Barbers Around the World: Venezia-based Michele Fontolan tells us about his success.

Michele Fontolan

Business owner and barber, Michele Fontolan tells us a little about his backstory, his success and his Venezia-based The Club Barbershop.

What can you tell me about your barbering career?

I started working as a barber when I was 18 at my father’s barbershop. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. You’ve got to build up a level of trust before you move on from simply sweeping hair. You can also learn a lot from watching other barbers.

How have you grown over the years?

I immediately decided to start learning at a barber academy to learn as quickly as possible. I also practiced at home, giving haircuts to my friends. My first haircuts probably took around one hour, but over time they got a lot faster.

I didn’t even care about money, my only purpose was to learn and improve every day. When the customer tells you that you did a great job, I think it is the best payment you can get.

At the age of 23, I started teaching at a barber academy and I have won some Italian hair tournaments in Turin, Naples, Padua and Milan. In 2021, I decided to create my own team and start my own business. The Club Barbershop is the fusion between the classic barbers, where I worked for almost eight years, and the modern barbershops that we see today. It’s not only a barbershop but a place to share stories, drink a beer and have a haircut.

What can UK barbers learn from barbers learn from Italian barbers?

If you work hard and love what you do, you can get everything you want in your life. I don’t think there are many differences between Italian barbers and UK ones. I think that, overall, we both have to learn from each other.

Any general thoughts or advice you’d like to share with our readers?

Making the customer feel at home is our purpose. I’m also proud to work with great people who help me to make the club one of a kind. Their names are Mario and Alberto, who are both barbers, and Vittoria who works in beauty. Another great thing that happened to me is getting to be the barber of the Venezia soccer team. Honesty, I never thought I’d get to this point. I’m filled with satisfaction every time they call me for a haircut.

Follow @mickfonto and @the.club_barbershop