What motivated you opening the shop?
We have both been motivated by the basics that are often lacking in the industry. The ability to show up on time and do the job within the hours that you have committed to is one example of how a barbershop can let itself and clients down. Both of us have a natural understanding of these values and we thought was a good basis and foundation to start a shop.
How long have you been I the industry what did you do before?
Both of us have been in the industry for 15 plus years and come from hairdressing backgrounds prior to barbering. Various jobs include working for Greenpeace to bar work.
What was the biggest challenge in opening?
Location!
We always had our hearts set on working in the greater Mermaid Beach area. Our motto was always “Nobby’s or no where” And after looking at several potential frogs we finally found a place we were more than happy with and operate today.
What is the vision for your business?
The vision for the business is to stand out in the Industry as one that will last the test of time through consistency and adaptability.
And to adhere to the values of BOY as a brand that we hold dear.
What inspired the shop design and feel?
The shops feel was really brought about by seeing how stale the “old world” aesthetic had become. The shops of the time were dark, dingy and cluttered and had a distinctively 20’s appearance. We went with light, airy and minimal style to discern ourselves from a trend that had clearly become passé.
What services do you offer and what area do you see the biggest growth in?
We offer most basic services that 90% of other shops do. How ever we are interested in peripheral services like micro-pigmentation and Botox as a viable response to increased demands.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
The day we opened to where we are now.
February 2020 We opened in the midst of heavy covid announcements and restrictions. People were scared and unsure as to how this would affect them personally and financially. We had periods in our firsts few months where we would literally cut 1 person the whole day. Fast forward 2 1/2 years we have a fiercely loyal team of barbers and apprentices we are constantly booked and have 400 plus 5 star reviews spread across multiple socials.
What is one of your favourite products brands why?
For us the is an easy one “Uppercut Deluxe”
Before we had the opportunity to work with them directly. We worked in a shop that stocked the most recognised brands in the world and used products from Amsterdam to the US on a Daily basis. To us our favourite was a small home grown product called “Uppercut deluxe” it was versatile and far more forward thinking than anything else we were using. We are now proud to have a relationship with them and use their products exclusively.
What are three items you would take on a deserted island
- A 9 iron
- A 80L bottle of scotch
- A guide to not getting found on a deserted island.
Share from us an interesting story from your youth?
At 14 I used to cut my friends hair in the basement of my parents NZ home. The house used to be used as a nuns housing arrangement by the church. On the joists above where I would cut were strange markings written in some indecipherable text, It was pretty damn creepy.
I did mainly undercuts because everyone wanted to look like Kurt Cobain at the time.
When I was about 4/5 I used to play with my Nans hairdressing things like her rollers and clips (doing everything else but hair things with them) my main interest was the hairdryer I loved it and couldn’t stop turning it on and off like an annoying child would do lol. We have it on video my pop saying to me put that bloody thing down you’re never going to be a hairdresser, moments later BANG! there goes the hair dryer. Little did we know that 30 years later I would still be blowing up hair dryers to this day.
What hair trends do you see currently and how do you adjust to it?
Here in QLD we are still stuck on the mullet, crop, mull or what ever other Variation is going right now. We are far more cautious than other states in our decision to be different so it’s a much slower process and normally we have plenty of time to adapt. It’s the early adopters that challenge us but we are normally ready & excited for someone to be ready for real change.
What is your favourite thing to do when you are not working?
Other than hanging with our kids. Golf!! And maybe a “Call of duty session” hitting the beach and eating good food (or bad) Although we love work, we both enjoy being at home and taking time out to enjoy our beloved Goldcoast lifestyle with our families.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?
“Keep it simple” you can add what ever artistic flourishes and flair you like once you have a simple core philosophy down. Don’t over complicate a simple but sound program, and always try to employ staff you respect.
What is the biggest challenge to the industry and how are u working to overcome them?
Market saturation! We are facing the same dilemma that hairdressers have been dealing with for the last 50 years. The deluge of new shop owners.
Our natural philosophy is to accept the fact that local competition doesn’t have to hurt you but can indeed help you. Look for ways to capitalise on a wandering client base. Focus on keeping the quality and service better than your competitors & you will turn a bad situation in your favour.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Appreciate what we do. We don’t wear suits, we listen to good music and we get the opportunity to hear the stories of business gurus to strippers.
