2 mins
GLOBAL BARBER
CHLO WELDON SPOKE TO NICOLE FALLSHAW, ON HER JOURNEY FROM HIGH-END HAIRDRESSER TO DIRECTOR AT ST. MARTINS BARBERSHOP IN AUSTRALIA
TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE BARBERING COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA?
The barbering community is pretty incredible – most of us are extremely supportive of each other. I have a lot of friends in the industry, it’s like a family. I do believe as a whole, the barbering industry needs a bit of a shake-up. We work so hard and there’s some amazing work coming out, and I think we need to realise we are worth a lot more than what we think now.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BARBERING INDUSTRY?
I have been in the hair industry for over 20 years.
Originally, I started as a hairdresser working in high end salons around the wealthy areas of Melbourne city. I found myself getting tired of it so eventually moved over to barbering around 10 years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
WHAT OR WHO HAS HELPED YOU PERFECT THE SKILLS YOU HAVE NOW?
I have had a lot of education – this was something that was ingrained in me and was always something (and still is!) that I do for myself. You can never grow as a person if you don’t continue to try and improve. I started my education at BIBA Academy as an apprentice hairdresser and I had some incredible educators. Now, running my own business, I have some amazing mentors within the barbering industry. I’m currently working with Eoin and Leigh from One Zero One Education – these guys keep me inspired.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My inspiration comes from music mostly. Although I do love exploring different eras and using ideas from there, whether it be clothing, hair, music and making it my own. My favourite decade is without a doubt the 70s. I love working with long hair, there’s just so much you can do with it.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
More photoshoots and editorial work. This is my creative outlet. I would love to get into more editorial work in the future for men’s fashion magazines. I also love styling – I style all my photoshoots myself so getting into styling for other shoots would be something I’d love to dip my hand in.
WILL WE GET TO SEE YOU IN THE UK SOON?
My dream is to come and do some education in the UK. If the opportunity arose, I would 100% take it! You never know what the future holds.