“A dream come true:” A 17-year-old and a friend open a hair salon

A TEENAGER has called opening his new hair salon in Pontypool a “dream come true”.

Cai Gibbs, 17, and Wil Gough opened G&G on St Luke's Road, Pontnewynydd, on Saturday, May 18, with a launch party.

Cai thanked her parents Jonathan and Ria Gibbs, owners of Front Row Food, for their “tremendous help”, and Will for being an “amazing role model”.

Cai Gibbs and Wil Gough (Image: Ria Gibbs)

He said: “Running a business at 17 is a dream come true. I have always worked hard at what I do and to achieve something this special is an incredible feeling.

“A big thank you to my mom and dad who have been a huge help to me and are incredible role models. Without them, I would not be the person I am today, thriving to pursue my dreams.

“Working alongside Will every day is full of joy and enthusiasm, we bounce off each other, Will is another incredible role model for me.”

Jonathan, Cai, Ria and Sior (Image: Ria Gibbs)

Will built his barbering business from four years ago and since then the talented barber has enjoyed increasing success.

Will said: “I started Pit Stop Barbers around 4 years ago and it’s a business that I built from scratch myself and am incredibly proud of.

“About a year ago I hired Cai and in that time he has brought incredible energy and passion to the business that has allowed us to achieve everything we could and more at Pit Stop.

Will with his family (Image: Ria Gibbs)

“I felt it was time to take the next step and I couldn't imagine anyone better at my side as a business partner than Cai.

“He is an incredibly skilled, hard-working barber and we have a great vibe working together.

“I would like to thank my partner and family who have been supportive throughout this journey, as well as Cai and his family, everyone has done their part to ensure G&G is up to the highest standards. higher.

“Please come and check out our new G&G Barber Shop, we are both incredibly proud of our work and excited about what the future holds.”

Congratulations! (Image: Ria Gibbs)

The pair also hope to encourage men to talk about mental health, with both having completed mental health first aid courses.

Cai’s mother Ria said: “These two boys are very hardworking, determined and have the right values ​​to succeed in life.

“They seek kindness, gratitude and love for what they do and are encouraged and supported by their families. As a mother, I am very proud and can't wait to see them become successful men.

G&G is located on St Luke's Road, Pontnewynydd (Image: Ria Gibbs)

“Cai and Will have already supported people with their mental health through their gentleness, openness and willingness to break down stigma, particularly towards men.

“They want to create an environment that encourages change.

“Cutsnconvos is the philosophy behind the brand to encourage men to talk and open up.”

G&G opening hours:

• Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.