Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alex Menhem, owner of House Of Handsome Barbershop, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
House Of Handsome Barbershop is an upscale Hair, Spa & Skincare business. We are mainly male-focused; we cater to all ages, from babies to seniors, with the majority of our clients being middle-aged (20 years old to 55 years old).
Our expertise ranges from Fades to Long Hair Scissor Cuts to Beard Grooming and Straight Razor Shaves and Line ups but not exclusive to that. We also excel in the Spa sector, Full Body Massages, Full Body Waxing, and even a selection of Facial treatments.
Tell us about yourself
I turned my hobby into a wonderful and rewarding career. Eighteen years into Barbering and I still fall in love with my career a little more with every day that goes by. The feeling we get from our client's satisfaction feeds us to keep going and continuously better ourselves. Some gentlemen burst into tears at times once they realize how a proper grooming experience can dramatically change their appearance into such Handsome men. That gives us the utmost satisfaction.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe our biggest accomplishment at HOH is the Mental Health Awareness that we project. At our establishment, men are able to express themselves in so many ways. Whether it's talking about certain issues, getting a Facial Treatment, a Wax session, or a massage, or just simply being able to be themselves without pressure and misassumption of men being built like a stone and shouldn't vent about certain issues, they shouldn't pamper themselves, shouldn't Wax their eyebrows for example.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I believe as a business owner; you'll always have roadblocks that you have to overcome. You'll grow stronger as you overcome your business challenges. One of my personal issues that I still can't get a grasp on is being strict with my staff; until today, I struggle with this issue. I feel I'm extremely easy on my staff, and I should learn to be a bit more assertive. But on the other hand, we're blessed with an extremely professional, talented, courteous team any business would dream of, so maybe I should keep it flexible after all 😂
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- There's a saying, "NO risk, No reward," so you need to step out of your comfort zone to be able to start a business or even grow your business.
- Make sure you do your homework; you need to know what clientele type you would like to attract and at what scale you want your business to reach; you also need to get involved in your community or your surroundings.
- Last but not least, Location Location Location.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you are a person that likes to pamper yourself and care about a good experience and high-quality service at very reasonable prices, then please check us out at either of our locations. Our Master Barbers, Master Hairstylists, and our Masseuse awaits you and look forward to pampering you. If you're in pursuit of a business or trying to expand your existing business, then we wish you the best of luck. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need any advice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.houseofhandsome.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseofHandsomeCanada/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/house.of.handsome.barbershop/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.