Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Richard Marshall, owner of Pall Mall Barbers, located in London, UK.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pall Mall Barbers is a premium men's barbershop based in London and New York City. It dates back 126 years ago, from 1896. We operate in the high-end parts of London in Pall Mall, right next to Buckingham Palace, near the House of Commons and Whitehall. Our clients range from corporate businesses, executives, politicians, and celebrities. Mainly people of influence from top corporations in and around London and New York City. They really trust and have the utmost confidence in Pall Mall Barbers, giving us the responsibility to make and keep them all looking sharp.

Tell us about yourself

I'm Richard Marshall, and I'm an entrepreneur. I started barbering when I was 12 years old. Sweeping the floors and making tea. What motivated me when I took over my business 17 years ago, just off Pall Mall, was when I found a business card dating back to 1896. I realized I had just bought one of the oldest barbershops in London, if not the world. My vision was to take products and services worldwide and make them a successful global business. Over the last 17 years, that's been my quest, and every day I feel like I want to take one step closer towards that goal. That's what motivates me, and it's my 'why' each and every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

So far, taking the brand across the Atlantic to New York City when we opened up a store on Fifth Avenue (in the city's famous cultural landmark Rockefeller Centre next to NBC Today). I feel that was one of the biggest things I've achieved to date. It was truly amazing! Secondly, I think one of my more personal achievements was when Prince William visited our store to do a project on men's mental health with us. I hosted the event with Royal security and the Royal team. I spent some time with Prince William, and we were discussing his childhood, and he shared stories about his own mental health growing up. We also talked about what we were doing as a barbering brand to help that within our community.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing as a business owner is the human aspect of business, which is the most challenging. When you lead teams, and you build them up to a substantial amount, getting that right is one of the biggest challenges, and I think we do that pretty well.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

To have a dream and then to dream bigger. A lot of people dream big, and a lot of people think big; I'm one for it. My top tip is to take that dream and work backward on how you're going to achieve it. My advice is that you have to work small each day, and you have to be consistent. I believe we're running a marathon, not a sprint, and that takes endurance and that takes action each day. One of the things I do is write six things I want to action each day and execute them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you want to check us out, go to pallmallbarbers.com. We've got six stores in London's most iconic locations and one in New York City. We're currently working together with a few partners, and we're looking to expand that in the coming years. We're also looking to get our products widely distributed, so look out for these as they are amazing, and the next launch will be even more outstanding. So keep an eye out for us because we're on the move.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pallmallbarbers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PallMallBarbersLondon/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pallmallbarbers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pallmallbarbers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pall-mall-barbers-since-1986/

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.