A BARBERSHOP is celebrating its milestone tenth anniversary – and bosses believe their dedication to community spirit has helped them stand out in a sea of salons and hairdressers.
Clifford’s Barber Shop, in Southchurch Road, is one of dozens of hairdressers across Southend but has managed to outlast many others.
Owner, Nicola Waller, is confident there are many more years of success to come.
The shop was opened by Nicola a decade ago, naming it “Clifford’s” in honour of her father, Clifford.
More than just a place for haircuts, Clifford’s has become a beacon of support for the community.
From offering a calm and relaxed environment for children with additional needs to get a trim, to free haircuts for the homeless, Nicola is confident that a community focus and creating relationships the last for years is the key.
She said: “When I opened it all those years ago, the tenth anniversary seemed so far in the future. It just feels amazing to get to this point. I wish I could look at my dad and say, I did it.
“I wanted to become at the heart of the community, where I see people coming in with their children in pushchairs, and I would cut their hair through their lives.
“I had [customers of] seven, eight, and nine years old, who came in when I first opened, who are now still having their haircut here, but venturing off to university. Being part of the wider Southchurch community for the last ten years has been a real joy, but without the community I wouldn’t be here looking forward to another ten years.”
Clifford’s has become known for specialising in helping children with autism build their confidence in getting haircuts, creating a safe and welcoming space for all.
On top of that, Nicola is also part of the national charity Haircuts 4 Homeless and visits organisations such as Harp, One Love, and the YMCA offering free services to those in need.
Nicola added: “It first started when I had clients who had children with additional needs that absolutely hated their haircut and had been turned away from other barbers.
“So, I tried to find a way that worked, and build their confidence. It is also hard for the parents, who got embarrassed when their child kicked off and cried, but there is no embarrassment here.
“I worked on it to become easier over the time, where eventually the haircut is the easy part.
“I am looking forward to carrying on, offering haircuts to my community, for many years to come.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here