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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 at the London College of Printing and Architecture. Anthony worked as a bus coductor with a local transport services. He says: “I hit a glass ceiling and felt that I was not going anywhere. I had to do something different.”
Continues Anthony: “I wanted a business and do something, where I made my own decisions. I did not want to be controlled or work under anyone. Barbering is a passion for both my brother and I and we are both pushing the boundaries. “ “We planned 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 specially help barbers. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. “Through BBV’s help, I leant how to plan a barber shop business, and take action to obtain finance. Mind you, right from the start, I was determined to do all the work, to help myself. I dafted 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. “First of all, I am grateful for the support I got from my friends and family. 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.” “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 takes barbering to a new era. There are 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 interior décor can match or even better most of the leading hair salons in the area. The inside is decorated with cool cream and provide a relaxing and professional atmosphere with large sofas and indoor plants. There is car parking at the rear of the shop and metre parking in front of the shop. In addition to Anthony, three barbers are engaged in the establishment at the moment. Barber-ism caters for all clients, who want a quick hair cut and shave and also for those with exquisite taste and a desire for quality. While serving the needs of clients in Sudbury, Barber-ism is beginning to draw customers from other areas as well. Within a week of opening, word has spread around about the quality of the service. Ian Goodridge came from Kenton to get his hair cut and was pleased a punch after his hair cut. “I am going to be a regular here”, he said. 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.” According to one of the barbers, two women walked in to get their hair done and were disappointed to be informed that it was a barber shop for men. They complained to Anthony that the establishment should cater for women as well! Although its 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 MOB: 07960167313 report by Don de Silva
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