Teenage business owner set to open second branch of On Point Barbers in Long Melford after success of first location and new clothing brand

After entering the barbershop sector while still at school, Glemsford-born Oli Norman said he often thought about opening his own business – but he never expected the opportunity to present itself so early in life.

Now, a year on from the launch of On Point Barbers in Elmswell, the 19-year-old is set to cut the ribbon on his second location in Long Melford next week, with further ambitions of opening more shops in rural areas around the region.

Alongside the barbershop chain, Oli also launched a clothing brand during the most recent Covid-19 lockdown, under the umbrella of On Point, which he stated has enjoyed a strong early response.

Oli, who grew up in Acton, said he had entered the trade when he started as a sweeper at Mr Barber’s in Bury St Edmunds, before earning his barbering apprenticeship through West Suffolk College.

He told Suffolk News: “Then Covid hit and we had the first lockdown. I had a temporary job at Tesco and, one day, I was walking my dog when I saw a unit for rent.

“I had always thought about having my own shop, but never thought I would do it this young. I just decided, ‘I’m going to go for it and see how it works out’.

“I really like the creative side to barbering and it’s very social as well. We get to speak to loads of people every day. It’s a sociable job and I like talking to people.

“In the last lockdown, I was at home and not working. I got temporary jobs at Royal Mail and the Co-op, and I thought, ‘what can I do to promote business and keep engaged with customers?’

“I started a clothing brand and the response has been really good. I’ve sold a lot of shirts online and also in store.”

With the first shop now just over a year old, the Long Melford branch of On Point Barbers is scheduled to open its doors in Smalleys Lane on Saturday, August 21.

Oli explained he had identified Long Melford as a location that could benefit from a barbershop like his, adding that he hopes to open future shops in other villages, instead of large towns.

“I thought that I could bring more of a barbershop experience to Long Melford, rather than having one of those places where you’re just in and out,” he said.

“I want to grow the brand, so people always know what to expect when they come here. I want it to be an experience, no matter who you’re with.

“I want to keep growing the two shops and open more in villages rather than town, where I think there’s a demand for them.

“There’s lots of new houses being built in the area, where I think they could benefit from a barbershop, rather than going into a town centre.”

Following the launch of the Long Melford shop, Oli is also preparing to complete a skydive from 10,000 feet in September in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Inspired by his grandfather, who has dementia, the fundraiser has so far collected £300, with an online donations link available on the On Point Barbers website.

To learn more about the business, click here.

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