3 minute read
YOUNG BARBERING PRODIGY -CONNOR BRADDOCK
BY LOUISE MAY
At just 16 years old, Connor Braddock has already made a name for himself in the barbering world, showcasing talent and determination that sets him apart from his peers. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Connor moved to Australia at the age of five with his family, bringing with him a unique blend of Samoan and Norwegian heritage. Though basketball was his first love, financial challenges led him to discover a new passion—barbering.
Connor’s journey into barbering began early. As a kid, he was fascinated by the skill and artistry involved in cutting hair, often lining himself up between haircuts as young as 12. This curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown passion. By the time he was in high school, Connor was already cutting hair for his friends on the basketball courts. His dedication was so intense that he eventually decided to leave school to pursue barbering full-time at the age of 15.
Under the mentorship of Kash Shahidi, one of the Gold Coast’s well-known barbers, Connor’s skills improved rapidly. In just a few months, he transformed from a novice to an exceptional barber, mastering techniques that usually take years to perfect. “Barbering is extremely rewarding,” Connor says. “What you put in is what you get out. It’s a good mix between fun and business, where you can learn important skills while enjoying your work.”
Connor currently works at Kustom Faded, a top-tier barbershop in Southport, QLD. Surrounded by talented barbers, Connor thrives in an environment that emphasises attention to detail, great customer service, and a laid-back atmosphere. His tools of choice are Stylecraft Rebel Clippers, which he uses for the main portion of his fades, and Stylecraft Instincts for fine detailing. For trimmers, he prefers Stylecraft Sabers, which are versatile and perfect for bulk, line-ups, and designs. His goal is to one day be sponsored by Stylecraft or become a brand ambassador
Inspired by industry legend Chris Bossio, who has successfully built a franchise of barbershops and a product brand, Connor dreams of following in his footsteps. He envisions opening his own barbershop and eventually expanding it into a franchise. He also has his sights set on creating his own line of clippers. Ultimately, Connor’s goal is to set himself up, retire young, allowing him to enjoy life after putting in the hard work while he’s young.
For Connor, barbering is more than just a profession—it’s a creative outlet and a way to connect with people from all walks of life. “What I love most about the industry is how creative you can be and how there is always more to learn every day,” he says. “It’s not just about cutting hair but also about hearing other people’s stories and perspectives on life. It’s a very rewarding industry.”
With his passion, talent, and clear vision for the future, Connor Braddock is undoubtedly a rising star in the barbering world, and his journey is one to watch closely.
@cbtrimzz @kustomfaded @stylecraftpro
