The art of barbering - High-shool dropout finds success in the trade
Published:Saturday | October 22, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
HAVING WATCHED a friend cutting his brother's hair in 1994, Brian McKenzie fell in love with the trade and, as they say, the rest is history.
McKenzie, who plies his trade at a facility along West Street in Port Antonio, explained that he started his first job cutting hair in 2000 when he barbered friends and some family members underneath a tree which, at the time, was in proximity to his house.
"It felt good cutting hair back then. And even today, I still enjoy doing so. I was persuaded by family members and community residents to take up the trade of barbering seriously, as by then, I was the pick of all the guys between the ages of 15 and 17 years, who were doing hair-cutting duties voluntarily in the community.
He added: "And in 2002, I started hanging around barber salons, and from time to time, I got an opportunity to shave the hair of a few customers. And as time went by, I realised that I had actually grown into the trade."
McKenzie, 26, who dropped out of school at age 15 due to financial constraints, pointed out that where he failed to achieve academically, he has managed to gain through a skill, which he refers to as a trade of art.
According the young barber, the experience and knowledge gained throughout his nine years of providing service to the people of Port Antonio could not be weighed or measured, as he is involved in a trade which offers him comfort, peace of mind, and a chance to display his artistic hair-cutting skills on those desirous of his services.
McKenzie noted that at the end of each working day, he eagerly looks forward to the next, as barbering has become a part of his everyday life; a trade he will never surrender.
"I have developed good relationships with professionals, including the police, politicians, lawyers, teachers, doctors, and other community persons, who are among my clientele. I want to encourage all young men and women who may have failed in school to undergo skills training, so as to be better able to secure a full-time career."