Hairdresser to the stars helps Inspire Islington youth

An Islington barber with a celebrity client list told young people that “being good at what you do” is the key to successful business.

 

The North London barber, SliderCuts (Mark Maciver), joined a panel of motivational speakers giving short “TED-talk” presentations at Aspire, a youth employment event organised by Islington Council’s iWork youth employment team and partners. 

 

The barber’s regular clients include a host of famous faces, such as music artist Tinie Tempah and boxing star Anthony Joshua. 

 

SliderCuts spoke to young people about his career, from discovering his passion for barbering to turning it into a successful and renowned business. 

 

Aspire offers the chance for 16-24 year olds in Islington who are not in education, employment or training, to find out about apprenticeship schemes and job opportunities, as well as network with local businesses. 

 

On top of the motivational talks, attendees had the chance to take part in a ‘speed networking’ exercise with a range of employers from the local area, including Peabody Housing and Greenwich Leisure Ltd. 

 

This gave them the opportunity to make contacts in a number of different industries, which could lead to future employment. 

 

Sixty young people attended the Lift Hub, in Angel, for the fifth Aspire event. 

 

SliderCuts was also offering free haircuts for young people that attended.

 

Hairdresser to the stars, SliderCuts, advised the group: “It’s really important to be good at what you do, especially in London. 

 

“Focus on your craft and the business will follow.”

 

Cllr Shaikh, executive member for economic development, said: “We’re committed to helping young people find rewarding job opportunities and successful careers.

 

“Events like Aspire are really important in helping young people make contacts and find out about the opportunities available to them. 

 

“I’d like to thank SliderCuts, our guest speakers and all the employers who came along to encourage Islington’s youth in taking the next step in their careers.”

 

The iWork Youth Employment Team support young people aged 16-24 to find apprenticeships across a range of sectors. For more information please call 020 7527 3559 or email youthemploymentteam@islington.gov.uk.