After been made redundant and working as a kitchen designer for over 27 years and at the age of 47 I decided that I would like a total change of career.

I had always liked the idea of barbering and I would often say when asked what would you have done if it hadn’t been kitchen designer? A barber would be my reply.

However I thought that that would never happen as I was too old to change direction. How wrong I was!!!!….

I started searching online for Barbering courses and came across Thomas Lloyd Barbering Academy. I gave them a call, after chatting to Lloyd I went along to have a look and to find out more. I was so impressed with the Academy, after asking how it all worked and being shown around and meeting some of the students I booked in for a free haircut.

I was so impressed with the cut that Bec did for me, it was better than haircuts that I had paid for in the past !!!! I decided to take the challenge and  booked in for the August-October course 2019.I was so sceptical, how an earth could I learn a new skill at my age, how could I learn to cut hair and get a job in a barbers at 47?

I decided to go with it as this was something I could really see me doing . I loved it! it was hard work and took all my commitment but I can honestly say is was one of  the best decisions I have ever made.Lloyd is fantastic, he gave me confidence and support where needed, he would spend time repeating things if needed, it was great and after finishing the course I have had two job offers and I start on Monday in a barbers shop in Caerphilly.

I hope this will help someone who is unsure and maybe in the same position as I was, just do it!!!!  I have made some friends for life and now it’s all done I really miss the place ,and Lloyd and his great personality and sense of humour.

Darran is now working in Groom for Men Penarth.