CHLO WELDON SPOKE TO MATAKKI SCISSORS AMBASSADOR, NIKODEM SZULC, ABOUT HIS JOURNEY INTO THE INDUSTRY AND WHY HE OWES EVERYTHING TO HIS FATHER
HOW DID YOU GET INTO BARBERING?
It’s not easy to pinpoint when I started. I grew up in my father’s barbershop so I was always around the industry. After school, before school, sometimes during holidays, but I always felt happy there. When I was 12 years old, I told my father that I wanted to be a barber and learn the craft and go to work with him the next day. He looked at me, didn’t say anything, and then sent a text to his friend. A few moments later he said: “Okay, tomorrow you have your first client.”
WHAT OR WHO HELPED YOU TO PERFECT THE SKILLS YOU HAVE NOW?
My father taught me everything. He showed me basic methods on how to cut, how to shave, and how to trim beards. All my knowledge from cosmetics to pomades and tools - everything you need to know when you’re starting out in barbering.
TELL US ABOUT THE BARBERING COMMUNITY IN POLAND?
There are a lot of good barbers in Poland. We know barbers all around the world and I think we can say that the barbering community in Poland can be very proud. For the last 10 years, I’ve seen a huge difference. There are a lot of exhibitions, barbering events, guest spots, school fairs – I’m proud to be a part of it.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My biggest inspiration is my father. He is my idol. He’s an amazing person, full of ideas, and I’m so proud to have him as my father.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
I think my plans are based in Poznań, where I’m living now. We have a family business here, and we are all involved. I want to continue being a part of that because it’s such an amazing and rare thing.
WILL WE GET TO SEE YOU IN THE UK SOON?
I’m sure we will meet at the next Barber Connect! Maybe I’ll be in the UK earlier – we’ll wait and see.
