The Summit Social Premiere
It's here, it's here!
Our brand spanking new Deal Sheet has been revamped and will now be referred to as our bi-monthly Issue. In addition to this new design, we have added our lifestyle blog The Summit Social in print and online. Make sure you check out @thesummitsocial and #thesummitsocial for a chance to be featured!
We had a blast ...........
Big shout out to the following for making this happen!
Photographer @david_dean
Art Director @artandcolony
Makeup @j.blackartistry
Shot on location @lastbestbrew
Shop @johnnysbarberandshop
Talent @alannakelly.pro @mickeytantrum @kutthroatkarlo @garbage.barber
Countless stylists and barbers have expressed how the human element is their favorite part about coming to work - building strong, authentic relationships with clients and genuinely making people feel good. For many of us, doing hair is more than just a job… it’s a lifestyle! Our industry, our brands and the creatives we work with are fashion forward, exciting and fun. At Summit, having the opportunity to work alongside talented stylists each day gives us energy and feeds our inspiration. Hairstyling fosters a workplace promoting creative freedom of expression, allowing for strong visual stories to be told. And so comes The Summit Social – profiling all things pretty and handsome, while showcasing insights into the lifestyles of up and coming talent across Western Canada.
Speaking of talent, we feel honoured to have a 20+ year working relationship with Calgary’s Hedkandi family. Led by the founder and artistic director, Jereme Bokitch, the team and business has expanded to encompass three Hedkandi Salons, two Butter Beauty Parlours and two of Hedkandi’s most recent barbering ventures, Johnny’s Barber + Shop. Named in loving memory of Jereme`s grandpa, Hedkandi opened two Johnnys’ locations in Calgary; one located on the lower level of Last Best, a contemporary brew pub, and the other at Henry Singer. Some of their favourite beauty brands include: Redken Hair Color, Evo, Oribe, Aria, Artistic, and Zoya.
While Hedkandi and Butter have mastered all things hair and beauty, Johnny’s full-service shop has a wicked team of experienced barbers dedicated to meeting the needs of their well-groomed clients. The men’s market has doubled in size over the past ten years, and there are no signs of slowing down. Without a doubt, traditional barbering is making a comeback, so The Summit Social took a sneak peek into a day in the life of the crew at Johnny’s Last Best (brew in hand – obviously!)
Q & A
with MICKEY
@mickeytantrum
Getting your day started can be a big feat. What track gets you going?
Punk Rock & Roll by Street Dogs. That song fills me from start to finish, I can re-listen over and over.
Favourite shoes to stand all day in?
Doc Martens.
How long have you been with Johnny’s?
I’ve been with Hedkandi for almost two years and I’ve been at Johnny’s for over six months.
What are some of your signature cuts/styles?
I enjoy modern trends on classic looks. The fundamentals of barbering are pretty concrete, but that doesn’t mean you can’t venture out and explore new ideas. The classics never die though.
Did you always know you wanted to do hair?
I’ve been around the industry since the early age of 13. My mother was an educator with Schwarzkopf and a household name in yyc. I apprenticed under her for a long time. It’s always been hair for me. I will die behind the chair.
What got you into barbering?
My mum. I loved how she made people feel as well as so many people trusting her and enjoying the little things. Hair is my world, through and through.
What do you love most about the industry?
Hands down the clients. People are great and I enjoy cultivating personal relationships with them. Most guys need a break from their day-to-day, and I’m happy to oblige. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when any client tells me that they enjoyed their time with me. It happens often. I believe I have a great ability to connect with folks of all backgrounds. So when they say, they look forward to seeing me, it melts my heart.
Favourite part about coming to work each day?
Anything can happen. So I never fall into a mindset of a mundane existence. It’s a glorious calling to be a barber.
“I do have an alaternative name! It’s Mickey. And that’s because I love the character Mickey Mouse. Childish maybe, but to me, he’s a fella who looks after his friends no matter what, cares for his girl and even through dark times always persists and conquers, finding his way back to the light. The power of imagination is wonderfully blissful.”
What/who inspires you?
I get my inspiration from my music and other artists. Mainly punk, metal, but also the classics of rockabilly and teddy boys. Street style but between the 20’s - 50’s is what I really like. David Bowie and Matty Healy are my style icons.
What do you do in your spare time?
My spare time consists of my motorcycle, plotting on getting out of yyc, and playing video games. I’m not much of a hiker, so the mountains don’t flatter me. I enjoy being with my people as well, I have some of the finest friends around town. You can find me riding around town, trying to be as obnoxious as possible, or goofing around with randoms on the streets. I’m a very personable fella and I enjoy meeting new folks. Either that or binge watching New Girl, or Trailer Park Boys on Netflix.
What is your all-time favourite movie?
Well shoot... I am a huge movie enthusiast so this is tough. I’ll list three, This is England, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Rock n’ Rolla.
Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
5-10 years hey?..hmm well I don’t see myself being in Calgary at that point, but who knows. Ireland has always been my dream and everyone knows that (don’t shut up about it) and that’s where my family is from. So I’d like to go back and live life very much for myself. Simple and quiet.
Tell us something about yourself that you’d like people to know, once they meet you.
Something about me, a quality that I’ve come to admire about myself is that I will always try. If I can’t do something right away or execute something perfectly, I’ll always try. My clients and friends know that I’ll always be there for them. That won’t ever change. I’ll always try.
What book can you read over and over again?
I don’t read as often as I should, but a book that’s stuck with me through middle school till this day is, `Tuesdays with Morrie’. It taught me life is short and uncertain, so make damn sure you’re living for the right people and enjoying the little moments.
What is the worst beauty trend you have ever tried?
It was the worst and BEST beauty trend I triedhaha! I was a scene kid (emo) back in the day, I loved it at the time and met some of the most amazing people through that trend. That quickly turned into a hair metal phase, which I would love to revisit.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
It would be to stay off drugs, believe in your vision, and be easier on yourself. You’re a kid (still tell myself this daily) and you don’t have to have all the answers.
What is your favourite quality about yourself?
It’s silly to talk about myself like this but physically, it’s my eyes. They’re the exact same as my mum’s, so it’s my little reminder. A quality about my personality, would have to be accepting my defeats. I’m persistent and consistent. I learn quick.
Dead or Alive- who would you want to collaborate with?
My mum. She passed away with my stepfather last year. Like I’ve mentioned earlier, we did everything together. Our dream was to open up our own shop together. She was an incredible colourist and an unmatched stylist. No one had her quirks or eye. I miss that the most. - M
Q & A
with ALANNA
@alannakelly.pro
What’s one track that gets you going before the start of your work day?
Rich Girl by Hall and Oats.
Favourite shoes to work in when standing on your feet all day?
Blundstones.
Beer or Wine? Coffee or tea?
Beer from Last Best Brewery. Coffee from Monogram.
Where do you go for ice cream?
Village Ice Cream.
How long have you been with Johnny’s?
I came to Calgary in 2010 and Hedkandi was the first salon I worked in. I was with Hedkandi for 7 years, at the Hotel Arts location, and have been with Johnny’s for 2.5 years.
Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Minneapolis, but I went to university in Victoria for art, and completed hair school there.
How did you get into hairstyling?
I just fell into it - I love the craft and the lifestyle, it’s my passion.
“It’s Alanna like Madonna, not Alana like banana.”
How did you get into barbering?
It was a natural progression. At the time, the majority of my bookings were for haircuts not color, so I ended up doing a lot of men’s hair. I love that barbering honours the traditions while still evolving.
How did your grow your clientele?
The old school way. Building relationships authentically without using social media.
What do you love most about the industry?
The human element and building relationships with clients.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Human connection.
What is your favorite part about coming to work each day?
Hanging out with Karlo, Michael and Mickey. I manage the shop, do all of the buying etc. and keep all the boys in line – this is my heart and soul.
What/who inspires you?
The people who I work with. They are all so talented in their own ways.
What are some of your signature cuts/styles?
Scissor cuts and razor cuts.
Who is your style icon?
Modern icons: Emma Watson and Alexa Chung.
Classic icons: Lauren Hutton and Diane Keaton.
What is your favourite hair product right now?
Anything Oribe!
What product/styling tools did you use to style your hair for the shoot?
Oribe Royal Blowout.
When you’re not at Johnny’s where would we most likely run into you?
Hiking or biking with my dog.
What makes you laugh the most?
The ongoing banter at Johnnys.
What is your spirit animal?
Cat.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Expect the unexpected. -AK
Q & A
with KARLO
@kutthroatkarlo
What’s one track that gets you going before the start of your work day?
Low Life by Nick Curran.
Favourite shoes to work in when standing on your feet all day?
I wear Con’s, Vans and Red Wing engineer boots.
Favourite place to have a drink?
I’m usually drinking PBR at the Ship & Anchor.
Coffee or tea? Favorite local coffee shop?
I usually make my own Turkish coffee, but I’ll go to Beano.
How long have you been with Johnny’s?
2.5 years, I was hired 2 weeks after they opened.
What are some of your signature cuts/styles?
40s, 50s and early 60s classic taper and gentleman haircuts, including pompadours and flattops.
Where are you originally from?
Originally from Novi Sad, Serbia - Croatian mother, Hungarian father. They immigrated here when I was 3 years old.
Did you always know you wanted to do hair? What did you do before hair?
I’ve been talking about barbering for over 20 years, while working in a number of industries including music, acting and designing in oil and gas.
What got you into barbering?
The vintage/retro lifestyle and belief in the craft and quality of the 50s got me into barbering.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love the interaction with people and honest talk in the shop. We are providing an important service.
“Something that people don’t know about me is I can wiggle my ears in unison and individually.”
What is your favorite part about coming to work each day?
The fact I can be myself and stay true to my values.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Making my clients happy and giving them an escape from their daily lives.
What/who inspires you?
Traditions and craftsmanship of times gone by. When things were made by craftsman and not so disposable like it is today.
Who is your style icon?
Bad-ass dudes like Marlon Brando, James Dean, Elvis Presley. Old time gangsters too.
Where would we find you when you’re not at Johnny’s?
Cruising around in my ‘61 Impala.
Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
Moving up in the Barber business.
What is the last show you watched on Netflix?
Narcos.
Who is the last person you DM’D on Instagram?
I think it was a Barbershop in L.A. looking for a job lol!
What is your favourite chocolate bar?
Oh Henry!
Name a movie title that best describes your life.
The Wild One.
If you could choose a different career, what would it be?
Firefighter.
What is your spirit animal?
Falkor the Luckdragan.
What is your favourite quality about yourself?
Respect is everything. - KF
Q & A
with MICHAEL
@garbage.barber
What’s one track that gets you going before the start of your work day?
Turnstile by Drop.
Favourite shoes to work in when standing on your feet all day?
Y-3 Adidas Ultra Boost.
Beer or Wine?
Beer, Last Best, Ship & Anchor Pub.
How long have you been with Johnny’s Barber?
Since day one baby!
What are some of your signature cuts/styles?
High and tight quiff and executive contour.
Where are you originally from?
I’m from Vancouver island, raised in Cumberland and honed my craft in Victoria. I was scouted to come work here.
Did you always know you wanted to do hair?
I was a punk rocker as a teen and I had always played around with colouring /cutting mine and my friend’s hair. My mom told me I should use hairstyling as a means to pay my way through school. I ended up sticking with it instead of going back to school.
What got you into barbering?
Men’s hair had always been my favourite, so it was really just a natural progression.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love how individualistic and relaxed this industry is. The hardest part of my day is waking up.
What is your favorite part about coming to work each day?
I always look forward to coming to work. To joke around with the other barbers and have a cheeky beer/cocktail in-between when I’m not slammed with clients.
What/who inspires you?
The things that inspire me most are lights, sounds, architecture and organic textures in nature.
Who is your style icon?
I would have to say that Rick Owens is one of my biggest style icons.
Where would we find you when you’re not at Johnny’s?
When I’m not at Johnny’s you can find me wandering around the streets with a group of photographers, in a basement or bar screaming with my death metal band, or staggering home from the Ship & Anchor.
Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
I’m nearsighted, and currently getting a prescription.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to completely change the way a person views themselves is the most rewarding part of my job. There is nothing thing better than making someone beautiful and confident.
“If I could be a bounty hunter, I would totally rule - but not like Dog the Bounty Hunter, because that dude is a total nark.”
What is your all-time favourite movie?
My favorite movie is tied between, Evil Dead and Kuso.
What book can you read over and over again?
Les Chants de Maldoror by Comte de Lautréamont.
What is your hidden hobby?
Amongst my hidden hobbies are: death metal vocalist, photographer, model, and writer.
What is your worst habit?
My worst habit is probably that I have a horrible filter and I’m quite profane.
What do you find funny that no one else does?
I really can’t tell if people are laughing at me or my jokes, but at least I find them funny!
What is your work song anthem?
My work anthem probably has to be You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oats.
What is the worst/best pick up line you have ever heard?
Sometimes when I’m on Tinder I type a word and then use predictive text to write out a sentence. For example, “Hey baby, ...I’m so ya I wanna is a day I can have fun and hang.”
Dead or Alive - who would you want to collaborate with?
Not Drake, miss me with that dude. He seems like the type of dude to stare into his barber’s eyes while he gets a line up. - M
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