In the picturesque town of Daylesford, an unconventional tale of reinvention unfolds. Meet Neil 'Jobbo' Jobson, a renaissance man whose journey from artisan builder to esteemed barber is as intriguing as it is inspiring.

"We had a little opening here in mid-Feb with all the people that have been coming and getting a haircut before I officially opened up, just so I can say thank you. I reckon I've been open now for three or four months," Jobbo muses, his voice carrying a hint of pride as he reflects on the humble beginnings of his barbering venture.

For Jobbo, the transition from wielding hammers and saws to mastering the art of the cutthroat razor was serendipitous, a twist of fate that began with a chance encounter at a local barber shop three years ago. "I just fell into it," he recalls, his words tinged with a sense of wonder. "There was a barber shop in town, Barber & Co, and I went in there one day, three years ago. And I just went in for a haircut, so I was asking about a cutthroat and where I might be able to go to learn how to use it properly."

He was struck by the creative power of barbering, “with building I was always adding, but with cutting hair I was always subtracting. It’s very sculptural.”

Little did Jobbo know that this seemingly innocuous visit would alter the course of his career forever. "She gave me some clippers and said I’m going to teach you how to cut hair," he recounts, his eyes alight with the memory of that pivotal moment. "It was an opportunity that arose, that I grabbed with both hands."

As Jobbo honed his skills under the guidance of his mentor, his passion for barbering blossomed. "I realised I loved it. I really like doing this," he admits. "I like doing things my way, after three years of learning I thought that's it, I'm going to open up my own barber shop."

And so, armed with determination and a newfound sense of purpose, Jobbo embarked on the next chapter of his journey, enrolling in trade school to obtain his barber's certificate. "I work for myself as a builder, working on creative projects like small studios, using materials that are readily available at hand," he explains, his hands animated as he speaks of his other passion. "About 95% of the materials in my space have been recycled."

Indeed, Jobbo's barber shop is a testament to his creative vision, a warm and welcoming oasis where clients are invited to unwind and indulge in a moment of pampering. "I wanted my space to feel warm and welcoming. I wanted it to feel like a space where you could hang, listen to some music and have a whisky," he shares, his eyes scanning the cozy interior of his establishment with pride.

But beyond the artistry of his craft, it is Jobbo's profound understanding of human connection that truly sets him apart.
"I really enjoyed the different understanding of relationships," he reflects, his voice tinged with emotion. "With barbering, you meet someone regularly for years and the relationship’s much deeper and stronger. The connection is nuts."

From offering solace to grieving hearts to fostering moments of joy and camaraderie, Jobson's barber chair has become a sanctuary for those seeking more than just a haircut. It is a place where stories are shared, burdens are lifted, and connections are forged—a testament to the transformative power of human touch.

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