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The Noble Barber
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PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING! Use Our Exclusive Code ‘noblebarber26’ for £250 off their 9 & 12 Week NVQ Level Courses 👇Website: https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/In Part 2 of our conversation at the London School of Barbering, Anthony Laban sits down with Michael Kontos and JJ Savani to discuss the untapped potential of the global barbering market.JJ Savani shares his remarkable journey of falling back in love with the craft after losing his sight and how he transitioned from a career in NHS management psychology into becoming a headline educator. We dive deep into the "status game" of the international market—where image and prestige drive pricing—and why LSB is now pioneering UK-based qualifications for a market of 1.4 billion people in India.Michael and JJ also break down the "Endgame" of social media, explaining why a high follower count is a vanity metric if you don't have the positioning to create conversion. Plus, Michael reveals why he would hire a technical scissor cutter over a "flawless fade" specialist every single time.Follow LSB! https://www.instagram.com/londonschoolofbarberingFollow JJ: https://www.instagram.com/jjsavaniSUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.ukFOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarberCredits:Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gbTHE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING! Use Our Exclusive Code ‘noblebarber26’ for £250 off their 9 & 12 Week NVQ Level Courses 👇Website: https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/In Part 2 of our conversation with Kevin Luchmun & Roxanne Batt, we dive deep into the reality of scaling a brand while maintaining a "soul" Kevin reveals his "Avengers" philosophy to hiring - where every barber has a unique superpower - and explains why he actively encourages his staff to one day open their own shop…We get a unfiltered look at the "madness" of Kevin's global schedule, from 10-hour flights to 5 AM clients and why he believes the current college system is failing the next generation by focusing on scripts instead of life skills. Roxanne shares the "fire in the belly" required to step onto a stage like the Barber Bash and why she views the Hartford shop as her "baby" Whether you're a junior barber or a shop owner eyeing a second location, this episode is a masterclass in managing risk, avoiding ego-driven decisions and the power of networking!Follow Kevin! https://www.instagram.com/kevinluchmanFollow Roxanne! https://www.instagram.com/batt_hairFOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarberCredits:Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gbTHE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING! Use Our Exclusive Code ‘noblebarber26’ for £250 off their 9 & 12 Week NVQ Level Courses 👇Website: https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/Welcome back to The Noble Barber Podcast, Anthony Laban sits down with Michael Kontos, owner and founder of the London School of Barbering (LSB). With 15 years in the game, Michael has seen the industry evolve from the "short back and sides" era to a global fashion powerhouse. He addresses the initial "flak" he caught for his "Novice to Master" philosophy and explains why the traditional apprenticeship is "panting in the corner" as 30-year-olds look for a faster route into the craft.Michael pulls no punches on the current state of the industry, from the rise of "ego-boy" YouTubers to the "loyalty crisis" facing shop owners today. We discuss the expansion of LSB into India and Malaysia, the reality of sole ownership, and why a barber’s social skills are just as important as their fade. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a "home-taught" barber looking for structure, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes to survive and thrive in 2026.Follow LSB! https://www.instagram.com/londonschoolofbarberingFOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarberCredits:Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gbTHE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING! Use Our Exclusive Code ‘noblebarber26’ for £250 off their 9 & 12 Week NVQ Level Courses! 👇Claim here: https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/Welcome back to The Noble Barber Podcast,, Anthony Laban travels to Hertfordshire to sit down with international educator and shop owner Kevin Luchmun alongside Roxanne Batt. After decades of being a "one-man band" in London, Kevin reveals the raw, daunting reality of opening his second location and the "therapy" required to finally let go and trust a team…Kevin and Roxanne also tackle one of the industry's biggest frustrations: The Pricing Hump. Why are barbers still charging £35 when a salon down the road gets £95 for the same service? Kevin breaks down his business model, the strategy of "free haircuts" to build a chair from scratch and why he self-invested everything to create a five-star experience built on perfect lighting and flawless customer service.Follow Kevin! https://www.instagram.com/kevinluchmanFollow Roxanne! https://www.instagram.com/batt_hairFOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarberCredits:Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gbTHE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Happy New Year to all! We’re back in Liverpool for the conclusion of our conversation with Romeo the Barber and Pete Cranfield. In this episode, we move past the origins and dive straight into the heart of the modern industry: the debate between the traditional shop floor and the rise of the private studio. Pete and Romeo discuss why young barbers might be rushing into solo spaces too soon, missing out on the "brotherhood," the banter and the vital "degree-less therapy" that only happens in a busy shop…
The guys also get incredibly honest about the "celebrity barber" lifestyle. Romeo shares the hidden side of cutting world-class footballers - from the literal shakes of cutting a star for the first time to the frustration of waiting hours in a hotel room for a 20-minute trim while your shop's "bread and butter" clients are waiting back home. Finally, we end with a masterclass in "Haircut Math" Romeo and Pete drop some hard truths about financial discipline, why you shouldn't finance a Premier League lifestyle on a barber's wage and how to view every luxury purchase through the lens of how many heads you have to cut to afford it…
Follow Romeo! https://www.instagram.com/romeothebarber
Follow Pete! https://www.instagram.com/petejcranfield
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇
Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Welcome back to a special Boxing Day edition of our Deep Dive limited series, where we sit down with the industry figures who have truly defined the craft. Today, we are in King's Cross with the man who needs no introduction: Joe Mills. From his beginnings in Margate to the heights of Soho’s cool Britannia era, Joe’s career has been a 40-year masterclass in innovation, resilience and survival…
Joe takes us through the electric energy of the 90s Soho scene, where his brands The Lounge and Joe and Co led fashion trends and drew global attention from the likes of Vogue and GQ. He reflects on the immense pressure of scaling - detailing the highs of the ‘Primark x Mills’ rollout and the brutal reality of managing a massive team while navigating a divorce.
He recounts the harrowing experience of his business flooding during the height of the pandemic, battling insurance companies while suffering from panic attacks and depression and the "final straw" moment that led him to close his legendary Soho shops for good. Now "accelerating" at 56, Joe shares why he chose to open Woolf King's Cross and launch his own agency, proving that even after the darkest chapters, there is an opportunity to rewrite your story and find true happiness in the craft.
Follow Joe!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joemillshair
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Welcome back to our Deep Dive limited series exploring the true stories behind the industry's biggest names. In this episode, we sit down with Jord Roberts, the Brand Director of BarbersNo1. From starting as an unsure apprentice 14 years ago to overseeing a brand with 16 locations and three training academies, Jord’s journey is the ultimate blueprint for career growth within a large company.
Jord opens up about his "best failure" - being denied a job after his first apprenticeship - and how that setback fueled his drive to find a company with a bigger vision. He discusses the early days of BarbersNo1, when they were just a five-man team pioneering the "neon light and DJ" shop vibe in Liverpool, long before it became an industry standard. Jord reveals the mindset required to scale, explaining why he stayed loyal to the brand instead of opening his own studio: "I’d much rather be a part of something bigger... the growth opportunities are endless"
We also go behind the scenes of Jord’s high-profile clientele. He shares the legendary story of how a trainee running out to a car at a red light led to an 8-year relationship with Liverpool's elite players, eventually taking Jord to Brazil national team camps to cut Neymar and the world's biggest stars. Whether you’re an apprentice or a shop owner, this episode is a masterclass in professional management, building local culture and the power of traditional employment in a modern world.
Welcome back to our Christmas limited series, Barber Deep Dive, where we explore the full, inspiring stories of a key industry figures. We continue with the extraordinary journey of Romeo The Barber, whose path to success was forged in conflict and hustle…
Romeo opens up about his childhood on the outskirts of Kenya, growing up in a large family amid civil war and poverty, where clothes were passed down and money was earned selling bracelets to tourists. He details the immense cultural pressure to pursue education, revealing why he studied nutrition and health - as barbering was seen as a sign that "you failed in life". His early success was built on pure charisma: he gave confidence and motivation to clients, admitting his first few haircuts were "the most crappiest".
Now a successful owner, Romeo reveals his philosophy of living by gratitude, flow and his commitment to breaking industry barriers - from proving the 20-minute cut is possible to confronting other barbers to encourage collaboration over competition. He shares why his success is ultimately dedicated to the memory of his mother and making his family proud.
Follow Romeo!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romeothebarber
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Welcome to our new limited series, Barber Deep Dive, where over the course of December we slow down the conversation to truly explore the full, inspiring stories of key industry figures. We begin with the extraordinary journey of Anthony Hutton, the Big Brother winner who channeled his personal struggle into profound purpose…
Anthony shares the wild origins of his career, from being an obsessive footballer and ‘closet hairdresser’ to landing a job as a 1970s disco dancer before entering the Big Brother house. His high-profile win led to a brutal crash: his fame dried up, leaving him with a crippling ego and financial ruin that forced him back home. He details his life-changing comeback by moving back into the industry he loved to open Mr. Hutton's Barbers and Bar.
The heart of this episode lies in his vital work for men's mental health. Anthony explains that the confidential conversations in his barber chair, combined with the loss of his grandmother, sparked the powerful "Never Throw In The Towel" project. Hear how he uses the safe, non-judgmental space of the barber chair to combat the UK's "blokey culture" and provide men with the safe space to talk, calling this life of impact "the thing I'm most proud of" in his career
Follow Anthony:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanthonyhutton
The Never Throw In The Towel Project:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverthrowinthetowelproject
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban travels to Liverpool to sit down with industry veterans Romeo the Barber and Pete Cranfield to cut through the crap on making a successful, long-term career out of the hair game. After 20+ years, the pair are thriving and they reveal their secret: successfully mixing old-school skill with new-school pricing…
There’s been a crucial shift from the stressful, inefficient era of the walk-in queue to the modern, professional appointment system. The real focus is efficiency and valuing time: discover how Pete found a professional sweet spot charging appropriately for his hour-long appointments, while Romeo developed a unique formula to maximize his hourly worth by mastering 20-minute premium haircuts, effectively doubling his capacity and escaping burnout!
We also cover the realities of the market today, including add-on revenue using enhancements, the importance of developing a hybrid skill set to cover men's hairdressing and how veteran barbers view the multitude of barbershops opening - as a competitive threat or an opportunity?
Follow Romeo! https://www.instagram.com/romeothebarber
Follow Pete! https://www.instagram.com/petejcranfield
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban is joined by Eoin McCarthy and Leigh Winsor of Unlimited Business Coaching for Part 2, focusing on achieving the ‘unlimited life’ of financial freedom and professional impact…
This episode dives into an essential question: Why get a coach when you can take a course? They explain that while a course offers a snapshot of possibility, coaching provides the implementation and accountability required to transform your business. They introduce the concept of designing your entire business to align with your desired life of money, impact, and freedom, rather than letting the business define your life.
The conversation then shifts to the Guilt-Free Pricing System - a bulletproof method developed to raise rates without client objection. They stress the fundamental problem is psychology, not skill, urging barbers to address their money story and the deep-seated fear that they are "robbing the poor" by charging appropriately.
Follow Unlimited!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlimitedbusinesscoaching
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban is back with industry software leaders Jason Downes (Vagaro) and Ben Fisher (Beu App) for Part 2, tackling the most critical question in the industry: Is AI a threat or your new business partner?
They reveal that AI is the definitive solution to the industry’s biggest time sinks, built to take over the "dull bit" of the business - the endless administrative, marketing and rebooking chores - allowing us to focus entirely on our high-value, hands-on client work.
This is a must-watch guide to Future-Proofing your shop. Jason & Ben forecast a massive shift, showcasing how smart technology, like AI Receptionists and data-mining tools, is already automating profit by non-offensively upselling services and generating your social media content. Learn why clinging to outdated "legacy" systems or ignoring this shift is costing you revenue and risking the longevity of your business…
Check out Beu & Vagaro:
Beu App: https://www.instagram.com/beuapp
Vagaro: https://www.instagram.com/vagaropro
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban travels to London to finally sit down with Eoin McCarthy and Leigh Winsor of Unlimited Business Coaching to cut through the crap on the business psychology of the hair industry. This is essential listening for any barber struggling with burnout or stagnation…
Chapters:
00:00:00 — Intro Trailer
00:03:01 — How the Coaching Union Started: From Hair Competition to Business Partners
00:05:55 — The Lockdown Catalyst: When Education Became a Business
00:13:50 — The Core Problem: Why Hair Skills Alone Don't Guarantee Profit
00:15:00 — The Freedom Filter: Shelving Ideas That Violate Your Values
00:18:36 — The Business Lie: Why Businesses Shut Down and Barbers Are Afraid to Raise Prices
00:20:18 — Feelings vs. Facts: Why You Must Follow the Numbers, Not Guilt
00:21:50 — Financial Literacy: If You Don't Know Your Numbers, You Don't Know Your Life
00:24:28 — Get Creative: The Solution is Always a Business Problem
00:27:09 — Stop Blaming Others: You Are the Biggest Obstacle in Your Way
00:29:50 — The Leadership Rule: Why Training Staff is Essential (Even if They Leave)
00:32:00 — Curiosity & Gratitude: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Eoin & Leigh tackle the uncomfortable truth: perfection doesn't pay the bills. They argue that mastering a perfect haircut is useless if you haven't mastered business strategy, revealing why a focus on creative skill alone often leads to a failure to profit. They emphasize that most barbershop problems are actually "you problems" - rooted in emotional attachment to the business and a lack of ambition that keeps owners afraid to raise prices.
Learn why you must adopt a critical thinking mindset, stop relying on old stories and emotions and start making decisions based on binary facts and numbers to achieve true success!
Follow Unlimited!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlimitedbusinesscoaching
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban is joined by industry software leaders Ben Fisher (Beu App) and Jason Downes (Vagaro) to talk the business and tech of booking systems. They reveal why online booking is now the single most powerful tool for your shop, moving far beyond time-saving to manage chaos and legitimise the self-employed model through transparent commission splits.
The core message: leveraging client data and new AI tools is the only way to master client retention and increase revenue through non-offensive upselling and avoiding that awkward conversation at the chair…
Chapters:
00:00:00 — Intro Trailer
00:03:36 — The Death of the Walk-In: Professionalizing Your Barbershop
00:06:53 — Eliminating Hidden Employment: Automated Commission & Tax
00:10:14 — The AI Business Coach: Using Data to Drive Profit
00:14:13 — The Price Problem: Why Barbers Are Frightened to Charge Their Worth
00:15:05 — Upselling Without Being Awkward: Add-Ons and Product Prompts
00:27:04 — The Shift: Why No One Uses Cash Anymore
00:27:55 — The Data Dilemma: Protecting Client Lists & Ownership
00:30:27 — The Beauty of Technology: Transparency and Clean Accounts
00:33:12 — The End of the Phone Call: Clients Book Online After Hours
00:37:05 — Why the Queue is a Bad Experience: The Cost of Waiting
00:40:02 — The Future is AI: Solving Shyness with Automated Consultations
Check out Beu & Vagaro:
Beu App: https://www.instagram.com/beuapp
Vagaro: https://www.instagram.com/vagaropro
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban is back in Bellingham with new owners Blade Cut and Sid Da Barber for Part 2. They revisit the core value of competition, explaining why winning awards isn't about the trophy, but about showcasing your creative work and boosting the shop's energy…
The episode then shifts to the critical theme of responsibility and team culture: Sid & Blade share why a boss has a huge moral and financial responsibility to their staff, treating them like family and leading by example - not just by paying them. They emphasise the importance of finding a "hungry" and dedicated apprentice who views the role as a mutual investment rather than just a job. Also by prioritising your team's loyalty and happiness, you build a sustainable business that genuinely beats the high burnout rate of the industry…
Follow Blade & Sid!
Sid Da Barber: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddabarber
Blade: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_bladecutbarber
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban is in Bellingham with new shop owners Blade Cut and Sid Da Barber (Lewis Gumbrell) to discuss the intense reality of running your first bricks-and-mortar business…
They focus on two core themes: experience and adaptation. Blade & Sid reveal why years of hustle, education and competition were essential before they were ready to take the financial plunge. Most critically, they stress that the modern barber must be a hybrid - mastering all hair types and evolving the barbershop into a community hub and safe space. This is the only way to build a sustainable business that genuinely beats burnout.
Follow Blade & Sid!
Sid Da Barber: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddabarber
Blade: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_bladecutbarber
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban is back at Diligence in Guildford for Part 2 with owner Tom Hoffman and Fin Addison. They dive deeper into their business strategy highlighting the single biggest reason barbers lose clients: the failure to sell products…
Tom reveals their strategic solution for transforming retail from a burden into a profit centre, focusing on treating product recommendation as an essential professional service - not just an upsell. They detail how they use staff commission, competitions and immersive product nights to motivate their team and move units (selling 300-400 products per month!) by ensuring everyone believes in the brand. The discussion also covers why having a team - the "banter and community" - is crucial for mental health, helping barbers avoid the stress and isolation of a solo career.
Follow Diligents 👇
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diligents_salons
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban visits Diligents in Guildford to sit down with owner Tom Hoffman and his prodigy Fin Addison, cutting through the crap on what it really takes to scale a successful barbershop brand. Tom reveals the true financial reality of their high-end venture - from securing a £100k+ silent investor to the constant need for aggressive financial growth…This episode highlights that being a master barber is only 10% of the job; success requires delegating, mastering your books and embracing the role of a business leader. The key to their thriving culture is investing in staff retention, teaching their team financial literacy and prioritising soft skills and discipline over just raw cutting talent.Follow Diligents 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diligents_salonsFOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarberCredits:Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gbTHE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban hosts a live panel from the Barber Connect stage with industry veterans Dan Gregory, Joth Davies and Sid Barber to tackle the digital world of men's hair. This episode cuts through the crap on social media, with the panel getting honest about the pros and cons of building a brand online…
They discuss why consistency is more important than obsessiveness and share their top tips on how to create an authentic content strategy without spending a fortune on advertising! Learn how to use social media to attract the clients you want, and how to find inspiration in a world of constant content.
Follow Dan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangregoryhair
Follow Joth:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joth_davies
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddabarber
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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
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Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.
Anthony Laban returns to BarbersRide for another special episode from Captain Fawcett HQ. This time, he sits down with industry veterans Sid Sottung and Luke Ellis of Sink And Anchor in Edinburgh to get to the heart of the "employed versus self-employed" debate…
They cut through the crap, discussing the realities of owning a barbershop in a modern world where skilled staff are increasingly choosing to go self-employed, and what this means for the future of apprenticeships. The trio also tackles the importance of working smarter, not harder, by focusing on client retention, upselling services and finding your niche - the very core of a successful, long-lasting career!
SUPPORT BARBERS RIDE'S MAKE-A-WISH CAMPAIGN! ✨👇
Website: https://www.justgiving.com/team/barbersride2025
FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber
Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb
THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST
Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.






















