Grand Master Barber Lina Bonsor shares her journey from shop owner to self-employed, and the ups and downs in-between...
HOW DID YOUR BARBERING JOURNEY START?
I started hairdressing when I was about 14. So that’s about 24 years ago. But I quickly realised I didn’t like hairdressing. I had quite a bad experience with my first salon manager and it put me off. While I was there a lady came in with her husband, and he asked me if I would be able to trim his neck for him with a rounded edge. I had no idea what he meant, but I gave it a go and did a good job. It made me curious about the world of barbering, so I went for an interview at a barbershop that was owned by a proper gentleman. He’s retired now but he took me under his wing and mentored me until I was ready to go on the shop floor and start cutting.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT CUTTING SHORTER HAIR?
I love the simplicity of it, the angles and being able to use my tools. I like getting stuck in and making a noticeable change. With women’s hair if you cut an inch off you often don’t make a noticeable difference. But with short hair it is a dramatic transformation. You can’t hide behind a short haircut.
HAVE YOU FOUND CLIENTS WANT LONGER LOOKS?
I’ve actually found it to be the other way round. More women want short hair and fades. They like the masculine edges and square shapes.
WHAT WAS YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE?
I left my barbering mentor to open my own shop in 2017 and I called it B Salon. I’d always wanted my own shop... but when I got it, I have to say I didn’t like the experience. I found the responsibility, the pressure and recruitment all very difficult. Then when I closed my shop I was diagnosed with Lupus. It all came at once, it was a stressful time.
It’s ok to step back, it’s ok to admit when things aren’t working, it’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok to start again.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER CHALLENGE?
I admit that there’s been a few ups and downs over the years. I love barbering and the industry, but I’ve had bad experiences in barbershops too. At the end of the day, I think that not all people are cut out to be running businesses. Everyone tells you that owning your own barbering business should be the pinnacle of your career – but it’s not!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?
I remember going to Salon International over the years and seeing people like Sid Sottung perform on the stage. So that was one of my goals. In 2017 I went on the HJ Men stage with FAB Hair’s Bernice Fowler. I remember I was shaking before I even stepped on the stage. But with lots of deep breaths, it was fine in the end. I loved having the support from the audience and the team on stage. People were listening and responding positively to what I was saying. It gave me a lot of confidence and reassurance. Another career highlight was becoming an ambassador for Matakki. For years I’d wanted to work with the brand. They were at all the exhibitions and trade shows, and were really approachable. I wanted to be part of that. I was also really proud to become the first female Master Barber in the Midlands and the second-ever female Grand Master Barber, two certifications given out by the British Master Barbers.
HOW ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THE INDUSTRY NOW?
I still don’t know where my place in the industry is to be honest. But my perspective has shifted. I’ve been finding ways to deal with my illness and finding a balance. Now I’m back to focusing on doing what I love. I need to work hard to regain the confidence I had before. I’m now self-employed and I rent a chair in a beautiful unisex hair salon – the team are so supportive and it’s a stress-free environment where I have more control over my day-to-day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER BARBERS?
It’s ok to step back, it’s ok to admit when things aren’t working, it’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok to start again. I took it very personally having to shut my shop. But the only thing you can control is how you react to a situation.
