Anthony Drysdale - the king of barbering

Having dominated competitions and being crowned king of barbering locally, regionally and internationally, Anthony Drysdale is now focusing on establishing his own business and positioning himself as a tutor of the art.

The 25-year-old copped his latest award at the Jamaica National Small Business Loan Barber and Beauty Expo, held at the National Arena on July 1, where he walked away with the grand prize of $500,000.

The now popular St Thomas barber, who practises his skill in Trinidad and Tobago, told The Gleaner that he entered the competition last year, but was placed second.

"It's not that I wasn't good enough, but I didn't attend the seminar that they had before the expo, so I didn't really have the full concept of what was expected. However, having gained that experience and attending the seminar this year, I was fully prepared to take the crown," explained a confident Drysdale, who operates under the moniker Anthony King.

Last year, he had expressed an interest in ensuring that barbering is studied, among the other skills in schools, a dream he still hopes to achieve.

However, in the interim and with the money he has been earning from the competitions, Drysdale said he is planning on opening his business in Tobago next month.

The company is to be called the Anthony Barber King Exclusive Salon and is to give clients a variety of services ranging from line-ups and shaves, braiding and hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, with the hope of including make-up artistry at a later date.

In addition to the services, Drysdale proudly revealed that he will also be offering classes to those who have an interest in barbering.

The sessions are to be held at his salon and have so far seen the registration of some 20 students.

According to Drysdale: "Everybody seems excited about it so far because I will be teaching them the various styles and techniques of trimming. Not only that, but I will also share how you can turn your barbering skills into a business, and how to properly manage the money you earn from each head you shave."