5 minute read
Straight Outa Barber School – Balin Burns
WHO: BALIN BURNS. AGE 21.
WHERE: UGLY MEN’S ASSOCIATION BARBER & SHAVE SHOP PERTH WA
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It’s important to give back to the industry by bringing newbies in and having them feel the pain, by teaching them a skill that will provide them a futrure with endless possibilities.
It’s also important we recognise these leaders of tomorrow by celebrating their early success and that’s what we do right here.
Balin, tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m not originally from Perth myself I’m from a small country town in the Great Southern part of W.A. called Denmark where I grew up in a coastal country town setting for 17 years of my life. If you weren’t enjoying the ocean back home, it was the forest’s or just relaxing in the dam that’s when it wasn’t raining. School gave me a lot of experiences however I left in year 11 to move to Perth after getting accepted into a college where I finished year 12 as the new kid on the block, which was an interesting experience but fortunately I get along with most. I shared a house with my older brother and looked after myself in the city and it had its ups and downs, tough lessons also but probably the best thing I did for my future. Fast forward two years I’m a hospitality worker in the Hills region of Perth for most the time I was in Pert until I went on a trip to Japan for two weeks. Whilst I was on holiday my restaurant called me and said they closed down for renovations while I was away, so I didn’t have a job to come back to. That was proceeded by a rut in life as being jobless and without director gets confusing. However, I found a hidden away shop at the bottom of the stairs that was looking for a no-experience apprentice and that is when my path was crossed with Uglymen’s Barber & Shave Shop, which is my barbershop and second home in Perth. In the time that I have been there through my apprenticeship I have worked with the team closely and feel I have contributed to the shop and its growing form in my own way.
Why Barbering? What drew you to Men’s Grooming?
I stumbled across barbering through a barber apprenticeship advertisement when I was jobless and on the back foot. Barbering as a skill let alone as a craft or an art is the freedom of expression through hair. It can be artistic, or it can be practical or both. It’s the joy of artistic problem solving which stems my passion and interest. While also being able to offer support in the form of a conversation for all, be it regulars or one-off walk-ins, it’s the mesh of the two that make it for me.
Tell us about WA Barber Apprentice of the Year, a massive achievement congratulations!
As we all know covid has affected many and interrupted much, however having a reason to motivate myself every morning through my apprenticeship, and the offer of learning new skills was all I needed to work for it. (the award) The award Itself was a huge surprise! I knew I was nominated for it and was a finalist but to take out Barbering was amazing! It gives me more vigour to push forward and hopefully pioneer in the Barbering Industry.
What do you love most about Barbering?
The creative aspect of being able to craft something tailor made for each person that sits in my chair, and having a share of stories whilst doing it, what’s not to love!
Here’s what Balin’s boss had to say…
“It’s exciting to watch Balin master his craft and forge his own identity as a Professional. Balin has the unique skill of bringing together old-world customer service, with new world progressive values. At only 21 years of age, he has managed to cement his position in W. A’s barbering scene. I can’t wait to see how far he will run with it.” Luke Snowden Director: Ugly Men’s Association Barber & Shave Shop
How does that make you feel Balin?
Lucas is the rock in my career who motivates and fuels the spark of my imagination. I admire and look up to his quality of work and customer skills and having him say this about me is inspiring in itself. The least I can say is I look forward to further years at his shop.
Please share some of your opinion on delivering Old School Customer Service with New World Progressive Values.
The basic form of it is communication, which everyone enjoys in one form or the other. We find enjoyment and passion in providing great customer service for our client base and anyone that stumbles across our doorstep. Another form of it, especially the ‘progressive values’ side of things, is one simple thing, and that’s understanding that you won’t understand everyone. My client base is diverse and filled with plenty of cool characters which keeps things Interesting in the stories they tell, and the adventures they share. If you can appreciate that and mix it with honest person to person service, then you can attract the loyalty of all.
Balin, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I’m looking to work at my shop for another 2-4 years to hone, sharpen and refine my skills. Then relocate to England for a new scene and location. Maybe try my skills at a few shops, some more competitions and aim to grow my name into something worthwhile. I will also look to explore and get involved in England’s barber scene and the challenges and tasks it provides. Balin is qualified once he gets back from holidays and gets signed off! Welcome to the Club: Balin Edwards!
