A businessman has become a barber for the stars despite facing the battle of opening his shop during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Former Sunderland -born retail worker Christopher Todd, only opened his business with the help of partner Sarah Mustarde, also a qualified barber, in July 2020.
Bbut it is already proving to be a success and has a client list that includes Sunderland AFC's Dan Neil and Luke O'Nien.
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It comes after the 28-year-old worked quit his retail job and learned the trade under the well-known SB Barbering Academy on Wearside, located on Lambton Street in the city centre.
He then moved on to Smith's Barbers in East Boldon before deciding to open up a shop of his own - with the help of his partner Sarah Mustarde, who is also a qualified barber.
Chris said: "I've always loved going and getting a haircut, the general barber shop atmosphere - it's one of those.
"It's always been quite a cool atmosphere, and I've always liked being part of the barber shop vibe, so after years in retail - a barber shop was always going to be the next stage for me.
He added: "When I was learning how to become a barber, my partner Sarah taught me - so she actually taught me how to cut hair.
"She's taught me my trade."
The pair set-up shop in March 2020 but were forced to wait until July to open - as the global Coronavirus pandemic stopped them in their tracks. But after a couple of months extra to prepare, they opened up with a bang - attracting a large number of customers old and new.
Some of which include top Sunderland AFC stars such as Dan Neil and Luke O'Nien, who refuse to go anywhere else for a trim.
Chris added: "I think with the footballers it's a mad one because everyone sees them as footballers, whereas for us it's just some of our mates.
"Obviously with Dan, I've cut his hair since he was around fifteen - so it's been around four years I've been cutting Dan's hair.
"And Luke O'Nien comes in too, and he's one of those who texts us all of the time, asking how we are and asking how our kids are.
"They're like our mates...it's not like you're cutting a professional footballer's hair even though the kid in the chair next to you will be nudging his mam saying 'look who it is', but to me they're just the lads.
"It's nice to have an atmosphere in the shop where they don't feel like they've got to come in and be in the limelight.
"It's nice for them to have the opportunity to chill as well."
Dan was also in the shop on the day ready for his usual cut, where he spoke of his cherished relationship as a friend of Chris.
He added: "He (Chris) has obviously been cutting my hair for a long time, [he's] got alright craic so that's why I keep coming back.
"I was obviously at the other shop before he got this, and as soon as he got this it was just perfect for me to come in here.
"Especially because it's appointment based and things like that, so it's just a lot easier and obviously he's a good barber so I come back."
Fast forward to 2022, and Todd's Chop Shop on Nevinson Avenue, South Shields is one of the North Easts most highly recognised barber shops, serving up haircuts with a twist.
The modernised barber shop is covered in an array of 'old-school' tattoo flash sheets, skateboard decks and groovy knick-knacks nodding back to Chris' passions in life.
Those visiting Todd's Chop Shop can predominantly expect high-end hair cuts for a reasonable price, with a number of other services as well.
A standard men's cut will set you back just £14, but Chris and Sarah offer additional cut-throat shaves and steaming services for those who want to look sharp at an extra cost.
Customers can settle in and relax with a cold soft drink or beer while getting their hair cut too, and even play video games on the store's Xbox while they wait.
The store also work closely with local clothing brands Redstar and Eighty6, and have a clothes rail at the door sporting trendy t-shirts and accessories for stylish shoppers to cop.
And the store has received rave reviews since opening to the public coming up two year's ago, with one happy customer writing: "Amazing cut as always from Chris - makes you feel at home from the minute you walk in. Wouldn't go anywhere else."
Another, wrote: "Came in not knowing what I wanted and Sarah helped me with a look I was happy with."
Those wishing to book a spot at Todd's Chop Shop can do so, here.
