THE HIGH STREET BARBER

MODERN BARBER SPEAKS TO FRANCO MORREALE ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE OPENING A SHOP

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BARBER?

I have been in the hair and barbering industry for the last 20 years.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I’d always had a vision of opening my own shop and for 20 years I never gave up - I was adamant I would make it a reality. I knew I had to learn as much as possible, at the highest standard, to give myself the best chance of success when the time came. In fact, throughout my career there were many times I came close to opening a shop before it actually happened last year. Something always came up, whether it was an issue with the lease, price negotiations or something else. When things crumbled, I had to regroup, but I didn’t let it knock me off track.

WHAT DID THE EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU?

That searching for a shop premises isn’t straight forward. For some people it might have been as easy as finding an empty space and starting, but that wasn’t the case in my experience.

CAN YOU SHARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR OTHER BARBERS OPENING A NEW SHOP FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Do your research in the area: see what other salons and barbershops are doing, network with other shop owners in the area, speak to the public and be prepared that it won’t be a 9-5 job. However, with that said, make sure you have at least one day off to rest, recharge and see your family and friends.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE AESTHETIC OF YOUR SHOP?

The design of my salon is simple; I wanted to create an artistic space, a space that’s bright, a space that’s well equipped but minimal to the eye so that customers feel it’s inviting instead of overwhelming. I want each and every customer to feel like it’s all about them.

IT’S A CHALLENGING TIME TO BE A BUSINESS OWNER. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN TERMS OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT?

VAT reform – from 20% to 10%. I also think the standard of education in colleges needs to be improved. One teacher to 15 students is not right.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?

Making it through the struggle. When you’re struggling it tests you as a person; it really makes you decide if you want to fight, or take the easy option and quit. I love cutting hair, and always have done – it gives me a buzz unlike anything else – so I knew the struggle wasn’t going to last forever and that I would make it to the other side.