It was way back in 1985 when Grand Royal founder, Steve Salecich, completed his apprenticeship at the renowned Stuuts of Sydney salons back in 1985. Under the guidance of Norman Ironside and Sharron Blain, Steve learnt the fundamentals of cutting, running a great business, and training.

After leaving Stuuts, Steve joined his father – a fourth generation master barber – where he honed his skills and was taught the finer art of the face shave, beard designs and the more traditional aspects of cutting and razoring.
Leaving Australia for England in 1990, Steve found work in a traditional barbershop in Fulham. It was here he met Dino the Greek and Joe the Italian, who helped Steve understand the importance of banter in creating the kind of barbershop experience a man appreciates.
When he returned to Sydney, in 1994, Steve purchased his father’s barbershop at the bottom of the Hilton Hotel, running the shop for several years, while continuing his training.

It was in 1999 that Steve fulfilled his dream to launch Grand Royal Barbers. Eventually he went into partnership with his wife, Maria and together they opened another salon in Darlinghurst. A third salon followed in 2013, at Surry Hills.

Steve has always believed in a sound education, and attributes this as the catalyst of his success. When a position as an Educator with American Crew was offered, Steve jumped at the opportunity and worked with the company for more than five years. Although he has more than a quarter of a century of experience, Steve says he is still learning, and enjoys passing on his knowledge to the next generation.

“I’m very proud of the experienced staff in our team and the three great destinations we have created. We have a band of juniors coming through who are being trained by some of the best barbers in the industry, which in turn will mean a healthy crop of new barbers to keep our craft alive.”