Luigi Lavecchia

Business profile:

Luigi Lavecchia – known as “Lui’ – has been in the barber business for 48 years. 

“I was doing this before I was born!” says the charismatic Lui. 

Having recently closed his own Leaside Barber Shop, Lui continues to thrive as a barber by moving to Mister Barber Lounge down the street. His loyal clients, whom he considers friends, immediately followed him because of his likeability and skill. 

As Lui was trimming his client John’s hair, Lui joked, “Last time John was here, one side was three inches longer, but he still keeps coming back!” “That is the new style!” responded John. 

Lui was born in Italy to a family of barbers. As a child, he hung out at his uncle’s barber shop, and as a teenager he learned the trade from his uncle. After learning the trade, his father bought him a plane ticket to try his luck in Canada. 

The beginning was tough. Lui didn’t speak English and held three jobs to get by. Then, three years later, Lui took ownership of the Leaside Barber Shop and became a neighbourhood fixture. 

“The Leaside neighbourhood has always been good to me,” explained Lui. “My customers are very good to me and I do my best for them.”