TATE & LYLE BY REX A.C. SILVER
Jacob Martin evolved from the London barbershops of Soho and Fitzrovia, where he mastered his craft under the guidance of some of the finest barbers in the Capital. Starting his journey as Saturday boy in London’s oldest known Barbering location just off the Pall Mall, he ‘grafted’ as an apprentice for 2 years earning “a poxy 2 quid sixty!” Instilling in him a passion, skillset and hunger to learn one of the world’s oldest crafts, gaining knowledge that could not be bought with money, Jacob was fortunate enough to have worked at various top shops throughout London meeting various barbers/hairdressers. “I was trained by arguably the most gifted barber I have ever met, Dominic Stables, who would have me perform air scissors for hours a day, to help me gain control over my scissor and comb technique. He has been a continuous mentor throughout my 10 years in this industry. I was given the privilege of learning a traditional art form which has now, in my eyes, been over complicated and blurred.” During my formative barbering years, Jacob won the opportunity of a year’s mentorship with the British Barbers Association. “This gave me the opportunity to meet such amazing and talented barbers/hairdressers; the likes of Chris Foster, Dale Ted Watkins, Erik Lander, Errol Douglas, Lloyd Hughes & Kevin Vorley who gave me invaluable training!” We find out more about this international talent now based in Sydney. Tell us a little more about your career so far…
Our brand name is derived from the secret language of London’s backstreet traders, created to prevent the prying police from nefarious collusion.
I trained traditionally as an apprentice before the hype and fast track barbering courses that I believe, are now all too common! My career has been truly blessed with many fortunate experiences, including featuring as a main contributor for ManSTYLE Lab and demonstrating traditional skills I have learnt in my career at Australian Hair Expo 2016/17/18/19. I have had some wonderful opportunities whilst in this profession, winning The British Barbers Associations, Menspire program in 2013 and receiving a year’s mentoring with some of the industry’s leading names. Performing at the largest trade show in Europe, on the Hairdressers Journal stand at 2013 Salon International, returning in 2014 performing my first ever live solo demo for the BBA were special highlights. I was part of Johnnie Sapong’s styling team at London Collections Men working for fashion labels Oliver Sweeney, Maharishi and Hackett, product launches, most notably that of Moroccan Oil with Errol Douglas MBE and Dove’s shaving range. I’ve also had TV and radio appearances such as BBC 5lives Men’s hour and Man Up a makeover show for Fox TV and have appeared in magazines, newspapers and online blogs such as Hairdressers Journal Men. Down under… Where do I start! I came to this country under the impression that I would only be here for 6 months then return home but 7 years and 1 shop later I now call Sydney, Australia my home and recently acquired my Australian Citizenship
