CLIP Culture

Kervin Hiew, lead educator for Wahl was born and raised in Borneo (Land below the wind), Sabah, Malaysia. Growing up in a single parent home shaped him into an independent kid, and from as early as 11yrs old there was an inner desire to be a hairdresser and barber.

At 17, and straight out of high school Kervin joined a local hair academy and began his journey into the hairdressing industry. He built up his portfolio as a lecturer, hairstylist, and as a brand technician in L’Oreal, Malaysia. “With more than 13 years of accumulated experience in the industry I knew that the passion and drive that got me to this point would have no limits,” he says. “And this same drive gave me the gumption to venture into the barbering industry.”

Kervin Hiew

We caught up with Kervin to chat about his career thus far, his role with Wahl professional and what’s ahead for this talented individual.

Can you tell us a little about your business, The Hairdressers Barbershop (THBX) and how it has grown since it was established in 2013?

I’ve always lived with the notion that no dream is too small or too big. I measure my own capability based on how much I can contribute towards a decision. From the moment I decided that I would step out on my own and open my own shop, I began a methodical process step by step to make sure that I would get there. What started with 2 barbers (often just myself and a trusted friend) offering affordable prices with great skill in a small shop, soon became 6 barbers in a 2 floor storey building! Like a bakery selling hot bread straight out of the oven, everyone waits in line to ‘GET IT WHILE ITS HOT!’ What initiated that second phase was seeing all the support we were getting and the clients that were waiting patiently for OUR SERVICES. It was clear that it was time to expand and grow the team. From recruiting and mentoring to establishing better working platforms for others, who share in our passion, that was also enough to fuel me to push for better and higher standards for our industry.

What makes you passionate about education?

As an Educator, I aim to be a role model and inspire a strong sense of self-belief among other barbers. Learning is a two-way street – while we share our knowledge gained through years of experience, we learn something new about ourselves along the way. In doing so, I have been able to realise my dream of elevating the local barber scene; one barber at a time.

What does it mean to you to be the lead educator for WAHL in S.E. Asia and what does the role entail?

This opportunity shifted my life trajectory; when I applied to WAHL to be an educator, my intention was to gain exposure for our brand (THBX), to spread awareness about us! So, when WAHL came around full throttle, it started to do so much more for me and my personal goals; essentially it opened doors and allowed me to travel the world to finite my education as a WAHL educator. Back then, in 2017, I was the only WAHL educator in the region; now we have 9 educators in total from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand and I am the Lead Educator and Coordinator for WAHL in SE Asia!

How important are the tools you use to your career, shop and education?

Incredibly important! With the correct tools applied in the right situation and cutting technique, it doesn’t just provide us with the result that we want but it also makes things much more efficient, as it’s easier to achieve the results you need when you are armed with reliable and trustworthy tools.

Do you have a favourite Wahl Clipper and if so which one?

Of course, I do! Hands down it’s the Cordless Magic Clip. It’s the tool that is loved by most people! The staggered tooth blades are just another awesome creation from WAHL to help barbers and hairdressers to cut hair from not just a visual sense but a technical one too. That helps a lot especially when we are cutting on short hair!

Do you have a signature style that you are best known for?

I would say my signature style is through listening. Although I’m a contemporary cutter I often like to mix classic and modern styles together. So even though creativity must flow, I still always implement the main fundamentals of technique and trends throughout, just with a twist!

Have you done any photoshoots for competitions and/or magazines and if so can you tell us about this experience?

Yes, I have. Back when I was starting out in the industry; exploring new things and trying out whatever I could to chase the dream. Whatever opportunity arose that allowed me to grow my exposure and finite my skillset I would do! Overall these are the things that added to my humbling experience and taught me the art of patience; patience because its physically taxing but also patience with myself to learn all the important details I needed; even down to the importance of lighting, body posture, facial features and styles and many other essential factors that play a role in overall aesthetic expectations.

We have heard a lot about ‘Culture Cribs’, can you tell us what it does and what is your involvement?

Culture Cribs is a community of mixed cultures and lifestyles. It is the first and only local platform that features a mixture a brands and services working together to provide a unique customer experience. Currently, the Culture Cribs Community consists of 4 different businesses under one roof: Tattoo Service, Hair Salon, Lash Studio & Drinks Bar! The idea for this is to encourage and spread #CONNECTION and creativity within the same workspace. It’s always fun to work in a place where people truly believe in their craft and have great passion for their work.

And finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

My dream is always to elevate the local barber industry to a higher and greater level. Setting a bar for the industry is what I have strived to do since day one. In 5 years’ time, I hope to not just inspire others but also to create more platforms for those that share my passion and want an opportunity to build a career. So… big picture goal for me at this point is to run a chain of barbershops!

SPEED DATE WITH KERWIN:

FAVOURITE FOOD: Without hesitation, my favourite food has got to be HOTPOT and those around me will tell you that too!

FAVOURITE DESTINATION: Anywhere with a mix of culture! I like to explore new cultures as it opens my insight and help me put things in more perspective to understand different values in life! However, If I had to choose 1, I would choose Thailand, great food, great people!

MUSIC YOU ARE LISTENING TO NOW: Lofi has become one of the longest playlists that appear as my music suggestion! It helps me to calm my busy mind and the same time helps me stay creative!

IF YOU WEREN’T A BARBER/HAIRDRESSER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A famous musician? Haha, since it was one of my choices to go to between hairdressing & culinary. I guess with my personality and work ethic I’ve learnt over the decade, I know I have the intestinal fortitude to pursue anything – so as long as I really want it to happen…. It will!

@barberkervin_thb_og

@wahlproaus

www.wahlpro.com