Parturi, jossa palvelu pelaa.
It would be great to say that barbering came to us already in our mother’s milk or that our great-grandfather was already a barber in his time. Or that while hiking in the Sumatra jungle and after a week of juice fasting, we got the idea to start a barber shop for men. No, everything happened in the end quite by chance.
At the beginning of 2005, our first-born princess was born into our family, and at the same time I was doing agent work in the barber-hairdressing industry. One of the products in my portfolio was a men’s line called American Crew, which I immediately fell in love with. Unfortunately, I was apparently the only one, because sales did not make a breakthrough.
One day, in the center of Helsinki, I saw a note in the window of an old barber shop, which said that the shop’s furniture was for sale. Inside were a couple of vintage Belmont barber chairs that drew me in. I called the seller and told him that I was interested in buying the chair. However, the seller said that he wanted to get rid of the shop’s entire furniture and asked for an offer for the entire movable property.
With a new addition to our family, the last thing I needed was more junk and stress. I made a ridiculously small offer so that I could back out of the situation in style. To my surprise, the seller accepted the offer! My heart skipped a few beats, as it did later when I heard the words on the ultrasound: “Congratulations! You’re having twins.”
Since canceling the agreed sale was not an option, the only direction was forward. I called my wife, the voice of reason in our family, and gently asked, “Guess what I bought?” “The car, the rims, I don’t know…” he answered. “Barber shop furniture!” I announced eagerly. Silence followed for what seemed like an eternity. Finally she asked, “What are you going to do with them and where are you going to put them?” Good question, because our 44-square-meter two-bedroom didn’t even have room for our princess’s soft toys, let alone the furniture of the barber shop.
I sat in my car wondering what to do. Then it occurred to me: What if we set up a barber shop? We already had furniture, a men’s product line and good relations with its seller. The next day, we signed a lease for the premises where the barbershop had previously operated. The timing was not the best possible – we had just had a child, my wife was at home with him, and I only had a commission job. But all I could do was start planning.
In 2005, there didn’t seem to be a single place in the barber-hairdressing industry that seriously invested in men’s services and products. As a man, it was easier to borrow a locomotive from VR than a good haircut, a hair product designed for men’s needs, or a service tailored for men. There was a strong belief in the industry that only women’s services and products could be successful. Men were just a nice addition, or even a problem for some. This is why traditional barber services, such as shaving, threatened to die out.
We decided to start a barber shop that would solve all these problems. A shop that would not only be a barber shop, but also a lifestyle: it would offer its customers excellent service, information, experiences and, of course, masculine haircuts. Without forgetting relaxation and humor. Our business idea was to package traditional barber services for the modern man – services that are easily and quickly available, without compromising on customer service or quality. We wanted to serve men and make them more handsome!
We offered several different ways to get to the barbershop – online appointment, appointment by calling or arriving without an appointment. No unnecessary queuing, and everyone can choose the most suitable way to visit the barbershop.
The straightforward service concept designed for men makes it easier for customers to visit the barbershop. No unnecessary intermediate steps or questions that could seem awkward. Excellent service, with or without casual conversation.
These would set us apart from other players in the industry. In 2005, all the salons in the industry seemed to resemble each other. From the beginning, we wanted to be a brand with our own look. Our barbers would be the artists and together we would be a band called GROOM.
Investing in training would ensure professional barbers and consistent quality work. Continuous development would also increase work motivation. In the beginning, finding suitable trainings was a challenge because the barbering side was slowly fading. Today, we are a pioneer and also train other professionals in the field.
With a good and relaxed service, we ensure that every customer leaves a with a positive feeling.
The GROOM Experience is born from all of the above!
GROOM is built with humor, curiosity, passion and love for the sport – never just for money!
We, the GROOM people, are united by the same values and the desire to carry out this great and one of the oldest handcraft and customer service profession.
GROOM was not created by one or two people, but by a large group. In addition to the barbers, there have been electricians, plumbers, graphic designers, backpackers, acquaintances, friends and family members. Of course, without forgetting our customers and fans, who have been involved in developing and supporting our operations for years. A big thank you and a humble bow to each of you – without you there would be no us.
We believe that in the future more and more men will want to look and smell good, as long as there are services and places where they are served as men. Every man should have the right to these things, and as long as even one man is deprived of them, we have work to do.
Welcome to GROOM Barbershop!
– Sami
