Mullet Masters
Little Rebel Barbershop was created so that likeminded people could thrive, create and be their best selves. All are welcome, everyone is treated equally, and everyone respects each other and the space, and what’s more; prices are based on service not gender. Owner Rhia ’REBEL’ Moulds, started in the industry back in Nottingham UK, where she grew up, entering into a hairdressing apprenticeship with Toni&Guy in 2000, and completing 2 years of her apprenticeship before she emigrated to Australia. Completing further education at Biba Academy in Melbourne and working in and around the Fitzroy and Melbourne’s north as a hair stylist and barber, Rhia continued working in barbering and short creative cutting over the next few years.
Rhia ’REBEL’ Moulds “I had a small clientele of people that did not necessarily fit in, feel comfortable or were not welcome to enter into the barbershops because of a gender divide or the environment,” says Rhia. “My home clientele was rapidly growing and in 2015 I took a rent a chair position. At the time I had no plans to grow a business. I was having fun cutting hair, being creative and being around people who felt comfortable in my space. I planned to travel/move back to the UK/Europe within a few years. The next thing I know there’s other barbers that want to work alongside me and I soon developed into a team.” When did you open the shop? I opened Little Rebel, Collingwood in August 2017. A large double shop on Smith Street. It used to be a 6-chair shop but
when Covid hit I removed 2 chairs to comply with the social distancing rules leaving us with 4 and plenty of waiting space. My business was closed for over 5 months in in total due to the coronavirus pandemic. I did most of the renovations on Little Rebel, Preston, during Melbourne’s lock down. We were set to open 1st June but with a recent fire in the property it is possible it will be pushed back slightly. What a year!? it seems that very quickly, you have developed a signature look that has refined itself, again, very quickly and is instantly recognisable as your work. Where did this come from and how do you fine tune the looks you are doing? I love to create and build shapes; I was the quiet kid in the corner painting and sculpting things with my hands. I have always been creative; I’m constantly inspired by pushing boundaries with cutting techniques and styling. I guess it’s similar to making art as a child, it follows through in my adult life it gives me that child-like kick. Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s in the UK my style is influenced by a love for subculture music and fashion which is also connected with queer culture. I call mine the “Rebel Mullet.” I started seriously cutting mullets around 6/7 years ago maybe 1-2 per day, these days it’s more like 7-8 (different variations.) You are obviously resonating with many fans of your work it’s like you’re starting a cult, how does that feel? It feels wonderful to inspire others, have my work recognised and to give my community a louder voice. If feels like my hard work is paying off. If equality and creativity is a ‘cult’ then so be it! There needs to be more Little Rebels in the world, there needs to be more job opportunities for trans and queer people and there needs to be more safe equal spaces! The influence you have on your staff is evident too, do you collab with them on your designs or are you driving this ‘new wave”? Of course, I influence my staff. When I was a young hairdresser my mentors were the key factor in fuelling my passion for creative precision cutting so I understand the importance and need for inspiring my staff. I do set high standards. Creative
16 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 2
