Born into a family of hairdressers, Ilyas Mohammed always wanted to trace his roots and become a barber.
He worked in barbershops across West Yorkshire before deciding to open his own business, The Kutting Room, in Shipley.
Ten years later, his barbershop seats are regularly filled with loyal customers.
“This is a tradition, something that's been passed down in the family,” said Ilyas, who trained with Christopher Paul in Little Germany.
“My parents talked to me, 'What do you want to do?' I went to my uncle's house a few times and just stood behind him and watched what he was doing. .
“I was still in school and just started going after school a few times a week.
“I always wanted to do it. I started doing my friends' hair at school and going to their houses at night.”
Since then he has used his talents to train his cousins at Eccleshill and Heaton.
Among his favorite cuts are complete restyles that allow you to get creative and guide those with long or unstyled hair into the next chapter of their lives.
Speaking about his passion for barbering, Ilyas said: You meet new people every day, talk to them, and give back to the community.
“You learn a lot through the faces you get to know every day. You talk about all sorts of things. What happens in the barbershop stays in the barbershop. They come in and talk to you. I like to let my hair down a little bit. It's very therapeutic.”
As for advice for Bradford's younger generation, he said: Life is what you make it. ”
Ilyas thanked those who have supported his business over the years.
He said: “Thank you so much to all of our loyal customers for your support and just being there. It’s like a little family. It makes you old.”
Ilyas marks a milestone moment in his business by offering a 50% discount on haircuts.
He spoke about the impact as follows: It’s nice to be able to give back to the community.
“It feels good.”