Meet Leonidas Martinos | Barber and hairdresser

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leonidas Martinos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leonidas, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
1)When I decided to open my own business I was 22 years old at the time, full of dreams, passion and love for barbering and hairdressing and everything that comes with it.My goal was and still is to become as good as possible at my job so I can make my customers the happiest as possible with my services but also to improve myself as a person and as an artist.When my customers come in for a haircut or a hairstyling and relax, they often share stories or personal problems with me.In that way we start connecting and that is something that shows me trust and I’m always willing to talk to them and help them if I can.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Barbering and hairdressing is very important for every persons life.When seeing someone the first impression is always their hair.Giving your customers the result they desire requires effort, care and love!Everyone is different and unique in their own way so I don’t think I stand out. Being myself and giving all of what I‘ve got is what I am proud of.Lately I’ve been participating in seminars and festivals and I’ve realised that what excites me the most is teaching and passing on my knowledge to people that want to start their career. At the age of 16 I started cutting and styling my friends hair for fun. Two years later when I left Corfu to study engineering in ThessalonikiI decided to enter a hairdressing Academy.In less than six months I knew that this is what I love and what I will do for life.Before even finishing my studies I started working in one of the most famous barber shop in Thessaloniki.It took a lot of patience hard work and sacrifices and this is how I succeeded and achieved my goals up until today. My inspiration when opening my own barbershop was the animation “One Piece” when the main character “Luffy” and his crew travel the seas to find absolute freedom.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would like to tell you that the whole island of Corfu is a “treasure”! We have the old town of Corfu, we have beautiful beaches and seas with unique blue colors,whole island is full of trees that gives you a sense of calmness! It’s a place more for a family and for the night lovers gives you some unforgettable nights! Some places where you can find what has mentioned are palaiokastritsa,sidari,kassiopi,glufada,peroulades,ISO’s and Corfu town

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can’t say that there was someone in particular that help me but I had all the support from my family,friends and my ex employer. All these people supported me and I am thankful. Never forget that at the end of the day it’s you that has to believe in yourself because there will be days that no one will.

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Image Credits
Photographer: antigoni triviza