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When we met Volker Dietz in December for our Christmas issue, he promised us: „Come back in the new year and I'll tell you more.“ Now the time has come. A few months later, we are once again sitting in his charming salon in Els Poblets - surrounded by mirrors, scissors and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Relaxed music plays in the background while Volker talks with palpable enthusiasm about his journey: about his passion for the craft, about courageous decisions and about how to start all over again with 40 years of professional experience. This conversation is not just about haircuts - it's about new beginnings, joie de vivre and the courage to consciously reshape your own life.
Volker, you started your training in a large salon in Pforzheim when you were 15 and became a master craftsman in 1993. What happened after that?
After my training and apprenticeship, I quickly realised that I wanted to realise my own ideas and develop my own style. That's not easy in a large company. So in 1994, I took the plunge and opened my own hairdressing salon. It wasn't a small project - over the years it became a real business with several employees. I had a great team, lots of regular customers, but also a lot of responsibility. Of course, that also meant a lot of stress. Managing staff, organising appointments, economic pressure - it was all part of everyday life. Nevertheless, it was a valuable time and I learnt a lot from it.
When did you decide to emigrate?
I remember it clearly: my 30th birthday. I celebrated it at a beautiful finca on Mallorca - with great people, in the midst of a Mediterranean atmosphere. That's when it clicked. I was fascinated by the serenity of the people, the nature, the way of life. From then on, I couldn't let go of the idea. Back in Germany, I immediately started looking into property abroad. First Mallorca, then the mainland came into play.
So why did you end up on the Costa Blanca?
I came across the region around Dénia through a foreign property agent at a German building society. The Costa Blanca has some advantages over an island like Mallorca: better accessibility, a little more relaxed, less crowded with tourists - simply more authentic. I found a small, charming property and spent my holidays here regularly in the years that followed. In 2002, I realised my dream of owning my own house.
You have lived in Els Poblets since 2024.
What happened in the meantime?
I commuted for almost two decades. Here for a few weeks at a time, then back to my salon in Germany. But the situation for self-employed people became increasingly difficult: bureaucracy, rising costs, staff shortages. I realised how much of a burden it was - physically and mentally. The joy of my profession, which was once so great, suffered under this pressure. So I made a decision: I would give up my business in Germany and start again here. But deliberately smaller, more personal, more relaxed.
So: abandoned everything and restarted here?
Exactly. I closed my chapter in Germany at the end of 2023. The final move to Spain followed in January 2024, when I quickly found a suitable property for my new salon in Els Poblets. I opened on 15 February 2024 - and it was a success from day one.
Have you had any regrets?
Quite the opposite! I am very grateful. The response has been great - many customers came through personal recommendations. I'm particularly pleased that more and more Spaniards are also finding their way to me. This is a nice sign of recognition for me and shows that my concept and I are also convincing them. Customers have their own time slot with me. There is no overcrowded salon, no deadline pressure, no hectic pace. Instead, I take my time, listen and give personalised advice. That's just as fulfilling for me as it is for my customers. I deliberately wanted to avoid all the stress of my previous working life. What counts here is quality, calm and personal interaction.
What do you think is the reason for the success?
It's the whole package. 40 years of experience in hairdressing, a passion for my profession, high-quality products and, above all, a relaxed atmosphere. For many, a visit to me is like a little break - some even call it a mini holiday. And when a soothing head massage is also included, it's an all-round feel-good experience. I think that's exactly what many people are looking for these days - a bit of relaxation, even at the hairdresser. And if word gets around, then that's the best success.
Thank you very much for the interview, Volker - and see you soon in the salon!
A visit to Volker Dietz is like a fresh cut for the head and everyday life - relaxed, personal and with the feeling of being in the right place at the right time.
