75 years of professional activity! For Janez Novak, a 90-year-old Slovenian, retirement time has not yet come. For him, being a hairdresser means seeing things in a positive way and laughing a lot. Without doubt the secret of its longevity.
Janez Novak is a 90-year-old Slovenian, father of four children and a hairdresser for almost 75 years. With his gray hair, which resembles a crown of wisdom, and his hands, visibly marked by years of work, he has become a true symbol in his native region of Koroška (Carinthia, northern Slovenia). Every morning, armed with his scissors, he enters his little living room, which has become a place of exchanges and joyful encounters. Although fashion trends have changed over the years, he has remained true to his unique style. His curiosity for life and his love of people did the rest, his salon became one of a kind. And the history of hairdressing, and therefore of society, he can tell you from the height of his experience. “In the 1950s, men shaved a lot more, especially on Saturdays, in preparation for Sunday mass and women swore by perms when all they want is straight hair today! »
Kaja Zupanc
Loving people
With the number of clients encountered every day, we usually say that hairdressers are good psychologists. So what has Janez learned over all these years? “First of all, you have to work hard and love life. If you love your customers, they love you. Then, you also have to laugh a lot and see things in a positive way.” Is this the secret of its longevity? Janez adds that he has always been very sporty and has maintained a healthy lifestyle. “I have always respected the principle that you must walk at least three kilometers a day and I gave gymnastics lessons to my children for a long time. Today, my body thanks me for being diligent.” Sports and music, since Janez is still active in his men’s choir at church, where he is bass and tenor. So here is the recipe for success, “so be it”!