TWO JOURNEYS, ONE VISION!

By Louise May

In an industry where skill, culture, and community intersect, Kalib Monaei and Jayden Waaka are redefining what it means to be barbers. More than just haircutters, they are educators, creatives, and storytellers using their craft to inspire the next generation.

Kalib’s story began at just 15 years old, drawn to the rhythm and energy of his local barbershop in Springfield. What started as a routine visit soon became a lifelong passion. Now, with eight years of experience under his belt, he has managed multiple barbershops, taken on a key role in industry education, and continues to champion diversity as a proud First Nations Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Papua New Guinean barber.

For Jayden, creativity has always been at the forefront. Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, he explored various artistic avenues, from music to media, before finding his calling in barbering. His journey began with a single conversation with his school counsellor, which led him to Tommy Guns the very next day. Today, he is not only a 4Barber educator but also a signed musician and media professional, seamlessly blending his passions to create a unique impact.

Both of them share a passion for innovation, culture, and pushing the boundaries of traditional barbering. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives allow them to approach their craft with a fresh and dynamic outlook, bridging the gap between technical skill and creative expression. Their goal is to ensure that barbering remains not just a trade, but an evolving art form that continues to inspire generations.

From the Shop Floor to the Global Stage

The duo’s rise in the barbering world has been anything but conventional. Kalib’s early career at Lole’s Barbershop in Springfield laid the foundation for his craft, but he quickly realised that growth meant pushing beyond the shop’s four walls. Inspired by a chance encounter with the Andis team, he pursued education, mentorship, and industry events, with pivotal figures like Jordan Aumua and Jono Goodwin guiding his journey.

Jayden’s career followed a similarly ambitious path. His early years at Tommy Guns saw him rack up multiple accolades, including Apprentice of the Year and Barber of the Year. His skills took him to Canada to compete internationally and later to the Barber of the Year finals in Newcastle, securing third place. His passion for education, driven by a desire to fill industry gaps, has since led him to a prominent role at Tommy Guns’ head office, where he continues to shape the future of barbering.

A Friendship Built on Growth

Though their paths crossed at Tommy Guns Carindale, their real bond formed outside of work. A car ride to a Brisbane Lions event became the turning point in their friendship, leading to a connection built on shared ambition and an unspoken understanding of what it takes to succeed.

Since then, Kalib and Jayden have worked closely, constantly pushing each other to reach new heights. Their friendship is rooted in a shared work ethic, mutual respect, and a commitment to uplifting those around them. They thrive on collaboration, knowing that by working together, they can create something far greater than they could achieve alone.

Educators with a Purpose

As educators for 4Barbers, Kalib and Jayden are passionate about mentorship and passing down knowledge to the next generation. “Education is about more than just technique—it’s about building relationships, inspiring confidence, and ensuring the future of our industry,” Kalib explains.

For Jayden, the influence of his mentor, Jono Goodwin, played a crucial role in his decision to become an educator. “I saw firsthand how proper mentorship could transform careers. That’s why I’m passionate about guiding young barbers—it’s about giving back and making sure they have the support they need.”

They believe education should go beyond teaching haircutting skills—it should prepare barbers for business ownership, customer service, and self-development. Their goal is to create well-rounded professionals who can thrive in all aspects of the industry.

Not About Us: A Movement in the Making

Their desire to leave a lasting impact led to the creation of Not About Us, a media brand that started as a podcast but has since evolved into a larger mission. The idea was born from a late-night conversation, with Kalib’s determination pushing it into reality. “I told Jayden, ‘I’m starting a podcast—you can join me or not, but I’m doing this,’” Kalib recalls. That no-excuses mindset set everything in motion.

Since launching, the podcast has taught them one crucial lesson: building something meaningful requires sacrifice. “We were running on two hours of sleep some nights, just grinding to make this happen,” Jayden admits. But the effort is paying off. Their mission is clear—to create a platform that amplifies voices in the barbering community and beyond.

A Legacy Beyond the Microphone

The rapid realisation of the extensive effort and sacrifice required to establish a business has been pivotal. Recognising the combined potential of their partnership, they understood that leveraging every opportunity was crucial. This underscores the importance of proactive action—without execution, aspirations remain unfulfilled, and time passes without progress.

From the very beginning, Not About Us was envisioned as more than just a podcast. While launching a podcast provided a strong foundation and a relevant entry point into the industry, their long-term vision has always extended beyond it. With the completion of NAU Podcast Season 1, they are now focused on expanding into new content concepts that align with their mission.

Their core values—making noise, bringing the community together, and integrating culture into everything they do—drive every project they take on. This is why they are excited to evolve beyond the podcast, exploring new ways to engage, inspire, and contribute to the industry in meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead: The Next 12 Months

The future for Kalib and Jayden is about expansion. With plans to spotlight barbershops in Brisbane before taking their movement nationwide, their goal is to build a space where barbers can share their stories, collaborate, and inspire one another.

Beyond content, they are working on mentorship programmes aimed at young barbers who need direction and guidance. By partnering with established names in the industry, they plan to create workshops, events, and digital courses that focus on skill-building, business acumen, and personal growth. Their commitment to education extends beyond cutting hair—it’s about instilling confidence and resilience in the next generation.

They also have ambitions of collaborating with major brands and bringing industry leaders together through panel discussions, live events, and documentary-style storytelling. “There are so many voices in our industry that go unheard. We want to be the ones who bring those stories to the forefront,” Jayden shares.

Storytelling has always been at the heart of their cultures—passing down knowledge for future generations. Now, they’re bringing that tradition into the barbering industry, creating a “new media” space where young barbers can learn from those who have paved the way before them.

“At the end of the day,” Jayden says, “it’s not about us. It’s about creating a legacy for the future, ensuring that the industry continues to grow, innovate, and uplift those who come after us.”

With the next 12 months set to bring even greater opportunities, Kalib and Jayden are ready to push boundaries and cement their place as not just barbers, but cultural pioneers. Whether through education, media, or mentorship, their mission is clear: to leave the industry better than they found it.

@notaboutusmedia @money_cuts43 @jvydenw