A barber described as a “therapist” for her customers is celebrating 30 years in business today.
Michelle Rolfe, 52, opened her shop on Poulton Road Just4Men when she was 22 years old.
At the age of 25 she gave birth to her eldest daughter, Shelbie Rolfe, and moved to another shop on the same street where she has been since 1991.
Speaking of her mum’s time as a barber, Shelbie told the Globe: “My mum trained me to be a barber when I was younger and was unsure on what I wanted to do in life.
“I know first-hand how much of a lovely family feel the shop has got. It’s got its own little community vibe.
“She’s been on the same street for 30 years so she’s now cutting the kids hair of the people she was cutting 30 years ago so it’s really nice that she gets to see people’s families growing older.”
READ: Poulton barber celebrates 30 years
As well as cutting generations of family’s hairs, Michelle also offers children their first haircut, a popular speciality in her shop.
Shelbie said: “It can be really difficult for a child to get their hair cut for the first time especially if they are kicking and screaming.
“She’s a really calming and positive presence around the kids especially when they’re nervous or reluctant to get their hair cut.
“Mum is known for having a Lighting McQueen chair in the shop and the kids get a balloon, certificate and chocolate afterwards.
“It puts the parents at ease knowing their children are in good hands, so I think that’s why people keep coming back because they know they’re not only going to get a good hair cut but good service too.”
To celebrate her 30 years barbering, Michelle is hosting a raffle to give back to her loyal customers who have shown her support over the years.
Shelbie said: “This is a huge achievement. She’s done amazing I’m so proud of her.
“Especially in such a deprived area like Poulton to still be so successful on Poulton Road where shops come and go every few months. It’s commendable.”
Over the 30 years of cutting people’s hair, Shelbie said Michelle has become part of her customers families.
“She’s been involved in the evolution of everyone’s family. It’s crazy but so lovely,” she said.
“It’s nice because she knows exactly who they are. She’s like a little queen of Wallasey! We can’t even go into Asda without her being stopped by clients every five minutes.”
She added: “She’s like a type of therapist for her customers. I know from personal experience when a man sits down in that chair it doesn’t feel like anyone else is around him and they can be quite vulnerable, and they start to open up to you about things they may have never told anyone else.
“People have no idea how much having a chat with customers can have an impact on them.”
Shelbie said her mum’s success with customers is down to her “bubbly” personality.
She said: “She’s such a chatterbox and she’s so bubbly so her personality just shines through. Even the most nervous people she knows how to bring it out of them and get them talking.
“I know a lot of people have experiences of going to get their haircut and the person cutting their hair doesn’t listen properly whereas my mum does exactly as the client wants.
“I feel like that’s why she’s been successful over the years because she’s got such a gorgeous personality.
“People don’t just come back for the haircuts they come back to see my mum and have a chat.”
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