For the past few years, Jack has faced setbacks including time in jail and periods of instability. Barbering, a skill he had quietly admired, stayed with him in the background.
It was a trade he found purpose in even when everything else felt uncertain. That changed when Jack received funding from the Cash First Flexible Crisis Fund with support from CFINE’s financial advice SAFE team.
“I managed to buy new clippers, trimmers, accessories and a hair dryer. With these, I aim to give the best experience to people who visit me for haircuts.”
In addition to the skill-based benefits, the support from Cash First has also had a significant emotional impact on Jack. Having the right equipment gave Jack a new sense of confidence and self-worth. He began to feel more in control of his life, steering away from any negative paths that he might have previously chosen to gone down.
Jack explains this impact on his life: “Barbering keeps my head down because now I’ve got something to focus on. I do barbering three days a week. That’s three days I could have been doing something not so beneficial to myself and being back to my old self.”
“I’m looking forward to my progression as a barber. It's probably the only thing I’d want to work in now and can see this in my future looking ahead.”
With support from Cash First, and his own determination, Jack has now found purpose in doing what he loves. Purchasing barbering equipment has transformed into something much bigger by giving him real hope.
“The support from Cash First and the people around me has slowly got me into a career that I love. I am really thankful for that.”
Reflecting on where he’s come from and where he’s going, Jack’s voice is full of hope: “If you enjoy what you do, you don’t work a day in your life. That’s what I’m feeling like now.”
