What motivated you to open your shop?
Throughout my 20’s I was fortunate to work in many different barbershops in Australia and the U.K and eventually I felt confident enough to take all of the best experiences and concepts I loved, to create our space, MADE. When I landed on the Gold Coast, it felt like home and I really wanted to express that feeling into a shop.
How long have you been in the industry and what did you do prior?
I started my apprenticeship in hairdressing in 2007 at 15 years old and loved every second of learning the trade, but my personality didn’t quite thrive in a salon environment. The barber industry started firing not long after and luckily I was able to find my niche within the hair industry. Ive never looked back.
What is/was your biggest challenge in opening?
We found our ideal commercial location in Tugun, however turning it from a retail/office space into a hospitality/barbershop was our first and biggest challenge.
Due to the style of fit-out we wanted, we needed to add plumbing to an island bench which presented its own challenges.
Timing wise, we were faced with a decision! As COVID hit at the beginning of 2020, we had our business plan sorted, a space in our dream location and were ready to pull the trigger. It was daunting but we think the fact we decided to go for it is a strong piece as to why we are successful, now 2 years in.
You operate a multi facet business with a coffee shop and retail in the surfing market. Why did you choose this business model?
It grew pretty organically with initially only doing cuts and coffee but soon connecting with other local brands as we had the room to grow for retail offerings. We find this business model suits our town, Tugun, to a tee, with the surf culture that it has. We have lots of young surfing families around we wanted to create a space for people to catch up, sip coffee and enjoy the lifestyle we are so fortunate to have.
What is the vision for your business?
Continuing to grow and adapt to what the local community wants or needs, as we have done over the last 2 years. We’d love to be able to create employment opportunities for people in our store, as well as by showcasing other local brands & businesses to collaborate where we can.
What inspired the shop design and feel?
Our mutual love of natural materials led us to hardwood timbers, neutral colours and black finishings. The idea was to keep it minimal, clean and filled with natural light and fresh air. We wanted a simple shop that has everything required to comfortably perfect our crafts and inspire positivity and connection.
What services do you offer and what area do you see the biggest growth in?
On the barber side we offer traditional appointment-based services (without a wash basin) for all hair and beard grooming, with a hot lemongrass towel after each service to refresh.
Cafe wise, we offer consistent, organic coffee, fresh pastries from local bakers, and we are also known for our toasties.
We have collaborated with other local designers and now stock apparel, surfboards, jewellery, eyewear and of course, grooming products.
Over the last two years we’ve seen extremely consistent growth across all aspects.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming finalists for the 2021 Australian Modern Barber Awards in two categories. We had a super fun party with our community to celebrate!
Seeing MADE continually grow and succeed, and also seeing the locals enjoy what we do makes us proud every day.
What is one of your favourite product brands, and why?
Tucker Browne was introduced to me in 2020 and has fast become my go-to for styling. They have nailed the consistency and the scents are the perfect combination of earthy and sweet. Im especially fond of the formulations being naturally derived and performing as well as some of the not-so-natural brands out there.
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
Moonshine Coffee, specifically ‘filtered’ water, and a razor
Share with us an interesting story from your youth?
Britt raced competitive motocross as a teenager and was titled ‘King of the Mountain’. Was also completely obsessed with hair for as long as I can remember, always cutting and braiding my dolls hair and passionately sitting with my mum at the hairdresser each time she had her hair coloured. I really couldn’t wait to finish school so I could do hair!!
Josh won 3 grand finals playing AFL football for Torquay at 18 years old.
What hair trends do you see currently and how do you adjust to it?
Bowl cuts! Ive not experienced doing too many in my career so far until now and consulted an older friend to guide me through a traditional 90’s under-cut bowl! Im having so much fun with them now.
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
We both grew up by the beach and love nothing more that getting some sun with a few drinks and mates. Britt practices yoga and Josh loves a round of golf or surfing when he can.
We’re also currently renovating our first home and are enjoying the design process and giving it some love.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
We’ve trusted our gut feelings from day 1 and it hasn’t led us astray so far!
We also learnt from a mentor to follow a percentage based budgeting structure that we apply to our business to be sure that we have our money in the right places. e.g.. 40% on wages, 10% to tax etc
