From hairdresser to barber

Meet Racheal, our barbering tutor in Takapuna.

How many years have you been in this industry ? 23 years, before I did training as a hairdressing - I did not enjoy that to much, so I started working in barber shops.

Why did you want to be a barber/ hairdresser ? My siblings are hairdressers so I followed their foot steps. I though it was going to be easy - rude awakening! But looking back the joy I got out of barbering is priceless.

What’s the highlight of your career so far? The life long friends that I have met through all the years of barbering, I have watched kids grow up, go to high school and get married.

What made you want to become a tutor? I started tutoring in 2017 at Premier before then I was working in a barbershop, managing the shop and so I took on trainees, I found that I had great communication, planning and structure so I thought I could go into tutoring. So I went for it and I can not see myself ever going back. I can see a spark in every student's eye, I take that spark and polish it so that they can make a success out of their career. When you are not at work, where would we find you? Walking my doggy / at the gym or at the beach on a sunny day. Love spending time with my family.

If you can choose to be any animal which one would you be and why? Tui bird - this specific bird has a significant to me and I believe a bird resembles freedom.

My dad is a big inspiration in my life he installed great value and morals in my life, pushed and supported me in my career. He taught me that actions speak louder than words and he always showed me unconditional love. And he taught me how to be a great parent to my kids.

What’s your best advice to someone entering this industry? That it is not easy - prepare to work really hard - be passionate about barbering and the skill that you learn here will open so many doors just stay open minded.

What’s your special skill? I can drive a forklift.