In each edition, we choose a rising star – someone who is taking ownership of their path and building a booming career in the barbering world. With previous rising stars coming from all across the UK, this time it’s a little closer to EVO’s home. Made in Glasgow, but making waves across the UK… let us introduce Montel Campbell.
“Honestly, I just want to be a powerhouse of a person in every way possible… and barbering is the vessel for me to get there,” Montel Campbell told us from his East Kilbride, Glasgow barbershop, 1147.
“But my barbering journey has really been propelled by the people around me – and they’re who I keep going for.”
At only 25, Montel Campbell has built his booming career upon hard graft, continual education, and a humility toward those who raised him – both at home and in the barbershop (which, in Montel’s world, often overlap).
Montel’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it is one that proves him a beacon of resilience. So, let’s go back a few chapters to learn about the beginnings of our barber on the rise to stardom…
A HUMBLE START
“I remember it was a really difficult time. My mum, my sister, and I had been living in a refuge after certain circumstances meant we had to move homes. We were still trying to get settled when I met Tony for the first time.
I remember going to get my haircut with him, and thinking he was just so cool. We had the same V-cut mullet, with bleach at the back – so it just felt serendipitous to me.”
“He was my barber until he gave me a job, and he became my boss. I always wanted to work with him – and I’m extremely fortunate that I did for 10 years.
But what I’ve realised only recently was that it wasn’t just about liking cutting hair: it was Tony and the environment he had created.”
BUILDING A CAREER
Since Tony helped Montel start out in the business, his career has boomed – and he has recently gone into business with “one of the best barbers in the game,” Adam Berry, to open their shop 1127. Still based in East Kilbride, the pair aren’t far from Tony.
Montel has also built up a reputation for his forward-thinking cuts and styling.
“I always find inspiration on social media. I mean, Tony would always be blasting out mad trims that East Kilbride hadn’t seen yet – but through Instagram, I’ve been able to check out people’s styles from across the world and make friends with a lot of them.
Although, I have to say, what South American barbers are putting out there right now is insane. It’s mad colours, with super clean fades and designs – just all-out madness.”
THE POWER OF EDUCATION
Not only is Montel an advocate for pushing the limits of hair – he is also a firm believer in the power of education.
The barber recently joined the OP Barberschool as part of the education team after completing the Year One course and credits the OP D.F.S Formula for changing his career.
“Honestly, Josh OP is now one of my industry icons. What he’s done with his online academy is insane. He’s made it accessible for so many people, which is rare. I always tell people that I got my course on sale – and I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
“I am lucky to say that I get to work closely with the UK team, which consists of Tony Forrest and Marie Rainsford, who have both provided me with the support I need in the process of becoming an educator.
Shout out to those two because they’ve really supported me on this journey as an educator – always being patient and understanding.”
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Throughout our interview, Montel consistently referred to those who have supported him so far on his journey… “Tony Cairney, Adam Berry – they’ve been integral to my success so far.”
But Montel’s greatest support? His mum. “I grew up watching my mum work three jobs just to make ends meet. She didn’t ever let my sister nor I go without anything growing up. My gran, too – she would even chip in with my mum whenever I needed tools. It’s why I do what I do. It’s for my mum and my gran always.”
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS
Perhaps this humility and resilience is why Montel’s rise has been so swift. But as our conversation came to a close, we asked Montel: What’s the secret to success in this industry?
“You might face some difficult challenges in your life, but things happen to people – not because they deserve it – but because the world knows they can handle it.
Work hard, become great at what you do, and invest in yourself. Network with anyone you can – every single interaction you have, whether it be professionally or at the gym, is creating a network.
But the most important things? Be kind. Be yourself. Be positive… and put smiles on people’s faces whenever you can. The sky is the limit, and you set the height of your own possibilities.”