So this is it. I am fast approaching our "Golden Scissors Tour" of Eastern Europe. I am overjoyed to be part of a great team, as I will be alongside my brother Patrick Wilke, and another stylist whose work I absolutely love, Rodrigo Araneda of Montreal, Canada.
We are embarking on a massive tour, travelling throught the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, sharing our collection of cuts and styles for Matrix Canada.
These events are so grounding to a travelling artist, as they force you to remember why you became an educator in the first place. These are my reasons.
I have had literally thousands of influences in my career, artists, musicians, designers, and espescially hair gurus who have inspired me to push forward and improve myself, and those around me. However, there are 3 in particular (in chronological order) that may not know how important they have been in shaping the direction of my career.
First, my grandfather, Domenic Tersigni. An Italian immigrant, he barbered for nearly 70 years. Somehow he found a way to support a wife and 12 children with his scissors, comb, clippers and razor. Although in a monetary sense, he was never wealthy, in my eyes, he was the richest man I ever knew. His respect and dedication to barbering was second to none, and he truly loved his work, and the people he serviced during his time. I learned the value of hard work from him, and that being rich seldom had anything to do with money.
Second, my first trainer that made a difference. Gerard Scarpaci facilitated my first segment at Vidal Sassoon in Toronto. His attention to detail, and commitment to sharing information are gifts I try to emulate every single time I am fortunate enough to be conducting a training. Gerard settled for nothing less than perfection, and is a true craftsman. I learned the value of knowledge, and the value of sharing from him, the most important traits of any successful educator.
Third, a recent connection. Chrystofer Benson. I truly believe that I probably would have left the industry in the last year or so that I met Chrys. A true inspiration, he settles for nothing. The ambition and drive Chrys has is unmatched, and that is contagious. He makes everyone around him believe they can succeed, and far exceed any mental or technical limitations.
So. I am off to Europe to educate and inspire stylists with my amazing team, and I am taking these lessons from my hair heroes with me. Its time to be dedicated, work hard, be technically perfect, share my ideas and knowledge, and exceed my limits, and inspire others to do the same.
If you don't have a hair hero, i suggest you look around. There are many, and they are around if you just have a good look.
Best,
Paul
