For many years the barber shop has been known to be the corner stone of great communities and Bunbury is no different.
Leo’s Men’s Hairdressers at 74 Victoria Street has become a permanent fixture within the Bunbury community for 25 years now.
Founder Leo Gaudio celebrated the milestone last Monday and said he thought it was great.
“It doesn’t happen everyday, it’s been good – I’m still here,” he said.
“I like what I’m doing, I like talking to people and I’ve been lucky with my staff who have been so good.
“I hope we can be here for a little bit longer.
“Men’s hairdressing has changed a lot in the last 25 years and we have too that’s why we still have lots of customers.”
Born in Sicily, Mr Gaudio first came to Australia in 1972.
Traveling with his twin brother on a working holiday he didn’t look back after meeting his wife just six months later.
“I did my training back home in Italy,” he said.
“I started work at a men’s hairdresser after school, I was 14.
“My brother was a hairdresser and I used to help him in the shop so that’s how I started.”
Moving to Bunbury in 1993, Mr Gaudio has seen the town transform from his barbershop window.
“Bunbry has changed a lot, when I came to Bunbury in 1993 after 9pm you couldn’t get a cup of coffee anywhere – now you’ve got a choice,” he said.
“I’ve been here 25 years and I feel like I’ve done a lot and contributed to the local community.
“Most of my customers are regulars and that’s why I’m proud to be here and to still be working in the shop - we’ve done good.
“They’re not just my customers, they’re my mates.”
Mr Gaudio said it was important to share the tradition of hairdressing with his son, Anthony who has been working with him for the past 15 years and is now a co-owner along with Tracey Potts.
“I like what I’m doing, I like people and I like Bunbury,” Mr Gaudio said.
“So I hope to be here for a little while longer.
“I want to thank all of my customers if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here.”
