10 minute read
The Rise of Luke Munn
BY REX A.C. SILVER
Luke Munn, AHIA Multi-Finalist in Men’s categories, back-to-back 2 X AHFA Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, 2020 American Crew All Star Challenge Australian and Global Winner also, Andis Ambassador and Educator. We all know the time, energy, and dedication it takes to enter these awards…. But there is more…
A father to a young family of two, a son aged 3 and a brandnew daughter 4 months old at time of print of this feature, Oh, and he opened his first new shop this year in February 22’… now he’s just showing off right? LOL
I first had the pleasure of meeting and working with Luke a couple of years ago after he took out ‘Crews ASC 20’ Global, we worked together on a story in barbershop together (Issue 9.2. 2020 available to read on issuu.com just sayin’).
This kid came out of nowhere with a knock-out punch to the scene and has not backed off. He is relentless in his ambition to succeed in awards platforms celebrating his interpretation of all things Men’s Hair, and his seemly bottomless pit of creative genius appears to be matching that ambition dollar for dollar, round for round.
This year he has taken the leap to add ‘Businessman’ to his long list of titles by opening his first Studio, HAVACHAT BARBERS.
Luke, tell us all about opening the new shop.
What can I say. A whirlwind of emotions for starters. I was at a point in my career where I felt I was ready to make the move into being a business owner and by doing so, allow myself some freedom in the artist that I could become. I could create something that represented me. The idea was, to always, at some point open a shop, but it probably came about sooner than I first thought, as everything has in my career.
I was having a conversation with my father in late 2021 about “what if?” and from there, I got to work building an idea of what opening my own business would look like. The vision was to create a space that represented myself but also somewhere my clients could feel comfortable and “at home”. I wanted to move away from that typical Barbershop look, as I feel it did not represent my brand, and move more into a space that was inviting and crossed into a more studio feel.
Keeping the studio small was always something I wanted, this project to me what never about a big shop or lots of staff or making money, It was something more to me. It had to be from the heart. Through a tough time in the world, where there was this almost uncertainty on anything with the pandemic, pushing forward with the idea a little scary to be honest, the self-doubt kicked in and I thought about pulling the pin more than once.
I was in a dark space and felt very unmotivated. But I was super lucky to have such a strong support network around me from my partner who was pregnant with our second at the time, to my clients, and friends who really pushed me to make the leap. And probably the biggest help was my dad.
I think over the course of a few months I probably rang his phone 10 times a day. He really was a massive part of this shop coming to light, Mum and Dad have always supported everything I’ve done, and I can’t thank them enough. It wasn’t until we signed the lease on the shop, that I sat in the empty space and had this “oh s*#t” moment and that’s when the excitement started, and I knew this is exactly where I was supposed to be. It was time to create something one day my kids can be proud of.
What is Havachat to you and what does it symbolise?
It is actually a lot more than just a barbershop. It’s a second home. It starts at the name. It actually is my late grandfathers, who we unfortunately lost earlier this year, it was his nickname, because he loved to have a chat and would talk to just about anyone.
Some will tell you I’m no different, always up for a chat and will never shut up. It’s funny, I remember us all sitting around as a family at Christmas talking about my shop and what I would call it and he came up with some of the most absurd names. When he passed, I saw the title of something with “Havachat” and it hit me. So, after a few blessings from my family the name was set. So, to most it’s a nice play on words and a bit of a pun, but for me and the family, it’s something special and a continued legacy and something we all hold dear to our hearts.
On the business side, it’s simple. No fuss, high quality men’s hair and good old fashion service. We like to keep things basic, none of this over-the-top outlandish stuff. Extended appointment times so our clients don’t feel like they are in and out and just a number with a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The biggest thing here in Adelaide that sets us apart, is the fact that we aren’t your “typical” barbershop. It’s that small studio where you are a part of a family. But it’s not always about what sets us apart, I’m very much about trying to make our industry come together and support each other’s growth. Everyone is going to have their quirks and things that make them “them” but there are plenty of heads to cut going around.
What is it about having your own creative space you are enjoying the most?
Freedom to do exactly that, be creative. Having your own space changes the game. I can no longer worry about being under the constraints of what can and can’t be done within a business. Every decision now, be it good or bad. Is mine.
Just you and one other?
It was just me kicking it in Dulwich for the best of 7 months. Being a small studio with only 2 chairs, filling that second chair was never going to be just for anybody. I wanted to bring someone that was on the same page, had the same vision and was ready to grow themself. I wanted to bring someone on that I could help build and allow them a space to become the creative stylist they wanted. On comes Crisna! The new kid on the block, 5 Years into his career and ready to make the next move. Keep your eyes peeled.
Please share some of the processes you go through creatively and otherwise, when preparing for an award or competition submission or editorial photo shoot.
Starting in 2017 if you’d sat there and said Luke in 5 Years’ time you’re going to be 2 x Men’s Hairdresser of the year, a Brand Ambassador, Educator and Salon Owner, I straight up would have told you you’re dreaming. But it’s just a testimony to the mindset of yourself if you’re seriously passionate about that something, like actually passionate, you live and breathe it. You put in the work; it will happen.
I still remember people asking me things like, “Why are you doing that? Why are you going to this class”. This is why. 2020 American Crew All Star Challenge. That was really the start of it all for me. It was where I could showcase my talent and I was fortunate to not only win the Australian title, but the Global title also. I think that was when I got my taste for the Editorial / Stylist side of the industry. It opened so many doors for me and allowed me to connect and network with the best of the best in the industry.
The growth from there has been incredible. The people I have been lucky enough to work alongside have really helped shape the creative stylist I am today. From a very classic style competition to high end hair fashion shoots there is a huge difference in what you look at from a creator’s perspective. It was my first time on set for a magazine shoot, and I was so focused in on creating “perfect hair” but that’s when I got told, step back and shift your perspective. Look at the overall image.
I feel like as barbers we can be so focused on creating this perfect haircut that we forget that sometimes it’s the imperfections that make the image. Step forward into creating the shoots like the winning AHFA collection and the AHIA finalist collection.
The process has adapted and changed over the years. But it all starts with a Pinterest board and a few late nights when my brain can’t seem to switch off. Once I come across something cool, I’m hooked. It might not even be hair focused; inspiration can come from anywhere. But I feel like although the work I’m creating now is deemed quite creative, a lot of the fundamentals are still quite traditional.
I just love that hair can be what you want it, it’s a blank canvas to create something be it the classic everyday client, to being on set with a model and complete freedom. I will always have a love for classic men’s hair, although I wouldn’t say it’s my specialty. It’s definitely something that has a soft spot in my heart and that is because I was trained by a very OG Master Barber, the legendary Lou Fimmano.
While I feel so incredibly lucky to be in the position I am, I feel like this is just the beginning for what I want to achieve within this industry and I’m only just scratching the surface on what I can do. I’m looking forward to riding the wave and seeing where it takes me and what’s next. There is some exciting stuff in the works.
I just want to say thank you to every single person that has supported me throughout my journey. The ‘day ones’ that have given nothing but love and support. Without them I would never have gotten into a position to be talking to you Rex, today, about my rise in the industry, So I thank them for being there pushing me to be the best version of myself.
