BOBBY GORDON

The Fella Who Changed The Game Of Barbering

BY ZOE RICHARDS - UK

When you walk into any of Bobby Gordon’s Fella barbershops, you’ll notice something straight away: it’s not just a haircut; it’s a vibe. The music is always on point, the banter is lively, and every barber looks like they could have stepped off the pages of a style magazine. But behind this effortlessly cool exterior is a man who has built his own thriving barbering empire from the ground up, one cut at a time.

FROM APPRENTICE TO A-LISTER

Like many success stories in our industry, Bobby’s began with a healthy dose of elbow grease and a wild dream. His first encounter with hair was in his teenage years. When he left school at 16, he needed to learn a trade and hairdressing ticked all the boxes. While his mates were busy playing football or chasing the latest video game release, Bobby found himself compelled to the art of hairdressing.

His first ‘proper’ job took him to London’s West End where he worked in a huge unisex salon. While he started out as an all-rounder, he soon realised it was barbering that was mesmerising him. “I loved watching how a good barber could completely change someone’s day with just a pair of scissors and a little confidence,” Bobby recalls. “It was like magic, and I was hooked.”

But it wasn’t just the craft that intrigued him - it was the culture. “There’s something about barbershops,” he says with a grin. “It’s where people really open up, let their guard down. It’s therapy, but with better chat and a nice fade at the end!” three buzzing locations in Canterbury, the seaside town of Folkestone and Soho, London. In a twist of destiny, the London shop is where Bobby learnt barbering. “It all came full circle,” he grins.

Determined to master the trade, Bobby didn’t just settle for the basics. He trained hard, absorbing everything he could from seasoned pros. His apprenticeship was old school - long hours, lots of practice, and, let’s be honest, plenty of mistakes along the way. “There was no YouTube tutorial to fall back on,” he laughs. “It was trial and error, mostly error at first.”

After earning his stripes, Bobby took his clippers on the road, gaining experience in a variety of shops. This patchwork of experience shaped his style, but more importantly, it gave him a keen understanding of what made a barbershop truly special.

Fella Is Born

Fast forward to 2008, and Bobby was ready to open his first shop. He had saved up, honed his skills, and had a head full of ideas. And thus, Fella Barbers was born. Moving out of London with a young family by now, the first shop in Canterbury, Kent was a small, tucked-away space with only a couple of chairs, but from the moment the doors opened, Bobby knew he was onto something.

“I wanted to create a place that felt welcoming, fun, and professional all at the same time. It had to be somewhere you could hang out, not just a place to get a haircut,” he explains. “And yeah, maybe we’d throw in a free beer while you’re waiting!”

The blend of top-notch barbering and a laid-back, community-driven atmosphere quickly gained traction. Fella wasn’t just about cutting hair— it was about creating an experience. With a keen eye for trends and a commitment to keeping things fresh, Bobby began building a loyal following.

Growth Spurt

Bobby wasn’t about to stop at just one successful shop. As the Fella brand gained momentum, he saw an opportunity to expand and within a few years, Fella Barbers went from being a local favourite to a mini-chain with each new shop carrying the same DNA as the first: a place for stylish cuts, a bit of banter, and always a killer playlist. The décor embodies Bobby’s personal taste, and you’ll find reconditioned German cinema seating for guests to sit and wait, while subway tiles and the perfect shade of Farrow & Ball adorn the walls. “Opening new shops wasn’t just about making more money,” Bobby explains. “It was about growing a brand that I believed in.

I wanted more people to experience the Fella way of doing things.” Of course, running three shops isn’t all smooth sailing. “There were plenty of sleepless nights,” he admits. “But the trick is surrounding yourself with the right team. I’m lucky to have found barbers who are not only talented but share my passion for the Fella ethos.”

As a testament to his success, earlier this year, Bobby scooped the Modern Barber Award for Business Leader. Not bad for someone who admits, “When I started out, I knew very little about business,” although he clearly had an entrepreneurial spirit and confesses with a smile he was the kid who would be selling sweets from his school bag in the playground.

Much of what he’s learnt has been through trial and error, plus he did invest in some business courses down the line. “My advice to anyone wanting to open their shop would be to go and get some specific business training,” he confides. What’s more, he strongly feels that business skills should be introduced as an equally vital part of the formal training barbers receive.

One thing Bobby did know right from the get-go is that he could cut hair. That pure instinct continues today and while busy running things behind the scenes, he is very much behind the chair too. “You can’t fake passion,” he says. “Clients can feel it. If you’re not into it, neither are they.”

In an industry that’s forever evolving, Bobby makes it a point to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s mastering the latest techniques or experimenting with new products, Fella is always on trend. “If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind,” he says, shrugging.

“You’ve got to keep pushing.” And perhaps most of all, Bobby is quick to credit his team for Fella’s success. He’s built a cohort of barbers who not only have exceptional skills but also embody the Fella philosophy. “It’s like a family,” Bobby says. “Everyone looks out for each other, and that vibe translates to the clients.”

The customer experience is key at Fella. “At the heart of Fella’s success is a commitment to making every client feel valued,” he insists. “It’s not just about giving a great haircut. It’s about making people feel good. When someone walks out with a bit more swagger in their step, that’s when I know we’ve nailed it.”

With three thriving shops under his belt and a reputation as one of the most established names in modern barbering, you’d think Bobby might be ready to put his feet up. But that’s not his style. “For now, it’s all about stabilising –we’ve just done up the Soho salon, but who knows what’s coming next around the corner,” Bobby says with a grin. “All I know is, we’re going to keep doing what we love - and trying to do it better than anyone else.”

@fellahair @gorgeousprhair