www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, December 26, 2013 | 26 After 50 years, Nick is shelving his scissors by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver When Nick Sacchitiello wanted to come to Canada, his brother-in-law, who was a hairdresser suggested he learn the trade and work for him. So, that's exactly what he did. That was 50 years ago. Nick has worked at Michael's Hair Design on Maple Grove Drive in Oakville for 47 years. He took over the business a few years ago when his brother-in-law retired and at the end of this month, Nick will retire, too. "What do I like about hairdressing? What don't I like? It's a good feeling when you make so many people so happy," said Nick, 66. "You get to know a lot of the people, the families. I have some fourth-generation customers." And Nick has stayed on top of all of the changes in styling along the way through continuing education. "Every day, I want to do more, learn more," he said. "I am constantly learning. There are always new products, new styles. You have to stay on top of it or you get left behind." And while Nick has been lucky to have a healthy back and body after so many years on his feet, he plans to relax and spend more Hairstylist Nick Sacchitiello is retiring and hanging up his scissors after 50 years in the business. Here, he takes a quick break between cuts at the busy Michael's Hair Design in Maple Grove Village Shopping Centre. | photo by Graham Paine Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ HaltonPhotog) time with his wife in Florida and at their cottage, as well as with his three children and four grandchildren. "I mostly want to thank all of my previous and present clients and our staff for giving me this opportunity," Nick said. Nick's nephew, Davide Sacchitiello, who has worked at the salon for 12 years, is taking over the shop. "My uncle is an old-school, hard-working man. There are not too many of those around," Davide said. "As a business man, I have picked up a lot of information to run the business. I have also learned from him to always be ready for the unexpected. It can be challenging to work with people of all ages and demands." "My uncle is quite a talented stylist and after five decades, he has seen all the twists and curls, pun intended. He will be missed. He has long-time clients. He shared birthdays, weddings, funerals and seen clients grow. So Nick will miss that, but he will have more time to travel and work around his cottage, but my uncle Nick will leave behind a great legacy." Michael's Hair Design is holding an open house at the salon, 511 Maple Grove Dr., Unit 18 on Sunday, Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Past and present clients are invited to visit with Nick and bring their best wishes.