From Barber to Business Owner: What to Know Before Opening Your Own Shop

Every barber dreams of it, owning your own space, setting your own hours, and building a name that people trust. But going from behind the chair to behind the business is a big leap.

At School of Barbers, we’ve helped students not only learn how to cut, but how to build. Whether you want to open a barbershop next year or five years down the line, here’s what you need to know before stepping into ownership.

💡 Step 1: Know Your “Why”

Opening a barbershop isn’t just about money or freedom, it’s about building something sustainable. Ask yourself:

• Do I want a creative space to express my vision?

• Am I ready to lead and manage people?

• Do I want to grow a brand or just have my own chair?

Your “why” will shape every decision, from branding to business model.

📍 Step 2: Location is Everything

Your shop’s location will impact your walk-ins, pricing, vibe, and long-term brand. Consider:

• Foot traffic vs. destination space

• Parking, visibility, and accessibility

• Competing barbershops nearby

• Your target clientele (trendy vs. classic vs. luxury)

At School of Barbers, we help students analyze local markets so they can build in the right place, not just the cheapest.

📊 Step 3: Get Clear on Costs

Starting a barbershop requires upfront investment. Here’s a rough breakdown for a small 2–3 chair setup in Australia:

Make sure you budget for 3-6 months of expenses, shops don’t always make profit from Day 1.

👥 Step 4: Build the Right Team (or Don’t)

You don’t have to open with a team, but if you do, choose wisely. Hiring other barbers adds complexity:

• Are you offering commission or rent-a-chair?

• Can you train and mentor staff?

• Do you have systems for consistency?

Starting solo can help you build the brand before scaling up. We’ve seen students do both, and succeed on their terms.

🧠 Step 5: Learn the Business Side (Not Just the Barbering)

Running a successful barbershop means thinking like an owner:

• 📈 Track weekly revenue and client retention

• 🗓️ Use booking software and systems

• 📲 Market consistently through Instagram and Google

• 🧾 Handle taxes, ABNs, and basic accounting

At School of Barbers, we teach foundational business strategy for barbers because talent alone doesn’t keep doors open, smart decisions do.

🎨 Step 6: Create a Brand, Not Just a Shop

Think about your barbershop as a brand, not just a space. Your vibe, values, visuals, and customer experience should all say one thing:
👉 This is the place to get a cut.

Build your brand by:

• Naming your shop with purpose

• Creating a logo and consistent colour scheme

• Designing a customer experience that people remember

• Posting content that reflects your culture

Remember, people don’t just book for haircuts, they book for the experience.

💬 Real Talk from School of Barbers Graduates

“School of Barbers didn’t just teach me how to fade, it taught me how to think like an entrepreneur. I opened my own shop less than a year after graduating, and I still use what I learned there every day.”
- Yasin, 2025 Graduate & Owner

🚀 Want to Go from Barber to Boss?

If you’re serious about building something of your own, don’t just wing it. Learn from people who’ve done it, and who’ve trained others to do it too.

At School of Barbers, we don’t just teach cutting, we teach career paths.

🎓 Our 6-Week Academy + optional mentorship tracks help you:

• Learn shop systems and client-building strategies

• Understand the barbershop business model

• Gain confidence to one day lead your own team

👉 Spots for our next intake are open now. Start learning the skills that take you from the chair to the shop.