Its been an insane week on the road so finding time to write a gripping episode of The Daily Grind has proved tricky so what better reason to delve into another “Getting To Know” feature.
This week were are putting the microscope on our own Jon Boy “Walks On Waters” but you’ll know him better as jonny_hardgrind
It was March 2016 when I first met Jonny. I was visiting our SB Family and helping with a day of teaching at the academy. As I walked round the students I was blown away by the level of skill being shown after only a few weeks of the course. I was swiftly taken across to a tall, bearded gent in the first chair knocking out a silky smooth skin fade. As I went to shake his hand, Vikki introduced him as “Jonny Hard Grind”. Obviously I was puzzled at first but I soon realised why.
From day one he shone at the Academy. Whilst others took lunch, Jonny rammed a sandwich down his throat and carried on working or watching others. He turned up every day looking to push further and continually outdo himself. The whole SB Team knew very early on he would be one to watch as his natural talent and dedication were on another level. They knew there was only one place for him when he completed his course and returned north of the border so branded him Jonny Hard Grind. ( It clearly stuck )
There are a few people in this industry whose opinions really stand for something and when SB put their spotlight on someone you’d be crazy not to sit up and take notice. We kept in touch after I headed home and I continued to watch his progress online and via email. I still recall asking Vikki how much help Jonny had on one of his cuts as I honestly didn’t believe the finished product was coming from someone 4 weeks into his career. Boy was I wrong though.
Leaving a barbering course doesn’t mean you’re ready for “barber life”. It doesn’t matter how well you did or how amazing your educator was. Training life and shop life is very different. Getting into a shop that wants to continually work with you and keep pushing you further is key and we work tirelessly to grow with our team to be the best we can be. It was a no brainer Jonny was to become part of the family.
Its almost a year to the day since it became official and Jonny hasn't stopped hustling. The skills and passion he throws out daily are frankly frightening for any barber let alone someone of his time in the game. A great barber, friend and all round top guy, we couldnt think of a better way to mark his 1 year anniversary than sitting down with the man himself to do a little Q&A
- Any hobbies?
Travelling, drawing and heading to the gym
- What’s your favourite movie?
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, trippy balls man
- Any guilty pleasures?
I got some questionable music choices. Bieber got me beliebing bro
- What was the last song you listened to?
Kendrick Lemar- Humble
- What’s your biggest fear?
Moths. Evil motherfuckers. They attack your eyes!!
- Tell us about the last dream you had?
I NEVER remember my dreams, god damn that sweet Mary Jane
- What’s your favourite insult?
"Yer Da sells Avon"
"Yer Ma wears a denim trackie"
- One word to describe yourself?
Majestic.....AF
- What’s your favourite tattoo & why?
Portrait of my g-mamma from the war. I was super close to her!
- If you weren't barbering, what would you be doing?
Continuing travelling the world
- How long have you been in the industry?
I started in SB Barbering academy in March 2016. So coming up to my full year in Hard Grind very soon!
- Who are your biggest influences?
Josh Lamonica, Slidercuts, SB Barbers. My bro Jamie Castle is definitely up there with them too!
- Where do you usually gather style inspiration from?
Constant scanning on Instagram and watching my homies I work with!
- What are your favourite clippers?
Wahl Magics all DAY
- What are your favourite products?
Reuzel green. Tidy Chops
- What do you think makes a great hair cut?
Getting those basics down to a T and then developing from there
- What advice would you give to anyone looking to join the industry?
Barbering isn't all it seems to be on social media! We grind hard and everyday there's something new to learn or a new style! Be serious about it, then head straight to SB Barbering Academy on a jet pack
- Do you have any future plans?
I plan to have a statue erected in my honour..... don't know what for yet
- Anything else you’d like to share?
Love to all the HG X SB fam, none of this would have been possible without all you guys! Peeeaaaccee