Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
05
Jun
Harrogate’s bodybuilding barber prepares for change
David Steca is looking to sell his final barber's shop after 25 years of operating in Harrogate.
Ilkley-born Mr Steca opened his first shop in Otley aged 29. He gradually increased his empire and Steca No6, in Harrogate, became his sixth salon a quarter of a century ago.
The Harrogate site was based on Cheltenham Crescent for 17 years until it moved to its current Princes Square location eight years ago.
In recent years, he has reduced his number of shops and now he's decided to let go of the final one.
Mr Steca, who turns 66 on Monday, said he hoped to sell the business and retain a chair in the premises so he could continue to work part-time.
He may be about to collect his state pension but Mr Steca is not your average pensioner. He has competed in about 70 bodybuilding shows and is still in great shape, although he insists his second place in last year’s IBFA Mr Universe over-65s in Italy was his last time on stage.
He does, however, plan to keep playing for Bramham Polo Academy after only taking up the sport at the age of 59. He also plans to keep personal training clients.
Mr Steca said:
I’m looking for someone to take over the business. I’d like to stay on two days a week but I understand if someone wants to take it on and rebrand it, and doesn’t want me here. I get that, and would go elsewhere.
I’m fit and healthy but no-one knows how long they have got and I want to do more travelling and enjoy life in the next 10 to 15 years.
Outside his Princes Square salon.
The salon comes with a beauty room.
The recently refurbished salon is fully kitted out and comes with an adjoining beauty room that can be let out.
Looking back, Mr Steca said he’d enjoyed his career but won't miss barbering because he will still be cutting hair, albeit it for fewer clients. He said:
I’ve had a great time. I opened six salons and had a thriving business for about 25 years until everybody decided they wanted to be a barber!
0