WRITE-UP

5000bc

PAUL VALENTINE

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF VISITING THIS VERY COOL BARBER SHOP IN THE HEART OF THE SYDNEY CBD AND SPEAKING TO TAY AND JIMMY ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS.

WITH A NEW EDGE LOOK TO THEIR SHOP AND A SERVICE OFFERING TO APPEAL TO THAT INNER CITY CLIENTELE, 5000BC IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF TRADITIONAL BARBER SHOPS TO MEET THEIR TARGET MARKET.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO OPEN YOUR SHOP?

It’s always been a pipe dream of ours to create our own space. Hairdressing is where we both started our careers, so we created something Sydney was missing. Melding the two worlds of hairdressing and barbering together. We saw a real gap in the market and wanted to create a space where clients would receive a classic barbering experience but in a modern, luxurious and refined setting. We’ve always known we could elevate the industry and bring something totally new and unique to the hair scene.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN OPENING?

COVID 2021 was a nightmare, trying to liaise and project manage a shop fit out during a statewide lock down wasn’t a walk in the park. There was uncertainty around when restrictions would be lifted and our business could finally open its doors. Upon opening, the majority of people were still working from home and the CBD was a ghost town. We’re very grateful for our loyal clients that have supported us through it all.

HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP THINGS “FRESH AND RELEVANT” FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?

At 5000 BC we are all very passionate about keeping up with all the latest trends and fashion allowing us to incorporate this into our style and focusing on making all our clients look their personal best.

We are constantly adding to our highly curated list of Australian and New Zealand owned and made products. Making sure that our clients always have a choice of products that are at the forefront of the haircare industry in Australia. Every time they enter our doors they will see something new and exciting.

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

We aim to become not only a household name when it comes to hair and self care, but also Australia’s leading bespoke and progressive barber shop, blending the two worlds of modern hairdressing and one of the oldest trades, barbering.

We are also creating a community based around our brand. With the addition of our apparel line, we aspire to make our customers feel like they are part of something bigger than just a financial transaction at another barbershop.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Professionally, without a doubt the day we opened our doors. As a barber/stylist, your ambition is to always be your own boss, to create something you can call your own and express yourself everyday.

Opening post lockdown, in a very tough financial climate the majority of people thought we were crazy but we have just gone from strength to strength.

WHAT ARE THREE ITEMS YOU’D TAKE WITH YOU TO A DESERTED ISLAND?

Endless supply of drinking water

Fishing rod

Book of “Poisonous Fish”

WHAT HAIR TRENDS DO YOU SEE CURRENTLY AND HOW DO YOU ADJUST TO IT?

Longer hair is definitely becoming more popular. I think this is where we strive, having our background in hairdressing really helps with this aspect.

A trend we are also seeing currently is people with curly hair wanting to no longer smooth out or straighten their hair but instead embrace their natural curl. Education around using certain curl enhancing and maintaining products and the use of a diffuser has really changed people’s mentalities around living in their curls.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO THE INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT AND HOW ARE YOU WORKING TO OVERCOME THEM?

Our biggest challenge has always been educating people on how their experience should be when it comes to receiving a haircut. Breaking that stigma that haircuts are worth $30 and you just sit down and wait your turn.

The hair industry has evolved and progressed so far that the cost of your service now reflects the end product. Classic case of “you get what you pay for.” Everyone is short on time and that’s why our online booking platform is the most crucial and essential tool to growing our business.