ROOM TORONTO

Danny:

“I took the leap to Toronto – I always wanted to work downtown, and work alongside Brian. So, when Brian decided to take his leap and open his shop - it was a no brainer. I’d always wanted to get into the city, and the barber culture downtown is way more vibrant than where I was working.”

What is the barber culture like?

Danny: “Not just the barber culture… I’d say the culture generally is different in Toronto. It’s more versatile, there’s way more style influence etc.”

Brian: “There’s a lot more character – everyone has a unique style and everyone looks different. As barbers, it allows you to be more creative.”

Danny: “The city has allowed me to draw influence from so many things as a barber, but also opened up my eyes to different things. For example, I was able to bring my candle brand into the shop at the Fitting Room because we wanted to do next-level men’s grooming, so we introduced candles for men and home products for men, and I was able to build a collaboration between the two. It opened up my eyes to a whole different world.”

The Fitting Room was already a staple in the GTA barbering scene, it was well-known, and successful. What made you open a new shop?

Brian: “A few things – we felt like we were outgrowing the space, so we wanted to have more room to work with in our shop. We also wanted to create more of an experience for our customers – we didn’t want it to feel just like a barbershop. We wanted to create more of an experience with culture.”

Danny: “And community – we really want to be community driven. We don’t want to be somewhere people just come to get their haircut and go. We want it to be a “lived-in” space.

Brian: “Now that we’ve got something bigger, we’re going to be able to host more activations and events to build that community. Adding the coffee shop and the retail area to our space will amplify this experience for our customers.”

Danny: “Once we got into the retail space with our own brands, we came up with this idea where we as barbers can put on for the barber space but also collaborate with other brands to reach new heights.”

What do you want to see happen in this space?

Danny: “We definitely want more involvement with our team and our barbers, we definitely want to create an environment where people are growing and reaching their goals – not just Brian and I.”

What specifically do you want to see for your team? What do you hope they’ll get out of it?

Brian: “We want them to get solid education, go to events, and grow their networks. With the way we’re building out this space, we’re doing it in a way that’s inclusive. We don’t want the barbershop to be male-dominant, we want women to be comfortable in the space as well. Whether that’s getting a cut, shopping at the retail space, grabbing a coffee – we just want a space that’s really diverse.”

Danny: “We want it to be gender neutral. We understand that when you walk into a barbershop, it can be intimidating. You walk in, a bunch of dudes look at you, and if you don’t know anybody, it might not be welcoming. We want our space to be comfortable and warm.”

Brian: “That’s why we’re adding a second entrance so that if you want to just grab a coffee, you don’t have to walk through a barbershop to get there.”

So you’ve considered the small details, and how to foster a space that people from all walks of life can appreciate?

Brian: “Even the colours and materials that we’re going to use in the space will be gender neutral – we want it to be inclusive and welcoming. We want to encourage people to come in and buy stuff. Even if you’re not getting a cut or a coffee… just come”

Do you know what brands you want to work with in your retail space?

Danny: “Our goal is to have a lot of local brands, we want to support local brands and make them feel like they have a home. I have an online business, and being able to have a store presence makes me feel like the sky’s the limit. We want to give that experience to others as well to have that same opportunity”

What’s going to set you guys apart from the rest of the barbershops in the city? What makes this space different?

Brian: “At the end of the day, we’re not reinventing the wheel. I don’t think what we’re doing is something that’s never been done in the past. I just think we have something special here. What’s going to make people want to come here is the vibe and experience we create. People are going to come here not only because we cut your hair, but because of the atmosphere we’ve built – which a lot of shops lack.”

Danny: “We’ve already elevated the haircutting experience. Our reputation kind of speaks for itself, in terms of the haircuts and the service, and we’re building on that.”

Brian: “It’s also exposure – because the shop is bigger, the amount of traffic that’s going to be coming in here will grow. The shop will have its own clientele, the coffee shop will have its regulars, and the brands will bring in customers. The whole network together will be able to build from each other and find even more success.”

Brian: “We’re also going to have a patio outside, where people can enjoy a coffee and the shop vibe can extend outdoors. That’ll definitely create some buzz and generate more foot-traffic for the shop as well.”

Danny Ishac is a seasoned barber who has dedicated his life to his craft. Starting at the age of 13, his natural talent and unwavering commitment have propelled him to success. After immersing himself in the barbering world in Mississauga, he made the bold move to Toronto, where he found new inspiration and honed his artistic skills. Establishing his own brand, “ISAAC NO. 1289,” is a testament to his unique vision and dedication. Danny’s expertise extends beyond the chair, as he now partners with “Fitting Room Toronto,” mentoring aspiring barbers and shaping the future of the industry. With a passion for lifestyle branding, he aspires to create exceptional pieces that reflect his style and resonate with a broader audience. Danny’s remarkable journey continues to shape the barbering landscape, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter his talent and professionalism.

Brian Cafua AKA Primetime is a hairstylist whose career has been shaped by his passion for art and his unwavering commitment to embracing diverse cultures. With over a decade of experience, Brian’s journey began in 2006 when he joined an African-Caribbean barbershop, where he honed his skills in fades and gained a deep understanding of working with different hair textures. Seeking new challenges, Brian later joined a salon-inspired barbershop in Toronto, where he expanded his expertise in styling and scissor cutting. In 2014, he fulfilled his dream of opening The Fitting Room Toronto, a community-focused barbershop that celebrates diversity. Brian’s success and ambition have led him to venture into a new creative space, aiming to redefine the client experience and make a lasting impact on Toronto’s hair scene. Through his artistry and dedication, Brian Primetime has become a respected figure in the industry, embodying inclusivity, creativity, and excellence

Neil Dimaculangan’s journey in the world of hairstyling began at the young age of 15, when he discovered his passion for cutting hair. Over the past 11 years, Neil has dedicated himself to the craft of barbering, continuously honing his skills and expanding his expertise. In addition to his barbershop experience, Neil has received formal training in hairstyling, allowing him to excel in working with various hair textures. What sets Neil apart is not only his technical proficiency, but also his natural ability to connect with people. Beyond the barber chair, Neil has cultivated meaningful relationships with his clients, creating an atmosphere where every appointment feels like a friendly gathering. With his exceptional talent and genuine personality, Neil Dimaculangan has established himself as a master of his craft, bringing style and camaraderie to each and every client he serves.

Jade-Elee Pascual

Favourite cut: High taper bald fade

Neil Dimaculangan

Favourite cut: Wavecut bald fade

With 8 years of industry experience, including 7 years at The Fitting Room, Jade-Elee Pascual is a highly skilled and dedicated barber. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she impulsively moved to Vancouver in search of personal growth. It was there that she discovered her passion for barbering through an apprenticeship opportunity.

As a female thriving in a male-dominated industry, Jade-Elee defies stereotypes and is recognized for her exceptional skills, irrespective of gender. Her primary goal is to provide an outstanding experience for each client, going beyond expert haircuts to establish genuine connections and nurture lasting relationships.

Jade-Elee’s love for her work stems from the strong bonds she forms with her clients. She considers it a genuine privilege to be part of their life’s journey, supporting them through milestones such as first dates, graduations, job interviews, birthdays, weddings, and the anticipation of new beginnings. She takes pride in being a trusted confidant, ensuring her clients look their best and feel their most confident during these significant moments.

Jade-Elee Pascual’s dedication to breaking barriers and building meaningful connections sets her apart in the industry. Her passion, skill, and commitment make her an exceptional barber who not only delivers outstanding haircuts but also becomes an invaluable presence in her clients’ lives.

Kevin Toribio, a 23-year-old barber from Cancun, Mexico, is carving out a remarkable path in the hairstyling industry. With three years of experience and a hunger for growth, Kevin’s journey has taken him from the United States to Mexico and finally to Toronto, Canada.

Starting in the US, Kevin learned from some of the industry’s top barbers, establishing a strong foundation for his career. Eager to take his skills to new heights, he returned to Mexico to enroll in barber and stylist courses, expanding his knowledge and gaining fresh perspectives.

Working in the vibrant barbershops of Cancun’s hotel zone exposed Kevin to a diverse clientele, fueling his passion and igniting his creativity. Seeking new challenges, he made the bold decision to join the esteemed team at The Fitting Room in Toronto, where he delivers top-notch service and leaves his clients feeling confident and fantastic.

With unwavering motivation and a commitment to excellence, Kevin Toribio is just beginning to make his mark in the industry. As he continues to push boundaries and redefine hairstyling, his talent and dedication are sure to leave a lasting impression. Keep an eye on Kevin as he continues as a rising star in the world of barbering.

Sebastian Vila

Favourite cut: Five-point cut

Meet Sebastian Vila, a hairstylist based at The Fitting Room in Toronto. But beyond the labels, Sebastian is a person who has harbored a deep desire to cut hair since the tender age of four. Following his passion for hair, Sebastian has embarked on a journey filled with blessings, unique experiences, and meaningful relationships. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to travel the world, learning new techniques and connecting with a diverse array of people who have shaped his life and character. Along his path, Sebastian has formed invaluable friendships and found mentors who have guided him. Choosing to cut hair has been a transformative experience for Sebastian, as it has allowed him to view, experience, and appreciate life from a different perspective—an aesthetic voyager constantly seeking the next adventure. The journey of being a hairstylist has challenged him, but it has also rewarded him abundantly, giving him a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose.