The new world of Barber-ism

The "Barber-ism" barber shop takes barbering to a new dimension. A client of Brent Business Venture, the barber shop, located in London's Sudbury, contains state-of-art barbering technology and provides quality styles for the clients.

Barber-ism the brain-child of Anthony Chen and his brother, Daniel, who are of Chinese and African Caribbean origin. Anthony, aged 29 years, worked as a bus inspector in West London. He also studied Design and Architecture at the London College of Printing and Architecture.

He says: "I hit a glass ceiling and felt that I was not going anywhere. I had to do something different."

Anthony turned to a skill that he had learnt during childhood: "When my brother and I were young, our mum used to cut our hair. But our hair used to grow fast, so our mum bought a pair of clippers and asked us to cut each other's hair. That really was the start. To learn the trade better, I worked for several summers at barber shops in London."

Anthony adds: "I wanted a business where I made my own decisions. I did not want to be controlled or work for anyone. Barbering is a passion for both my brother and I and we are both pushing the boundaries. "

"We eventually decided to set up our own barber shop. Around this time, Judith D'aguilar, one of BBV's business advisers, contacted me and informed me about a new project that had been set up by BBV to help barbers in particular. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

"Through BBV's help, I learnt how to plan a barber shop business, and take action to obtain finance. Right from the start, I was determined to do all the work to help myself. I drafted a Business Plan with a clear plan of action. BBV helped to polish it up. The Business Plan is vital. It enables me to focus and visualise where I need to go.

"Once the Business Plan was completed, I set about seeking funds to finance the business.

"Then I approached the building society, where I had banked for 16 years, for a loan, but they turned me down. Undaunted by this, we worked hard and raised finances to meet all the set up costs. I am grateful for the support I got from my friends and family.

"We needed additional funds. BBV advised me contact One London, which provides loans for business start ups. I decided to apply to One London for a grant.

"The interview with One London was tough and demanding. In the end, I was provided a loan of £7500."

Barber-ism has six state-of-the-art workstations, each equipped with Cable TV. Each client can watch his preferred TV programme as he gets a hair cut.

The residents on Watford Road welcome the new venture. Jay Patel, a van driver, who lives around the corner, walked in for a hair cut. He said: "I don't have to go a long distance to get my hair cut anymore. This place is really great and we are all glad that a top barber shop has opened in our area."

Although it is early days yet, Anthony and his brother, plan to open another similar barber shop in the Brixton area and start the process of creating the new world of "Barber-ism".

For further information, contact: Anthony Chen, owner, Barber-ism - the Barbershop M: 07960167313