit about how you got started in barbering?
I have been in the UK for just three years. I never wanted to be a barber before. My dream was to be in the army. In Romania, to be in the army, you need to do exams - it’s not easy. I was accepted three years ago but I couldn’t find a place in my town, so I said no because it was too expensive to travel six hours for work. I have two sisters in the UK, and I thought - this is the time to fly. I came to the UK and for two years I worked as a delivery driver but one night I was with a friend and said: “I don’t want to do this all my life. I don’t know what I should do,” and he said I should try to be a barber. I thought I can’t do barbering. I’m too old. But I looked at the course and found the London School of Barbering. It was quite expensive for me, but I booked straight away. I didn’t think about it. I didn’t ask anybody. I said, “you know what, I will try it.” After one week on the course, I left my job. When I started the course, I didn’t know English, just a few words, so when I arrived my teacher had a Scottish accent and after three months of barbering, I understood 30% of everything. I tried to find my answers on YouTube and watch a lot of videos.

Where are you based now?
After six months, I moved to Manchester and one night I got a message from my teacher. He was opening a shop and asked if I wanted to work with him. Now I’m working in the city centre. I’m so happy because in one year I demonstrated that I can do it. It doesn’t matter how old you are. If you want to do something and you are passionate you can do it. An older client once said to me if want to fly - fly!

WINNER: POST-GRADUATE

AYEESHA COLEMAN

Why did you decide to enter the competition?
I like the fact that the competition specifies the amount of experience to enter. I always used to come across competitions and think “oh, I’m not there yet” but this just fit perfectly, and I thought what’s the worst that can happen? It couldn’t have gone any better!

How did it feel to win?
It was only the next morning when I was watching the video back that it sunk in. To have my team supporting me was really great. I’m new to the shop (UDOU Creatives) -I’ve only been there four months so for me and my colleague (Cosmin) to go there and win… it was just unreal, it couldn’t have gone any better.

How did you get your start in barbering?
I was a personal trainer and I’d had three and a half years off with lockdown, it felt like my time to say if you’re not excited to be back at work, maybe it’s time for a little bit of a change. My best friend is a barber, and he always wanted to train me up. From being a PT it felt like making people feel good but from a different angle. It was always a bit of a risk but there’s no point saying what if. I just had to make the jump.

Was there a moment where you felt like that hard work had paid off?
It was being able to see the confidence on customers faces and the creativity that can also go with the job. I like the hair colouring that’s coming into the barbering world now and I like drawing so I enjoy being able to do hair art as well.

Who inspires you in the industry?
Hayden Cassidy - it’s always good to look at other women. You always need to have that little bit of an extra push to stand out in a male-dominated industry. For me being a tomboy there’s a little bit more trust but I think it’s much more discriminatory for the more femme-type barbers.

What is your goal? What’s next for you?
I just wanna stay relevant. I already have the drive, but this has spurred me even more. I love the atmosphere of the competition and the adrenaline -I’m definitely looking to enter more.