Welcome to our new #MyStyle blog feature: ‘Five Minutes With’. We will be showcasing home grown talent in the form of Norwich based men who have serious style and live the ‘modern fairytale’ #MyStyle. Working in a job that they love but they have grafted to get there.  More often than not it is less about the money and more about passion and skill that means that they have succeeded.  Their style comes from their own individuality and personality.

Episode one features James Webber, a skilled local stylist who lives in Norwich although is well known in his industry nationally and has recently collaborated with us on our Russell Martin shoot.

James styling NCFC’s Russ Martin

How did you start on your journey?

It all started with my love for monster films such as Star Wars, Alien and Videodrome. These made me tingle with the possibilities of what one could do with make-up wigs and hair. My 30 year ongoing affair with the industry started at Norwich City College, with a two year course in hair and wig making. My first job followed at Transformers with John Algar and John Key, whom I still see to this day, as well as many other members of the staff.  The bonds I made there have endured the test of time. My life now is made up of technical work for Norwich hairdressing wholesaler Coldhams and freelance work at the Pavilion on Southwell Road. Here I share my space with the legendary Norwich hairdresser Jon Richardson, who I learn from constantly and is still one of the best hairdressers in the world in my opinion. I have worked all over the globe, most recently working on the films like the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Les Miserables, as well as theatre shows like City of Angels and Sister Act among countless others. I regularly attend tradeshows demonstrating prosthetic make up skills. I don’t see a separation between my career and my life; the two are the same for me. My dad always said “do what you love and love what you do” and that is how I roll, I could not ask for more in my life.

What does success look like to you?

Success means happiness; it’s not about the money, though it’s nice if you can get it. If you do something you love, you will be excellent at it and the funds will come without trying too hard. I put my heart and soul into what I do. I enjoy working with like minded creative people, who I will bend over backwards for, it’s not always about the money, if a project is worth doing, and I feel it’s worth it I will work for coffee and cake!

What does a watch mean to you?

A watch to me means accuracy and style. My time is so precious to both me and the people I work with, every second counts. My ideal watch would have to look like it’s from a Sci-Fi film, the Breitling Avenger II Seawolf floats my boat big time clean clear and impossibly modern but with classic Breitling design.

Breitling Avenger II Seawolf

What is your hidden gem of Norwich?

My hidden gem of this city I have lived in for 48 years must be its evolution, the city remains beautiful and steeped in history, but still manages to keep itself modern and grow without spoiling the characteristics of this fine city. I do have soft spot for the Britons Arms Tea Rooms on Elm Hill – let me eat cake!

What would you do with five minutes?

I would spend five minutes in reflection of what continues to be a blessed life. My family and friends are my world; I cherish every one of them. I would be sat on Eccles beach with a large gin and tonic and think…“What a wonderful life I’m living, hair and make-up will keep changing constantly and I will never tire of being the best I can be and keep learning”.

James Webber – stylist and stylish