Member Article

22 year-old barbershop entrepreneur reaches year milestone

A 22 year-old barbershop entrepreneur who set up her salon amid a University degree is coming to the end of her first year in business, having take on another member of staff.

Robyn Wilson, who trained with the L’oréal Academy set up Wilson Barbershop Co on Station Road, Gosforth in September 2013.

Robyn initially trained to become a hairdresser at the age of 17. After realising that working in ladies’ salons was not for her, she studied International Business and Spanish at Northumbria University but has since returned to her first-hand trade, deferring second year entry to set up the business.

Robyn said: “Everything has happened so quickly – I haven’t had time to stop and think about it. I’ve always preferred the cutting to the colouring, and men’s hair in general. So I gave myself a year to make a go of it, and haven’t looked back since.

“Our shop is a place where customers can come, without paying over the odds to get a high quality service, a cup of tea, and a good conversation without feeling intimidated.

“Our clients know they will be greeted at the door, and where they will find the daily papers.

“I have regular customers from all over the North East including Morpeth, Durham and Gateshead.

“Many of them work away and wait until they are home just so they can come to get a trim from us, which is the best form of feedback.”

Robyn received an extraordinary level of support from other local businesses, family members and friends eager to help with her start-up.

Robyn added: “I’ve been completely taken aback by the generosity of people, and along with the nearby businesses we have a tight-knit community here.

“I think that South Gosforth should be more of a destination than a pass-through zone. We’ve got a great city links with the Metro station on our doorstep so it’s an ideal out of town location, which I’m excited to be a part of.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .