- 04 June 2026
From Apprentice to Business Owner: Nathan Opens Bentley’s Barbers
Former Kleek Apprentice Nathan has opened his own barbershop, Bentley’s Barbers in Lincoln, after completing his barbering apprenticeship and building his career within the industry. We caught up with him to talk about his journey from apprentice to business owner, what he learned along the way, and his advice for future apprentice barbers who may want to follow his path and open up their own business…
Thinking back, what made you choose barbering as a career path?
“I honestly didn’t have any intention of ever being a barber, but I was 21/22 years old without a solid career path. I always thought Barbering looked like a satisfying job, so I thought I’d give it a go, not realising how good the career path actually was.”
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship rather than another route into the industry?
“Apprenticeships are always the way forward, whether you’re young or older, as you get to learn on-the-job while gaining your qualification. If you were to pay privately, a lot of courses, no matter the career, can be very expensive, and not everyone has a big budget to get qualifications. The apprenticeship route worked a lot better for me.”
Photo: Nathan Bentley pictured in Bentley's Barbers.
What was your experience like during your apprenticeship with Kleek, and how did we support you?
“I cannot recommend Kleek enough. I had so much support from the staff who were there to help me, whether it was questions about the job itself or advice on how to approach situations in and around the barbershop too. Kleek Apprenticeships is an amazing company that, alongside your shop, can help you become a very good barber or hairdresser and continue to support you, even after you’ve qualified.”
How did your apprenticeship help shape your path from apprentice to business owner?
“My Barbering Apprenticeship with Kleek helped me overcome many fears and made me more confident in everyday life. That confidence came hand in hand with trusting myself, stepping out of my comfort zone, and eventually starting my own business - Bentley's Barbers.”
What has been the biggest learning curve in running your own business?
“Overall, from the day I started running my business until now, I’ve been quite lucky and haven’t had too many problems. But you definitely learn a lot about yourself and the limits you can push at work. The biggest learning curve for me has been learning not to be a ‘yes’ person. It’s your business, and you need to remember that and run it around your life to create a better work/life balance.”
Photo: Nathan Bentley's work.
Lastly, if you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a barbering apprenticeship, what would it be?
“Don’t worry about timing. Everything in this industry takes time. I was considered a ‘late’ starter because a lot of younger people begin at 16 or 17, but just take your time and do what’s best for you.
I’ve been fortunate enough to open my own business within my first five years in the industry, but I honestly believe I’ve been lucky with how things have worked out. Don’t stress too much about where you think you should be; just focus on where you are now and keep progressing.”
“I just want to say a massive thank you to Kleek for helping me become the person I am today and giving me such a good head start in one of the best decisions of my life – becoming a qualified barber and owning my own barbershop.”
We’re incredibly proud to see Nathan’s journey from apprentice to business owner and wish him every success with Bentley’s Barbers.
Photo: Nathan Bentley's work
Want to become a qualified barber, like Nathan?
Whether you’re a school leaver looking for a creative career path or someone who's passionate about becoming a barber, the best route into the industry, as Nathan said, is the apprenticeship route with Kleek Apprenticeships.
Register your interest today, and we’ll be in touch!