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BARBER BABE Interview with Jessy Hartsoe
JESSY HARTSOE BARBER BABE
Partnerships in time turn into friendships
BARBERELLA WHO THINKS ‘OUT OF THE BOX’
Jessy Hartsoe has been breaking barriers since she began her career as a barber 26 years ago. She gave up the security of her training programme with Deutsche Post to follow her dream of becoming a barber. She’s never looked back and is now one of Germany’s top barbers. Jessy made history as the first woman to win second place in the 2016 Best Barber in Germany competition. She stands at the helm of Jessy’s BarberGirls in Waghäusel, Germany. It also bucks convention as a two-floor concept store with a barber shop on the ground floor and a menswear shop on the upper floor. Jessy believes the secret to building lasting relationships with clients is to be open, honest and lovable. BarberSociety Magazine met up virtually with Jessy to find out more about her impressive career, vision on barbering and ambitions for the future.
We help and support each other more
Go against the flow Jessy Hartsoe was training for a safe and secure career with Deutsche Post when she came to a crossroads and took the path less followed. She decided a career at Germany’s postal service didn’t make her heart race. Her dream was more out of the box: to become a barber. Why did she dare to move out of the comfort zone? Jessy explains, “I wanted to do something that challenges, inspires and gives me pleasure every day.” She set about fulfilling her dream by completing Germany’s classical training system, a three-year programme that includes both theoretical study and an apprenticeship. “I completed my apprenticeship at a wellestablished hairdressing salon, which gave me the opportunity to develop my skills in hairdressing for both men and women. It was a great experience.”
The last laugh Did Jessy face any prejudices from her male counterparts? “In the early days, some male counterparts at a few male-run barbershops made fun of me. It was purely because I broke the so-called norm,” Jessy says. “But they eventually came around after I came in second
place in the 2016 Best Barber in Germany contest. It meant they could no longer deny that I have the skills for the job.” She says that being a successful barber is all about having the right set of skills – both barbering and communications skills. “Men come to my barbershop because they can count on getting a first-rate haircut and a great conversation.”
Creating a cool vibe Jessy’s BarberGirls reflects Jessy’s out-of-the-box approach to life and business. Jessy explains: “The store is unique in a number of ways, not just because it is staffed with four Barberellas. We’ve converted an old farmhouse to create the space. It’s a concept store that’s spread across two floors. There’s a menswear shop on the upper floor offering an exceptionally high-quality range of men’s clothing for fashionconscious men. The barbershop is located on the lower floor. It’s a haven where men can relax and be pampered.” Jessy is committed to continuing to develop the concept store into a total experience for discerning men and apparently has more big plans up her sleeve. “Something will happen in the near future, but I’ll have to keep that a secret for now. Stay tuned!”
Community spirit Jessy believes it’s important to play an active role in the barbering community. She frequently attends events, gives demonstrations and is a member of barbers’ associations. “We actively participate in guilds and associations with the aim of promoting and developing our profession. But we don’t just participate in barbering events; we also take part in other events that relate to our passions and interests. We go to hot rod meetings, tattoo fairs and rock ‘n roll festivals.”
Believe in the product Selling products in the barbershop should be a natural part of the service, says Jessy. “Every product sale should be based on a professional consultation. You’ve got to personally believe in the products your selling.”
Jessy says it is important to offer a clear-cut range. “Less is more! You need a clearly arranged product range. Not five different hair waxes from four different companies” She is also convinced that you need to offer products that stand out in terms of quality. “The product must exceed the requirements. You should use the products while you’re cutting someone’s hair and explain how to use them properly. It’s got to be part of the integrated service.” Jessy steers clear of hard selling and instead opts for a soft sell approach. “Don’t talk the product up, make a recommendation and leave it up to you client.”
Mutually beneficial partnerships Jessy’s BarberGirls is an ambassador for five leading brands. She is convinced that the relationships with these companies must be developed over time and be based on trust. “If you support each other, both sides will benefit. We work closely with various brands. We’ve built up a relationship of trust with these brands over a long period of time. These relationships grow through knowledge, experience, respect and the know-how of both sides. But the best thing is, these partnerships in time turn into friendships.”
Closer together As with all barbers around the world, the coronavirus pandemic is a challenging period for Jessy. She does, however, also see a bright side. “While we each have our own burden to carry, I’ve seen us all move a little closer together since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. We help and support each other more. It’s also brought about a lively exchange of information and knowledge. We’re sharing our skills, tips and experiences. That’s a positive development.”
Keep on celebrating life Looking to the future, Jessy says she wants to keep moving forward. “I want to keep doing my job, have fun with my girls, celebrate life and make my contribution to the community.” And what is her advice to BarberSociety Magazine readers? “Stay true to yourself, live and love what you do.”
