Barbering academy proves a cut above
A businesswoman who lost her new barber shop in a devastating fire is getting ready to start again – thanks to help from her fellow stylists.
When fire engulfed popular restaurant Borneo Bistro, in Hylton Road, earlier this month, it also caused significant damage to the neighbouring business, Barbering@SR4.
Owner Noor Stevens was reduced to tears when she saw the destruction to the barber’s she had put so much time, effort and money into.
But in another blow, the mum-of-four realised that her insurance didn’t fully cover the damage.
A training college, SB Barbering Academy, heard of her struggles and got in touch to offer its help.
Noor said: “I want to say a massive thank you for all of their help.
“They messaged me and asked if there was anything they could do and they’ve donated chairs and equipment that I can use to get up and running again.
“My barber’s is just gone. I think it’s going to be knocked down, but I’m not sure.
“I thought that I was insured for more than I was.
“I was only insured for £2,300 so donations from SB Barbering Academy have been a huge help.
“I’m desperate to get started again. I’ve now passed my Level 2 barbering course with ALD training academy in Birtley so I will be able to join my barber Ryan when we open.”
Thanks to the support of the barbering community, Noor is hopeful that she will be able to reopen Barbering@SR4 at a new property in 68 Hylton Road in the coming weeks.
Vikki Smith, owner and lead educator at the SB Barbering Academy, said: “We were in the process of changing our chairs and Ian Taylor, who works for us, saw the news about the fire and we thought we might be able to help.
“I think Noor was a little bit overwhelmed. From what she was saying it’s going to make her life so much easier.
“I’m just happy we could help really.”
SB Barbering Academy, which opened four years ago, has donated two barber chairs to Noor as well as products, gowns, neck brushes and more.
Noor said: “I sat one of the hair cut exams last week after the fire.
“think it’s really lovely that Vikki from SB Barbering Academy got in touch. It’s not even where I trained and they wanted to help.
“I also want to thank ALD training academy, where I’ve trained, for their messages of support.”
“My barber’s is gone. I think it’s going to be knocked down” NOOR STEVENS