Whitehaven business has had barbering genes in their family for decades

Tina, 52, owns Seville Barbers located on Church Street in Whitehaven. She was born in Whitehaven and for as long as she remembers, she has wanted to be involved in hairdressing/barbering. Her family have always had a barbering background as they owned a shop on Roper Street from the 1920s to 1950s.

Tina has now been running Seville Barbers for the last 15 years, after she completed her training at age 16 and gained experience from managing other stores before making the big chop and opening her own.

The barbers is located on Church Street in Whitehaven (Image: Newsquest)

The shop has had to cope with challenges such as the pandemic. Tina said: "We found the pandemic difficult and we had to adapt the business a lot.

"From appointments to the staff and myself wearing full PPE."

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"It has been difficult even after restrictions lifted as the business has not been the same. Our pensioners have not been as regular.

"We don't know if they are still afraid to venture out."

Tina also explained that the current cost-of-living crisis make her wary of how the business will manage with the rising costs of products they use.

The inside of the barbers

However, Tina prides her business on being family focused and her 'amazing' staff members who include Sara Carter who helps co-manage the store, Zoe Sinclair, Beth Bitcon and Cameron Mason.

The staff are all senior stylists who focus on working as a team and have a genuine love for their job.

Tina spoke about how her business stands out, saying: "We have a varied clientel who we feel like are our extended family."

"We have now opened as normal and run an OAP special on Mondays at a special discount.

"We would love to welcome customers old and new to our business."

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