James Johnson

Meet our barbering tutor, James!

James studied I.T., but wanted a trade that would provide him with work wherever he went – and barbering fit the bill! “I chose barbering because it offered the opportunity to be my own boss should I choose to be self-employed, which gives me a lot more options financially. Also, barbering is a trade that has a creative side, so it’s hard to get bored.”

After deciding to switch career pathways, James studied at London School of Barbering at the end of 2016 and then spent a year working in two different shops in Essex. He worked in both a traditional shop with barbers that had 40-50 years’ experience, as well as a more modern shop which gave more varied styles which helped him develop as a barber. “The UK barbering scene is amazing, but I wanted to travel, and with barbering it was easy.” James moved to New Zealand at the start of January 2018, working as a manager for a couple of barbershops within Auckland. James admits that management wasn’t for him, but loved any opportunity to show other barbers new skills, so knew a tutoring position would suit him well.

The people, creativity and the setting of a barbershop are what James enjoys about the industry. “Barbershops make for fun, casual environments where you can enjoy your work alongside your customers and other barbers. I like the technical side of haircutting best as having a good understanding of it allows you to be more creative and really enjoy your day to day.” 

Here at the academy, James’s role involves teaching barbering to a high standard in both scissor and clipper work. Another focus is preparing students for working in a barbershop through theory and his own experience.

“There’s a range of experience here to take advantage of, and everybody is very supportive from day one.”