Owner and barber of Valhalla Kutz
Meet Pete, a former Level 2 Barbering student who is now the owner and barber of Valhalla Kutz.
After serving 24 years in the military, Pete knew he wanted to build something of his own. He knew he wanted to learn something new, and after purchasing a pair of clippers and watching YouTube tutorials, he began giving haircuts to his colleagues in the military. Pete quickly realised he had a talent for barbering and that he wanted to turn it into a career.
Pete was motivated to return to college and become educated in the art of barbering, in order to add a sense of legitimacy to his idea of what he wanted his business to be.
Returning to college allowed Pete to understand what life outside the military was like, whilst learning in a clean and safe environment. He praised the supportive tutors, who were able to tailor their teaching to all different types of experience and expertise.
Pete describes West Herts College as the perfect stepping stone in helping him build his own barbering business, which has since won him the Rising Star and Home Salon of the Year awards!
Pete’s journey from the military to barbering proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. His advice to anyone contemplating returning to college is “Just do it. It’s a great place. It’s a safe space, go for it”.