AL UR N T L O CU CTI E E TH NN CO
The Cultural Connection
Bar.ber: A Lot More Than Just a Barber Shop The Cultural Connection series will highlight the success of cultural entrepreneurs in Curaçao. According to Helmut K. Anheier and Yudhishthir Raj Isar (2008), “Cultural Entrepreneurs are cultural change agents and resourceful visionaries who organize cultural, financial, social and human capital, to generate revenue from a cultural activity. Their innovative solutions result in economically sustainable cultural enterprises that enhance livelihoods and create cultural value and wealth for both creative producers and consumers of cultural services and products. TEXT TAHNEE M. BRUIN Living in Curaçao in the era of globalization, it is inspiring to see young professionals exploring the roots of their cultural heritage, and pairing this with innovation to build a new business. These unique business endeavors are so refreshing when comparing these with the copy pastes of global brands that are popping up everywhere. Curaçao is blessed with quite a few savvy entrepreneurs that are enhancing the link to Curaçao’s cultural heritage, creating space for a new hybrid culture – linking the past to the present in creative ways. CBM hopes to connect you to the unique cultures of Curaçao – through profiling different businesses in every edition.
coffee shop, with a workspace with free WiFi. In a short time however, they have already carved out a special place for their company, ensuring their presence through a strong client base, for many years to come. While roaming the streets of Amsterdam, inspiration struck creative director and mastermind behind Bar.ber, Chiarra Lo-A-Njoe. While she was looking for a new challenge professionally, Bar.ber was a thought in the spur of the moment that eventually turned in to a concept where Lo-A-Njoe could combine her passion with business in Curaçao. Eventually, Lo-A-Njoe wrote her business plan and approached Andy Pinnafort and Giovanni Giribaldie, and asked them if they would like to be part of this venture.
About Bar.ber Bar.ber, a three-in-one concept store located in Pietermaai, a renewed area of downtown Willemstad, opened its doors in June 2016. It’s a retro barbershop, men’s apparel store, and a
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CURAÇAO BUSINESS
The result was Bar.ber: a partnership between three forward thinking Curaçaoans, who wanted to transform the idea of a barber shop into a place where people go, not just to get their hair
| NUMBER 2 | 2016
Hip Hop at its Soul Hip Hop is a big part of the Bar.ber’s culture – in fact, it’s the glue that brought the entrepreneurs and artists together in the first place – their passion for culture and music, and the idea that people can express their opinions through music. The partners all have different interests individually but Hip-hop culture is what they chose as the paradigm for their project. Lo-A-Njoe explains, “Even though our personal preferences differ, Hip Hop culture gave us the room we needed to be ourselves.”
done, but to have a great time and appreciate life. The three partners are part of an equal partnership where everyone is equally responsible for the success of the business, reporting solely to themselves and each other.
