Hairdresser back to build family legacy

Half a century after his family first opened a barbershop in Blenheim, Steve Wilson is continuing the legacy - right back where it all began.

Fifty years has passed since Steve’s uncles opened a barber/tobacconist in Market Street.

Now the experienced hairdresser and businessman has gone full circle, back in the building where his family first opened a barbershop.

At the helm of iHair for three weeks, Steve says it feels special to be able to continue the legacy of his family’s long running barber business.

“The family has been here since before Blenheim was known as Blenheim – but Wilson Barbers was around for years and I’m glad to be able to follow in their footsteps.”

Steve, who has travelled around the world and worked with the likes of top stylist Vidal Sassoon in London, says he first got the chance to buy the business 12 years ago.

But not ready to leave Wellington where he was living, Steve stayed put.

“My uncles wanted me to buy the business back in 2011 but I wasn’t ready to make the move back from Wellington at the time.

“My parents bought the business and held on to it for five years.

“One of our current stylists, Sarah, was the owner operator for five years and did a fantastic job, but now the place has come full circle back into the Wilson family and I’m planning on being here for a long time to come”.

Steve now has his sights set on is training the new crop of local barbers.

“Our staff has live streamed training with some of my connections still in London.

“It is still the hub of hairdressing with legends, and growing up I was obsessed with the technical cutting of Vidal Sassoon – so it was a real honour to be able to work alongside some of the most influential stylists in the world,” he says.