I’m a barber

Maria and I met in 1992 when I was a new hairdresser, fresh out of school. My focus was haircutting. She was a colorist. I’ve always worked in shapes, she’s always leaned toward shades. A perfect match, one cuts one colors. We’ve always been a pretty good team. I’m writing this thinking about today being our 34th anniversary. Still together, still like each other, still doing our part.

It’s funny, I started turning on a lathe because someone gifted me their father’s old machine. I had no idea what I was doing. Maria told me I was going to kill myself, and honestly, how I didn’t cause myself seriously injury is a mystery. But, from the first moment I have loved turning on a lathe. It was like I was born to do it, a natural. Everything seemed familiar. Sure, I had to figure some things out; get the right tools. But it wasn’t a burden or a passing hobby. I was hooked.

I used to think I was just fortunate, like the kid that picks up a baseball bat for the first time and discovers he’s a natural. But, I’m convinced that my life for the last 30 years has molded me to be good on a wood lathe. Hard work, concerted effort, focus. The things I do 50 hours a week, every week.

I’m a barber. I cut shapes with hair. I use tools with sharp blades. I understand growth patters, weight distribution, angles, etc. Barbering made me a better wood turner, and vice versa.

I chose haircutting because it seemed like the easiest way to get what I wanted at a young age. Girls and money. That was all I cared about. But, barbering isn’t easy. It’s hard work if you do it right. Sure, anyone can cut hair. I mean, its just scissors or clippers, but only a few cut hair well. Only a few take the time to do the right things right. It’s very close to architecture or construction. We build off of a foundation and create shapes with proper graduation and weight. Clean lines, proper technique matters. It’s the difference between a haircut and a great haircut. If you ever had a bad haircut and a really great one you know the difference. But, the best barbers aren’t born, they are made. Made through hard work, repetition, focus and commitment. They understand their tools and their material. They have a crazy fixation on proper technique and sound construction. That molded me into a better wood turner. Taught the value of shape and technique. Taught me to respect my tools and material. I’m always chasing to perfect shape. Sometimes I find it, sometimes its ok. But, the ok teaches me and makes me better.

I found the girl within my first year and I’m still working on the money. And my priorities have shifted, or at least been added to. Fulfillment is important now. Creativity is vital. I’m still the same barber, working 5 days a week, full books, bone tired, but my mind is always on the lathe.

What I have learned is what I am doing today is molding me for tomorrow, whether I realize it or not.