Armadale resident and owner of Clip Inn Hairstylists Mario Skalecki is set to retire from his barber business after more than 50 years of service to the Kelmscott community.
A jack-of-all-trades, Mr Skalecki gained extensive experience in a number of fields before settling in hairdressing. “I’d done an apprenticeship, and then a couple of other things, a bit of painting”, he said.
“Then I went up north because the money wasn’t good, so worked up in Tom Price for a while. And then came back to hairdressing again.”
After purchasing his business from a local doctor, it was established at its current site. The salon went by other names before adopting the moniker “Clip Inn Hairstylists.”
After 53 years of cutting hair in the area, and serving all age groups and both genders, Mr Skalecki has come to know the local community very well. “It’s your local business and your community, you know. I’ve had a good time with them and am friends with many of them now.”
Approaching his 78th birthday, many locals have expressed dismay at the oncoming departure of their favourite barber. “An older mate said ‘you can’t leave!’, but I think it’s time to go”, said Mr Skalecki.
When asked what motivated him to enter this industry in particular, he highlighted a strong wish to work for himself rather than be employed by someone else. Additionally, having had a stepfather working as a barber, Mr Skalecki had had experience in the trade since the young age of 13, when he began his five-year apprenticeship.
“I was 19 when I finished, and 21 when I got married. We’re still together,” said Mr Skalecki, emphasising his family’s support in the long life and success of his business.
One particular part of the job he has especially enjoyed is the conversations with clients. “Being a barber and hairstylist, you know, a lot of the conversations you have can be quite intimate. We do both ladies and gents here, so you definitely form those relationships through the conversations.”
Despite the many positive experiences through the years, running Clip Inn Hairstylists has not always been easy. Since its beginnings, the business has grown, but there have been hard times as well. “When things are tight, you just have to tighten your pockets. If you’ve only got a certain amount, that’s it. That’s all you can spend.”
Although initially reluctant, Mr Skalecki eventually installed an EFTPOS system at the salon. “I didn’t have an EFTPOS in here, but I had to put one in eventually, because everyone else was doing it, you know. I didn’t have a bank card either. I was a cash man. Times definitely change though.”
He has expressed a wish that his regulars continue to come in the future despite his absence, with the rest of his long-serving team remaining.
