What profession was Richard Arkwright originally trained and worked in?

Richard Arkwright's journey from humble beginnings to industrial magnate is quite fascinating. Before he revolutionized textile production, he actually worked as a barber. In the 18th century, barbering was a common trade, often involving more than just haircuts; barbers sometimes performed minor surgeries and dental work! Arkwright, born in Preston in 1732, started his working life in this profession. He wasn't a zookeeper, as zoos were a much later development, nor was he a farmer or teacher. His barbering background gave him a practical, hands-on understanding of tools and processes, which likely contributed to his later success in inventing and developing machinery for cotton spinning. He used the money he saved from his barbering business to fund his early experiments, eventually leading to the creation of the water frame and the establishment of his famous cotton mills. So, while it might seem surprising, his initial trade as a barber was the foundation upon which he built his industrial empire.