The Cutthroat Journal Issue 5 by The Cutthroat Journal

B A R B E R

$14.95 AUD $16.95 NZD

ISSUE #five Autumn 2015

T R A D E

J O U R N A L

// m e n ' s

c u l t u r e

in this issue

COnTenTS 14

T he R e n a i s s a n ce man

Editor's Ramble JAMES Holder - EDITOR of the CUTTHROAT JOURNAL

ey guys! Hope 2015 has been great so far looking forward to ripping into it with our latest edition!

*Pauses for reflection and effect*. So, last year was one of the most epic ever for myself and the Cutthroat team. It’s hard to believe we are already up to our fifth issue. I can’t tell you (who even came up with that saying, ‘cause by saying, “I can’t tell you”, I’m saying, “Here, let me tell you”) how thankful I am for the support and camaraderie we’ve received so far. For everyone who’s emailed, called, seen us face to face and said they loved what we were doing and to keep doing it, THANKS! When you take risks, or have some success in life and in business, there’s always going to be someone to try and pull you down. But don’t let them. I remember when I started my barbershop over 10 years ago, I’d sectioned off a tiny corner of a surf shop, had a single chair in there and slogged it out day in and day out. Sometimes I’d only do three or four haircuts in a day. It was such a hard time, but I knew if I just stuck at it, it would eventually pay off. A guy came past my shop one day and stuck his head in to look at my prices. His comment was, “This business will go nowhere with prices like that” ($23 for a men’s cut, just FYI!) and he walked off. It got to me so bad. I’m a young guy, with a young family, having a go at making a good life. I’ve moved to a bigger shop since then, and that guy couldn’t have been more wrong. These days I run a really successful shop, it

never stops, and I’ve got a heap of chairs and a heap of barbers working for me. My point is, don’t let the bastards get you down. Keep your head down, bum up, treat your customers with respect, always do your best work and never give up hope. (Jimbo is available for TED and pep talks, depending on availability). So ... this issue. We discover some of the hottest barber shops in this country and globally and get their perspective on what it means to be a great barber and what makes for longevity in this barber biz. Ewe know, we’ve got some killer New Zealand stories! Plus, check out some sick interviews with some champion men, including Daniel Flynn, founder of Thankyou, and Nathan Edwards, a news photographer with an amazing story. It’s all in our men’s culture section. Now, we’ve heard on the grapevine that some of you guys are so precious about your Cutthroat Journal mag that you don’t want to share it with your clients. We totally get it, but let’s get the word out to all the guyz in all the places. Email us at info@thecutthroatjournal.com for more info on getting additional copies.

BL EED ING ED GE PR O D U CT S

Nat h a n Edw a rds

Br i a n Bu rt

THE REGULARS 0 6 Bleeding Edge Products 5 3 Cutthroat Barber Reviews

82 The Fit Barber

Da n i el F ly n n

That’s me done, I think! Ummm … I don’t think there’s anything else, is there? Nup, that’s it. Honestly guys, we love hearing your feedback and we’d love to know about your barber shop. So drop us an email and let us know you’re there; we want to know YOU!

C u tti n g C ult ure w i th c u lture kings

Don’t be a stranger, Jimbo. 3

ISSUE 05 Editor

James (Jimbo) Holder Phone 0431 707 443 jimbo@thecutthroatjournal.com Sub-editor

Helen Gleeson helen@thecutthroatjournal.com PUBLISHER

Sean Edwards sean@thecutthroatjournal.com ART director

Joey Dable creative@thecutthroatjournal.com PHOTOGRAPHy

Michael Marchment info@the-mil.com

Business Development

David Stark Phone 0411 655 411 david@thecutthroatjournal.com Subscriptions

Fax. 02 6583 7163 subscribe@thecutthroatjournal.com

Contributors Sean Edwards - Cafe Culture International Roddy Donegan - Barber Co. Ben De Campo Louis Proctor Nathan Green Ethan Jenkins Tim Dodd Reg Barber

S T A Y

C O N N E C T E D

No part of this publication may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publishers. DISCLAIMER: A large portion of original material is created by Cutthroat and its contributors, including text, fonts, photography, and art work - content used from public domain like social media sites we agree are not the property of the Cutthroat Journal, and in all cases media permission has been sought via electronic or verbal agreement. The content and views expressed in this journal by individuals and the Cutthroat Journal are provided in good faith as information only. No guarantee is made of the accuracy of the information provided. The Cutthroat Journal takes no responsibility for any action taken by others as a result of the content of this site.

B e H i N d

THE

S C e N e S

Sean Edwards - Publisher of the CUTTHROAT JOURNAL After having a nice quiet break over Christmas, I thought it would be nice to ease into the new year slowly with some forward planning ... a strategic approach to what lies ahead in business for this year. No such luck. I was on a plane circling the globe again, first speaking in Thailand at a conference, then flying to New Zealand to complete some market consulting, on another plane to Singapore for a speaking role, then a quick trip to Portland/Seattle in the USA for another conference. I should not complain. Without all this travelling, I wouldn’t be able to help spread the word of barbering. Travel does often open your eyes and let you form a different perspective of the world. It has taken me a lot of years to stop comparing cultures against our own and to say who’s got the best business practices. Each culture has its own way of designing a workable model that suits the lifestyle of their customer base. I now try to focus on great points of difference and try to pick those great bits that I can use in my own workplace. Seeing exciting new concepts is the way change will develop, and seeing something firsthand is often better than reading about it on the internet. Travel, to me, unlocks my mind and lets me see different opinions and interpretations of the big world, and it is my job to share these workable solutions and ideas. I was happy to see the new generation barber emerge in Thailand, and I stumbled upon some cool shops in Bangkok. One of these businesses was attached to a street food café concept, which really excited me - both of my passions: coffee and barbering. The shop was called “The Smile Club” and was right next to the MRT line at Siam Square. It was a small store which had a constant line up of punters ready for a cut and fade. The manager at the store said the owners were well connected in the television and movie industry in Thailand and that the shop was the home of celebrity haircuts. Every young guy and a few girls in Thailand seemed to be sporting a trendy barber cut, thus stimulating the growth of new barbershops reappearing all over the streets of Bangkok city and suburbs. Travelling to New Zealand was an eye opening experience. As I suspected, the growth and credibility of the barber industry in NZ came down to education. I was fortunate 4

to stumble upon long time barber trainers, Mr Barber, in Auckland. Mr Barber Barber School has been operating in New Zealand for 15 years and is run by husband and wife team Neville and Jacqui Spence. This dynamic duo built the business on passion and need and have helped trained thousands of barbers, who are now putting their training to use around the world. I have a short feature on New Zealand barbers in this issue, where I talk a bit more about Mr Barber. Talking with Jacqui and Mark, a trainer at Mr Barber, they believe that a recognised barber qualification has stimulated the growth in the New Zealand barber culture. It was a hard road for Jacqui and Neville to get their course recognised and accredited. Looking at the idea of how to become a qualified barber in Australia has become a big issue. There are no actual qualifications that are recognised in the nation; yes, you can be a hairdresser in Australia, but not a dedicated barber. There are still so many different ideas around what a barber qualification means. A lot of educational institutions have backed away from their dedicated barber modules that were once attached to hairdressing courses. They are looking at it again in the future, and there is also a lot of small noise being generated by several of the hairdressing associations into the future of barbering courses moving forward. Many young guys we talk to also don’t want to do the full hairdressing courses; they want to learn the traditional methodology of the whole barber business. The great thing about what Mr Barber is doing in NZ is that their barber course is 12 weeks full-time barber training done in a education institute, including both practical and tertiary modules, which is then added to 882 workplace hours on the job in a barbershop, before course participants receive a government recognised qualification. The Cutthroat Journal will be trying to make some headway in the next year to help find some solutions in regards to education in Australia. We are all wanting to see real solid growth in this trade - not just another fad industry blowing a lot of hot wind. Sean.

BLEEDING

EDGE

REUZEL GREASE M EDIUM H O L D Reuzel Grease is a versatile wax and oil based product that allows you to control its strength and degree of shine. Reuzel Grease is strongest when applied to dry hair. For the heaviest (90 weight) hold, apply to blow dried hair; for a medium (60 weight) hold, apply to towel dried hair. WWW.REUZELPOMADE.COM

Pro spectors Gold Rush Po ma de Prospectors gold rush hair dressing pomade is an innovative water-soluble hair pomade blended to perfection with hemp oil. WWW.PROSPECTORSPOMADE.COM

Wa hl Si gma Tri mmer Wahl Sigma Trimmer comes with bonus tattoo blade: the ever popular Wahl Sigma Trimmer comes with a free “Hair Tattoo” blade - but only for a limited time, so get into your local Wahl supplier and pick one up before they’re all gone ... WWW.WAHL.COM.AU

Mil km an b eard b rush Made from beechwood and boar hair, this beard brush is an exceptional quality grooming tool that can help to style your facial hair with precision. It’s compact design makes it a perfect addition to your grooming kit and is easy to bring with you when you’re on the go. Bring out the best in your beard.

Wa hl ba ck mi rror New Wahl Back Mirror: barbers love big stuff, and this mirror is BIG! At 29 cm x 23 cm (mirror size) or 11½ inches x 9 inches in the old money, it is sure to cope with any “oversized” bouffant! Available at Wahl suppliers for about 20 bucks.

WWW.MILKMANAUSTRALIA.COM

WWW.WAHL.COM.AU

BLEEDING

The bea rded cha p O ri gi na l Bea rd so a p

EDGE

The Bearded Chap Original Beard Soap is the newest addition to The Bearded Chap collection, made from 100% natural ingredients, including nine essential base oils and tested on bearded men. Available in three masculine scents: Rugged (Spearmint & Nutmeg Scent), Brawny (Lemongrass & Australian Sandal Wood Scent) and Staunch (Kunzia & Ironbark), our soap offers a hydrating formula to prevent your beard from having its natural oils stripped, as most regular soaps often do. Seaweed, a unique feature of the soap, acts as a soft exfoliate, removing dry skin from your beard and leaving surrounding skin and hair moisturised and in healthy form. A necessity to your grooming routine, we’re paving the path to cleanliness with a silky soft beard soap for filthy dirty beards.

WWW.THEBEARDEDCHAP.COM

sua veci to po ma de Their uniquely scented water-soluble hair pomade has a creamy consistency, combs in with ease and provides a strong grip for maximum styling flexibility. Suavecito Original Hold Pomade dries with a medium hardness, higher shine and washes out with water. UNIVERSALBARBERSAUSTRALIA.COM

H a nz de Fuko claymati o n Made with a touch of Quicksand, this incredible, “clay-wa” hybrid provides super high-hold with ultimate pliability for achieving perfect, semi-matte hairstyles. This high calibre styling product will always work with you, never against you. It contains all the best parts of your favourite sculpting clay combined with a proprietary blend of natural waxes for achieving spot on pompadours and creative works of art that last all day. Hanz de Fuko stockist details - (02) 9712 4241. WWW.HANZDEFUKO.COM

The Ba rba NYC Bla nco Bea rd oi l For the bearded men who prefers a less is more style. Blanco beard oil is thoughtfully made from the best organic ingredients on the market. It will keep your beard looking great, without a scent. No more split hairs and itchiness. This oil will moisturise, soften and add a subtle shine to your beard. While using this oil, your beard will look healthier and actually be healthier too. They have carefully researched and tested this product with fellow bearded men to make sure we give you the best beard oil possible!

The infam ous gentl ema n Like beards themselves, the development of The Infamous Gentleman has been an organic development. They have created a bespoke collection of products that can be used and adapted by their customers in any way they like. They work hard to ensure that everything that goes into their products is sustainably sourced and free of any of the nasty unknowns you can often find in mass-produced commercial hair-care and beauty products. You will always get a well-priced, carefully produced product that does what it sets out to do - make your facial hair look, feel and smell good.

WWW.THEBARBANYC.COM

WWW.INFAMOUSGENTLEMAN.COM.AU

BLEEDING

EDGE

M o -Sti ck M o usta che Wa x The Mo-Stick (TM) uses a totally unique blend of natural ingredients to help style your moustache without using silicones, paraffins or other petroleum-based waxes! This wondrous moustache wax has been developed entirely using trees, bees and a trade secret process that has been developed by our highly qualified, in-house beard scientists. The Mo-Stick has a medium to firm hold and will give you hours of styling pleasure. WWW.MILKMANAUSTRALIA.COM

Wahl Ulti mate ba rber tool ki t Icon Clipper & Guide Combs Balding Clipper Detailer Trimmer & Guide Combs Wahl Barber Mirror 2 x Denman Styling Brushes 2 x Denman Cutting Combs 2 x Wahl Cutting Cape 3 x Soft Storage Cases All packed in Wahl Tool Box! Total Value over $530 - yours for $399* at your local Wahl supplier - but only for a short time … *Recommended Sell Price.

Wei rdy Bea rdy Bea rd Buff A new beard product that every beard needs; they just don’t know it yet! Never seen before, this is a truly unique beard product brought to you by Weirdy Beardy. It will buff and polish your beard into a state of nirvana, stripping your beard of all the grime and dirt, polishing every whisker to perfection - giving you that new beard feeling every time. Try something new. We dare you not to LOVE it. WWW.WEIRDYBEARDY.COM.AU

WWW.WAHL.COM.AU

The bea rded cha p O ri gi na l Bea rd O i l Using only the finest oils in the world, The Bearded Chap Original Beard Oil uses the unique combination of eleven base and essential oils to create Australia’s first and original beard oil. The beard oil formula absorbs quickly into the skin so you don’t get that greasy, heavy feeling but rather, a soft, supple feel as your face is hydrated and moisturised, stopping that “itch” while nourishing the facial hair and leaving you with a subtle forest, citric, spicy aroma.

REUZE L High Sheen Pom ade Reuzel Pomade is a versatile water based product that allows you to control its strength and degree of shine. Reuzel Pomade is strongest when applied to dry hair. For a heavy (90 weight) hold, blow dry the hair before applying. For a lighter (30 weight) hold, simply towel dry before applying. WWW.REUZELPOMADE.COM

WWW.THEBEARDEDCHAP.COM

BLEEDING

EDGE

E xcelle n t Ed ges V iper Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our newest model for 2014. The Excellent Edges Viper has been designed with serious cutters in mind, having an unbelievably comfortable handle, offering full control of your tool. The unique blade design gives superior power and precision for all types of cutting and is made from Japanese Hitachi 440C. WWW.EXEDGES.COM

King Bro wn Po ma de Ti n This latest edition to the KBP line is a modern day pomade / water soluble formula, medium to firm hold with a masculine yet fresh cologne inspired scent. Presented in our fully printed and embossed, 2.5oz pop top pocket tin and sleek new black and orange colour combination. WWW.KINGBROWNPOMADE.COM

NAK Tough.n Up A texture building putty for rough and unrefined looks with no shine. Sulphate free, paraben free, raw texture. Designed for all hair types. Hold Factor: 8/10. WWW.NAKHAIR.COM.AU

FUDGE M AT T E HED E XT R A Strong Hold Texture Wax for a raw, natural look. Give your hair real edge with Fudge Matte Hed Extra styling wax, which delivers the ultimate in texture for a raw, natural look, day and night. Fudge Matte Hed Extra is a premium clay wax that has a strong hold with a matte finish for a raw textured look. WWW.FUDGE.COM

Intern Programme ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING FOR ADAM JOHANSON, FOUNDER OF BARBERSHOPCO IN NEW ZEALAND.

t’s the key ingredient that’s taken him this far in life and helped him set up his expanding barbershop business.

It would then seem only appropriate that attitude is the key requirement for the BarberShopCo’s unique new internship programme. The programme will provide training, capital and business support to get selected barbers into owning their own barbershops within one year. Adam says: “It’s tough these days to start from the bottom and work your way up. With our internship programme, we want to give people an opportunity to own their own business and with the right skills and attitude this is a very real possibility.” The formula for the programme is simple; applicants come to the store, work as barbers and if they meet the criteria, can then be selected to run their own store. “It’s about providing the right people with a passion for barbering and customer service a real opportunity

to own their own business and build capital wealth,” says Adam. “I know for a fact that owning your own business is a dream for many people, and a lot of them simply won’t get there for a variety of reasons. With the vast majority of new businesses failing within the first five years, we want to reward and work with the people who show ambition and ensure their success by utilising our expertise.”

“We want to get that mix right so that we can grow a successful business for everyone involved. It’s definitely a unique approach, and we’re really excited to get it off the ground.”

This year the programme will be limited to half a dozen applicants, and in order to be a candidate you will have to be employed in the business as a barber or team leader, or own a barbershop/hair salon currently and wish to open or convert to a BarberShopCo.

Internship training will include a number of modules facilitated by various experts with differing skill sets.

“Ideally we’d be seeking applicants with hairdressing/barber experience who have some business knowledge, but this is not a mandatory.”

“Being multiskilled is key to running a BarberShopCo store. Not only will our interns have to be able to cut it with the best, but they’ll need to be extremely competent in running a business. To help with this we have employed some of the industry’s

With plans to open 14 BarberShopCos in the next 12 months, and 20 within two years, Adam’s vision is to attract the right people into the business. 10

best to make sure our staff are fully equipped and supported to run a successful shop.” With guest and in-house experts on hand throughout the year, interns will learn from the industry’s best. If you think you have the right skills and would like to apply (or know someone who would be perfect) for the BarberShopCo’s internship programme, please send a CV and cover letter explaining your suitability to info@barbershop.co.nz or by phoning +64 9 213 4252. www.barbershop.co.nz

SERIES

Enquire Now probarberseries@thecutthroatjournal.com

FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

a T t SFinaelsists

each state

aTional

wn wdo Barber sho Ultimate Winner Great with the prizes to be

to be Crowned

BARBER Champion

won

wr it t en by et ha n jen ki n s

WHEN CATCHING UP WITH AN OLD FRIEND OVER COFFEE, I WAS ASKED THE STANDARD QUESTIONS OF MEASURE... “SO, WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?” THE NATURE OF FREELANCE WRITING MEANT THAT I WAS LABOURING FOR A STONEMASON WHILST HOPING TO STUMBLE UPON A BEST SELLING NOVEL. HER REPLY HAD ME QUIZZICAL, AND I DECIDED TO PUT DOWN THE PEN ON MY NOVEL AND DIG A BIT DEEPER INTO THE SUBJECT MATTER: YOU'RE SUCH A RENAISSANCE MAN.

I have heard many a man referred to as a fixie-wielding hipster, a lumbersexual, or somebody straight-outta-Brunswick, but never a renaissance man … and I kind of liked it. The Renaissance Man, or polymath, describes a man who is knowledgeable in a variety of fields; he is an intelligent man who excels in many areas. A prime example of this is none other than Leonardo da Vinci. A jack of all trades, he was a painter, sculptor, scientist, architect, philosopher and engineer. He blurred the lines between arts and science and showed both brain and brawn. Other notable renaissance men include Benjamin Franklin, who had a wide range of interests, including natural sciences,

dilemma where we are going to eat out for brunch? Where are the renaissance men? In a golden soil country that is flourishing with a garden of tall poppy syndrome, it is no surprise how the tall poppy effect has shaped our culture. We are polarised into a state of emotionlessness. When we celebrate and show joy and excitement for our achievements, we are taken down a few notches, underplayed and undermined. On the other side of the coin, depression and anxieties are met with a number of clichés and light-hearted statements; we are told to “Cheer up,” or “You’ll be right, mate.” Forbid a man to show any emotion unless it is for his team. Comedian Josh Thomas touched on this issue

silenced part of the solution to these statistics. Whilst our communities are increasing in population, the individual is increasing in its insular behaviour. Conversations, which should be outward cries for help, are internalised. We could learn a lot from the renaissance men. It was not only a culture of men who were multi-faceted in their skills across the spectrum. They were men who found the balance between the critical, logical thinking of the sciences and the challenges to one’s mind and character that is channelled through the arts. The word renaissance in French means “rebirth”; it describes the era from which modern culture was rebirthed out of the medieval ages. Today, we need a renaissance for Australian men. A rebirth of culture that

WHERE ARE THE RENAISSANCE MEN? IN A GOLDEN SOIL COUNTRY THAT IS FLOURISHING WITH A GARDEN OF TALL POPPY SYNDROME, IT IS NO SURPRISE HOW THE TALL POPPY EFFECT HAS SHAPED OUR CULTURE. WE ARE POLARISED INTO A STATE OF EMOTIONLESSNESS. literature and politics. He was an inventor, civil activist, diplomat, author and political theorist. Renowned astronomer, Galileo, was also well versed in the fields of mathematics, physics, philosophy, music and art. My friend’s labelling of me was not only based on the fact that I was performing multiple disciplines, but more specifically, it highlighted that I was involved in tasks considered more laborious and masculine (stonemasonry) alongside ones associated as creative and effeminate (writing). It scratched the surface of a much more deeply rooted issue - what does it mean to be a man in today’s culture? Does our beard denote that we are baristas whilst trying to freelance in graphic design? Should we swear by our football team and solely rely on sport for conversation? Is our greatest modern moral

in an episode of Q&A. “I feel like part of the issue is this idea that they are meant to be resilient. I read today that men commit suicide at a rate of 3 to 1 to women, which is crazy. It is better to be a dude; you get paid more, you get male privilege, you have the patriarch on your side, you don’t menstruate. It’s good, it’s really good.” I was shocked at how grim the statistics were. According to the Movember website, in 2011 a total of 2,273 Australians died by suicide, and over 76% of these suicides were men. You have to raise the question, why are three times more men committing suicide than women? Josh raised the point that boys up to the age of 8 or 9 cry the same amount as girls, until suddenly an underlying stigma appears, stating that they are not allowed to anymore. By silencing men from their freedom of expression, we have

encourages the Da Vincis and Galileos to have their freedom of expression, to be both scientists and social analysts, builders and curators of conversation. A renaissance from silent resilience, to men not afraid to speak out. One great campaign counteracting today’s social norms is R U OK? It is a group aiming to be a catalyst for conversation and urging people to ask the question are you ok? Ask, listen, encourage and follow up. For a country founded on ideals of mateship, we need to get back to the true root of the word, if not for our own sakes, for the sake of our mates. If you are looking for support, start the conversation at: www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636 www.ruok.org.au

ADVERTORIAL

A CUT

ABOVE

IN A FIRST FOR SYDNEY TAFE, STUDENTS RECENTLY TOOK PART IN A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION, AIMED AT HIGHLIGHTING THE SKILLS OF ITS STUDENTS AND GIVING HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS.

he winner of the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hair styling category, who finished runner up in the overall competition, was 17-yearold Harry Zveik from The Hair Lab at Riverwood, who showed why barbers and barbering students hold a wealth of talent in the industry.

haircuts, beard design and moustaches. Enjoying the dramatic changes happening in the industry at the moment, Harry said he was particularly impressed with the styles coming out of the United States. Sydney TAFE now has a specialised barbering school at its Petersham campus, with a fully

ENJOYING THE DRAMATIC CHANGES HAPPENING IN THE INDUSTRY AT T H E M O M E N T, H A R R Y S A I D H E W A S P A R T I C U L A R L Y I M P R E S S E D W I T H TH E S T Y L E S C O M I N G O U T O F TH E U N I T E D S TAT E S . . .

A second year apprentice, Harry started helping and observing in the barbershop when he was just 12, and attempted his first haircut at 13. His passion for barbering was immediately ignited, sparking his drive and ongoing dedication that has seen him become an emerging barber in his own right. Currently completing his studies at Gymea College (part of Sydney TAFE), where he has the opportunity to expand his skill base and continually upgrade his skill set, Harry specialises in fading, modern and classic

operational barber shop and salon, where its barbering programmes range from short courses and skills workshops through to full barbering apprenticeship programmes, all of which are customised to suit the needs of the industry. For more information, contact Luby Hastings on (02) 9335 2329, via email SI.barbering@ tafe.nsw.edu.au or visit the Sydney TAFE Hairdressing, Barbering and Makeup page http://sydneytafe.edu.au/careers/hairdressingmakeup/ 16

insticlips

EACH ISSUE WE'RE GONNA PUT A HEAP OF YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS ON OUR INSTICLIPS PAGE. GET ON BOARD AND START TAGGING US @THECUTTHROATJOURNAL - YOU COULD SEE YOURS HERE SOON!

Photography by Chris Smith

Julian and Susannah Maloney

M a l o n e y ' s

B a r b e r s h o p

he gamble paid off - now the area’s been revamped and is pumping with eateries, breweries, apartments and offices enough to keep the shop busy six days a week. Over the past 12 years Maloney’s has grown from small beginnings as a one barber/ two chair shop, to its current size of eight chairs, two cutting levels and a staff of ten, including apprentice Cole.

BACK IN 2003, THE PART OF AUCKLAND WHERE MALONEY’S BARBERSHOP SITS WAS A NONDESCRIPT LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA. BUT, IT WAS JUST FIVE MINUTES’ WALK FROM THE ICONIC SKY TOWER AND CLOSE TO OWNER JULIAN MALONEY’S OLD STOMPING GROUND OF PONSONBY, WHERE HE HAD BUILT UP A LARGE CLIENTELE BARBERING FOR THE PREVIOUS EIGHT YEARS.

Julian started his hairdressing apprenticeship in 1987 and discovered a love of barbering while on his OE in the UK in 1992, where he worked with second generation Sicilian barbers in Oxford. Back then those guys were doing much the same as barbers today: detailed hair art, skin fades and straight razor shaves. Maloney’s offers classic barber cuts, restyles, longer cuts and hot towel shaves, plus ever more beard trims and shaping. Julian’s worked to attract a team of like-minded barbers, all who genuinely love their trade whilst keeping their loyal clients centre stage. Recently they’ve found that great barbers tend to come to work in the shop through word of mouth, recommendation or social media, rather than traditional job adverts.

Julian says, “All the barbers at Maloney’s use Instagram, Facebook and other social media to follow barber shops around the world as well as showing off their haircuts, techniques and unique Kiwi style of barbering. They’re outwards looking and like to keep current.” This is reflected in the hair products they use and sell, many of which they import from overseas, including Suavecito, Bona Fide and Layrite often on the recommendation of their barbers, who could be described as pomade addicts. The team also compares notes on the latest gear and garb, importing equipment in bulk from the USA (the most recent craze is Wah 5-star foils). The team’s got a good world view and includes barbers from England, Scotland and Canada, as well as locals with Samoan, Maori and Pakeha heritage. Some have come from a hairdressing background and some have been barbers from the start; and there a couple of women (Barber Sue and Cutthroat Sue!) to make it the perfectly balanced barbershop. They’re keen on pursuing exchanges with overseas barber shops too (Jordan from Melbourne’s Royal Crown Barbers spent a couple of days there at Christmas). Julian says, “A barbershop can have just one

Photography by James K Lowe/ W Studio

theme, say sports or rock and roll, but we manage to be pretty eclectic whilst staying a classic retro shop.” The team has a pretty wide mix of talents and interests too, from horse breeding to DJing, Ju Jitsu to drumming. This helps with the banter between barbers and clients, which keeps people coming back. It’s also why Julian loves barbering. “It’s about great talkers, great thinkers, people who enjoy working with their hands. You don’t see a lot of paperwork in barbershops or guys sitting in front of computer screens.” It’s important for Maloney’s to be involved in the local and wider community. Recently they’ve supported a wide range of community groups, including: Auckland City Football Club (whose cuts from Maloney’s helped them reach third place at the FIFA World Club Cup); their local swing dancing group; Movember (which saw All Blacks legend Richie McCaw being filmed having a shave in the shop), a chopper show and the Ponsonby gay community’s “Bear Week”. Photography Devel Men and Women

Maloney’s prides itself on consistently high

standards for good value, and is striving to raise the bar for barbering in NZ. Here, you can enter the industry via a private provider (hairdressing or barber school), or the more traditional apprenticeship system (either ladies’ hairdressing or, since 2007, barbering), but surprisingly not many Kiwi barbers choose to take their training to National Certificate level. Maloney’s is aiming to set an example of how straightforward this process can be; by the end of the year the whole team will have completed their National Certificate in Barbering. They’re also planning further involvement with HITO to raise the industry standards and recognition and bring in formal barbering competitions. “The barbering industry has never been so vibrant or popular and is attracting really creative people whom we need to support and grow,” says Julian. Check them out: maloneys.co.nz Instagram: @maloneysbarber www.facebook.com/ maloneysbarbershop

The Team

Jeff Whiting Pete Dickinson How long have you been barbering? One year (six years in the hair industry). What do you like best about barbering? Having the opportunity to treat people fairly and providing quality service. What’s your favourite cut? Slick back. What’s your favourite product? Any of the Suavecito products.

Julian Maloney How long have you been barbering? 23 years (28 years in the hair industry).

Craig Drummond

What do you like best about barbering? The reward of making people look and feel good.

How long have you been barbering? Five years.

What’s your favourite cut? Medium fade with a pomp.

What do you like best about barbering? Getting to do what I enjoy every day - making people feel like an ultimate bad ass.

What’s your favourite product? The pomades we get from the USA: Layrite, Suavecito, Bona Fide, J S Sloane.

What’s your favourite cut? A huge ass pompadour with a nice low taper. What’s your favourite product? Suavecito Grooming Spray, with a Suavecito Firm Hold pomade to finish off.

How long have you been barbering? Two years (20 years in the hair industry). What do you like best about barbering? It’s a very honest fair trade; you leave your hair, and I take your money! What’s your favourite cut? Low fade. What’s your favourite product? Suavecito Brilliantcreme - provides a great base for styling.

Rory Warren How long have you been barbering? Five years.

Anthony Apelu How long have you been barbering? Three years. What do you like best about barbering? The challenge! What’s your favourite cut? A new take on a classic men’s cut. What’s your favourite product? Suavecito Original Pomade.

What do you like best about barbering? Making people look good and keeping current.

Calab Vincen -Goncalves How long have you been barbering? Seven years (15 years in the hair industry).

What’s your favourite cut? Skin fade or flat top. What’s your favourite product? Layrite Grooming Spray.

What do you like best about barbering? It’s a profession where you actually enjoy coming to work. What’s your favourite cut? A high and tight zero razor fade with a defined side part. What’s your favourite product? Uppercut Deluxe Pomade - it provides a smooth clean finish with medium shine and strong hold.

Cole weldon How long have you been barbering? Eight months (trainee barber).

Sue Phelan How long have you been barbering? 20 years. What do you like best about barbering? Meeting a diverse range of interesting people. What’s your favourite cut? A cut that suits the client and his lifestyle, rather than just what’s current.

What do you like best about barbering? The clients’ appreciation and the satisfaction of doing a good cut. What’s your favourite cut? All short barber cuts. What’s your favourite product? J S Sloane Mediumweight Brilliantine.

What’s your favourite product? The variety of pomades we stock at Maloney’s.

New Zealand

e arrived in downtown Auckland and accidently stumbled on a great new project by all round legend barber, Bundy of Boar and Blade. Boar and Blade is already an iconic business in Wellington, and owner Bundy, who has travelled the world with his barbering, was excited about his new store. The High Street store was only a few weeks from opening, and already the boar’s head was mounted outside the entrance. We also got to check Bundy’s

Wellington site out in Egmont Street in the CBD. Again, a classic style barber shop that looked like something straight out of the turn of the century - lots of classic carved wood with plenty of oozing style. We took a ferry to historic Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore to check out New Zealand’s oldest barbers. The shop front window was pretty unique, with a dusty vintage train set creating a cool window piece. The owner, who was busy cutting 24

away, was looking forward to giving the old shop some new love in the future, celebrating its heritage. The next stop was Mr Barber, a barber training school and barber shop. This is New Zealand’s original barber training school, and they’ve recently moved to Federal Street in a buzzing office precinct - the obvious place to find plenty of clientele. The business hosts a barber shop and school all in one, and over the last 17 years has trained and

Barber scene Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard a heap of noise over the last year about the New Zealand barber scene as we were working on the pioneering issues of The Cutthroat Journal. We decided to push through the hearsay, jump on a plane and cross the ditch to check out things for ourselves.

accredited thousands of barbers. I had a good chat with business partner Jacquie about her progression through this barber life. Jacquie Spence, along with her husband, Neville, are the main reason the New Zealand industry is so strong. Next port of call was New Plymouth, where we had a fun afternoon at Jet Charm with owners Shaun and Cassie Conaglen. They are the creators of this barber shop and espresso bar. All the right elements have been collated in this designer menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space, and the

business is already creating waves in New Zealand barber circles. Check out their deserving review in this issue. Wellington had some good examples of barber businesses. Some cool spaces we visited were Norris Barbers, with their old world charm but cool, young vibe, and Godfathers Barbers in Dixon Street, who have really created a great concept in their shop. The 1950 theme included The GodFather pictures scattered around the walls - a very original setting 25

for this professional business. It was a quick trip, and I definitely need to spend more time next round in New Zealand. I love the passion of the young New Zealanders, who have taken to the vibe of this traditional craft with great enthusiasm. The Maori culture is one of the driving factors behind most of the originality I witnessed, and I believe that like many things New Zealand produces, this is going to be a fresh place of innovation and creativity.

Daily

Detox SHAMPOO SCALP & HAIR / BEARD & BODY

LIVE . WORK . PLAY INTRODUCING THE NAK HAIR

DAILY DETOX SHAMPOO

FOR MEN

Start fresh and detoxify scalp and hair, beard and body. Wipe the slate clean with a refreshing mint cleanse, engineered to erase hard core body oils, wax or styling residues. Preps hair for a long day or rough night.

NAK Signature Waxes available in 90g & 25g

SULPHATE FREE & PARABEN FREE

/ AUSTRALIAN MADE & OWNED

14 Smallwood Place, Murarrie Q 4172 Australia . info@nakhair.com.au . enquiries +61 7 3899 9133

NAKHAIR.COM.AU

NAKHAIR

@NAKHAIR 26

HOLLANDS FINEST POMADE

REUZEL

NOW AVAILABLE visit haircareaust.com for more information 27

s B r a d ' r B a r b e S h o p here is nothing like owning your own barbershop to make you realise that the only way to make money is to do as many haircuts a day as you can, or to diversify into other areas like cutthroat shaves, colours and retailing. I went into business to give my family a great lifestyle and opportunities, and this certainly has been the case. I have, however, worked extremely hard for the past 10 years, doing up to 72 haircuts on my own on Sundays! Barbering can be hard on the body, and it’s important to understand you may not be able to do it forever.

TO BE A GOOD BARBER YOU NEED TO LOVE PEOPLE, HAVE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND BE A HARD WORKER. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED BEING A BARBER AND WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO DO MY APPRENTICESHIP WITH A GREAT TRADITIONAL BARBER, WHO TAUGHT ME EXCELLENT CUTTING SKILLS AND CUTTING SPEED.

In my opinion there are two types of barbers coming trough the ranks: the 45 minute perfectionist cutter, and the 10 minute get them in and out cutter. Whilst every barbershop needs a “perfectionist “ barber, they cannot possibly make money unless the barber is confident enough to charge according to his time and skill. As a shop owner, time is money, and when employing staff I expect them to be able to do a great haircut in 10-20 minutes. There has been a huge growth in the barbering industry in the last few years. Barbershops have become very

popular. Men now want to look good, feel good and are prepared to spend money on products. These include beard oils, aftershaves and accessories. Guys are wanting to go back to old school traditional shaving accessories and rituals. It’s all about having a great style that others envy. There are now heaps of great new shop styles emerging, which is bringing guys out of the ladies/unisex salons and back into barbershops. It is now cool to go to a barber, and guys are confident that they’ll walk out with a great fashion cut, not just a short back and sides. It’s also great to see shop owners are diversifying by selling accessories, clothing and men’s retail lines, and doing shaves, beard trims and men’s facials. I hope that these new business owners are doing the math, creating a sustainability in their business instead of ending up like 70% of all new businesses, who shut their doors after only two years. My advice to achieving a long lasting successful barbershop would be to work hard, love what you do, provide fantastic customer service, keep training and learning, and to get expert advice wherever possible.

SHOP 6,CARINE GLADES SHOPPING CENTRE, DAVALLIA ROAD, CARINE WA 6020 (08) 9448 9477

WE MADE $82,000 IN ONE YEAR WITH ONLINE BOOKING – MARK RABONE ESQ MALE GROOMING

FIND OUT HOW SHORTCUTS.COM.AU/ESQ

1300 667 374 30

AMERICAN CREW BARBERING PROGRAM PARTNER SCHOOL PROGRAM

At the exciting new barbering training facility in Petersham College! One night per week over 3 weeks 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Stage 1 – Introduction to barbering 18 August, 25 August, 1 September Stage 2 – Fundamentals of barbering 8 September, 15 September, 22 September Stage 3 – Refine your barbering skills ~ intermediate level 29 September, 6 October, 13 October Stage 4 – Designer barbering ~ Advanced level 27 October, 3 November, 10 November For more information contact: Luby Hastings Sydney TAFE Ph 02 9335 2329 SI.barbering@tafensw.edu.au www.sydneytafe.edu.au

Al's Place Hairdressing

MEET

35 BELGRAVE STREET, MANLY NSW 2095

I have been in the hairdressing game for over 10 years now. I did my apprenticeship in a ladies’ salon in Manly, NSW, as soon as I finished high school. I learnt from three strong Italian women how to cut layers, paint foils and how the business works. But my passion for barbering started about five years ago, when I began working at a local barbershop: “Franks on Belgrave.” I liked that it was blokey and I built my confidence cutting men’s hair by watching Frank and spending hours and hours on YouTube. I’m still learning everyday from barbers around the world. At that time, barbershops weren’t such a big deal as they are nowadays - but I remember when I was like five years old, back in my hometown in Ethiopia, there were only two kinds of hairstyles we used to get. You either went to a local barber for a flat top with one of those old-school manual clippers, or your mother would sit you down at home to shave your entire head with a straight razor, using a bar of soap 32

(02) 9977 4667

as shaving cream. It’s cool to see cut-throat shaves making a comeback here. I think barbering has taken off lately because guys are more into their fashion and looks these days. No matter what the occasion, everyone wants to look nice and fresh. I remember being told by one employer along the way that I should give up hairdressing, that I should find something else to do. But I kept learning. With the encouragement and support of my family and friends, I decided to buy my own business. I’ve been owner of “Al’s Place Hairdressing” for over two years now. The vibe I’m looking for in my shop is cool, funky, chilled and happy. People like to come in for a chat, and everybody who comes in or walks past the shop always gives me really nice feedback about the look and feel. When I hear that, it just makes me more motivated to keep doing what I’m doing.

Don't hide Your Copy Behind the Counter. Get your extra copies now

JUST EMAIL US AT

info@thecutthroatjournal.com

BOOKINGS for the winter edition closing soon

weirdy beardy

When cReativity

MEETS TECHNOLOGY S T R I K I N G T H AT P E R F E C T B A L A N C E B E T W E E N C R E AT I V E I N T E L L I G E N C E A N D C U T T I N G - E D G E T E C H N O LO G Y I S S O M E T H I N G T H AT M A N Y B U S I N E S S E S S T R I V E F O R – A N D S O M E T H I N G T H AT C A N B E H A R D T O AT TA I N .

I WAS BORN AND GREW UP ON THE WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND AND AT THE GRAND OLD AGE OF 11, MY MATE AND I WERE ALREADY HATCHING PLANS TO MOVE TO AUSTRALIA - NEIGHBOURS HAS A LOT TO ANSWER FOR.

une 2008 we landed in Sydney (my wife, my 1 year old son and I; my mate hasn’t made it yet), all of our goods enroute in a container. My wife picked up work pretty quickly. I decided it would be great to spend a year as a stay at home dad. Piece of cake, right? I was a gibbering wreck within weeks. I got into sales, bought a house in the burbs and filled each room with superfluous stuff. Land Rover on the driveway, but no dog - I hate dogs.

boss off. It worked. Now I had plenty of time to sit in cafés and contemplate life and stroke my beard. As I get older, I have found I have zero tolerance for bullshit - and working in sales there was plenty of that. I believe firmly in service and quality and earning respect. When I decided to start my own brand, I was determined that those would be the foundations I built it on and if I deviated from that, what would be the point?

Starting your own business means long hours, but Sucked in, right? At one point I remember thinking, I managed to work it around my family somehow, this is a f’ing giving us more nightmare time together, what are we AS I GET OLDER, I HAVE FOUND I HAVE ZERO even if some doing. T O L E R A N C E F O R B U L L S H I T - A N D W O R K I N G I N S A L E S weekends Basically, T H E R E W A S P L E N T Y O F T H A T. I B E L I E V E F I R M LY I N we were I gave up S E R V I C E A N D Q U A L I T Y A N D E A R N I N G R E S P E C T. holding a stall my career at a market as my son somewhere in was at before and after school care, putting in 11 Sydney we were doing it together - turns out my hour days. He was exhausted, and we had no time seven year old son has a knack for sales, just like together. Full circle - but kids are a lot more fun his old man. It’s been a rollercoaster and a massive when they are not shitting themselves all day. We learning curve. I have made so many good friends sold the house and the cars, paid off all the debt and acquaintances. I love my job (for the first time and rented a little unit for a while. We basically ever) and could wax lyrical about the company, but weeded everything out that we didn’t need and I’ll spare you on the occasion. Most people buy a were living the minimalist lifestyle before it sports car when the midlife crisis hits - I started became trendy: www.theminimalists.com my own company. I took a part-time job just to keep the mind active, Now we don’t have all the materialistic stuff. We but it didn’t end well. It was a very conservative sometimes struggle to pay the bills, we don’t own company and very stuffy. I had experimented with our own home. But … We laugh together every day beards my entire adult life and decided to do so in our house . . . Life is good in Australia. again. This didn’t go down too well, so I continued to grow it a) because I wanted to and b) to piss my Louis Owner/Founder Weirdy Beardy. 37

Achieving this equilibrium has been the formula for success for Shortcuts software, and one that helps them streamline and simplify the day-to-day operations of barber shops. In the 21 years since its inception, Shortcuts has gone from a garage start-up to the most powerful software on the market for barbers and salons globally. Success on this scale is something cofounder and Evolution Manager Jo Burgess never dreamed of when she first began looking for a better way to run her salon back in the early 90s. Jo joined forces with friend and programmer Kaine Escott, and his fellow developer Paul Gordon, both fresh uni graduates with an entrepreneurial flair. So began the journey to create software that would help creative-minded hair stylists tackle the daunting concept of using a digital appointment book and point of sale system. From the walk-in manager to automated marketing, Shortcuts now offers tools that help barbers increase profits and ensure the longevity of their business. Find out more: www.shortcuts.com.au/barber

Fo ssa no & Co Ba rbershop On a balmy Saturday evening at the start of February, the cats over at Fossano And Co Barbershop in Mona Vale (on Sydney’s Northern Beaches) threw together an impromptu shindig. The purpose? To welcome themselves to the area and give the 150 plus locals some old-world luxury to immerse in. Patrons were leisurely sipping margaritas and gorging on paella from Mexicano Restaurant, then tapping their feet to the crooning sounds of the Winston Surfshirt band. With its custom floor-tiling, a front window painstakingly illustrated by a traditional signwriter (in gold leaf, mind you), the imported ‘50s chairs, walls curated with an eclectic mix of visual stimuli, and bar, coffee machine at the ready to serve you some fresh grinds, a beer or a tumbler of rum whilst you wait - owner and barber Justin Fossano has designed his man-cave as a destination which prides itself on masculine comfort and aesthetics. Fossano And Co Barbershop are open Tuesday through to Saturday. But they don’t have a phone, so bookings aren’t actually possible. They prefer to encourage every guy to casually drop into the store unannounced. After all, it is the old school way of doing things.

1775 PITTWATER RD, MONA VALE (02) 9999 5613 WWW.FOSSANOANDCO.COM.AU INSTAGRAM: @FOSSANOANDCOBARBERSHOP

LIVE A BETTER LIFE BE STOIC

RUNNING A BUSINESS BRINGS WITH IT THE PRESSURES OF TRYING TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE WILL VALUE AND SPEND MONEY ON. lthough gruelling, it’s rewarding work that brings a sense of independence that is hard to find elsewhere. But sometimes it’s tough. The day-to-day pressure from things like marketing, customer service, training, managing staff and handling the finances can get on top of us. The stress can make us lose sight of the bigger picture.

That’s where stoicism can help. Stoicism was developed in the early 3rd Century BC by a series of wise bearded men, including Marcus Aurelius, Antisthenes, Lucius Anneaus Seneca and Zeno of Citium. It teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. It is a philosophy that places value on becoming a clear and unbiased thinker, able to remove emotion and stay focused. Mastery of stoicism will help to create space in your mind for the important things and allow you to handle stress. Think of it as a tool for a better life. Thankfully, thinking like a stoic has never become easier. A simple Google search for stoic quotes brings up a treasure trove of philosophical observations that will help you to think more clearly and become an all-round happier person. Here are just a few of our favourites: “While we are postponing, life speeds by.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca. “You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you

when you realise how seldom they do.” - David Foster Wallace. “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” - Marcus Aurelius. “Life’s like a play: it’s not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca. “Were you to live three thousand years, or even thirty thousand, remember that the sole life which a man can lose is that which he is living at the moment...he can have no other life than the one he loses. For the passing minute is every man’s equal possession, but what has once gone by is not ours.” - Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism can open your eyes and make you look at the world differently so you can become a better, happier and stronger version of yourself. Stoicism is not some theoretical naval gazing discussion of who we are and how the world exists. Rather, it is a series of affirmations and reminders for living a fulfilled life. Think of them as quick exercises to run through regularly. Each is a quick reset that helps you to adjust and be happy with the things that really matter. Dr Ben De Campo, Milkman Australia. www.milkmanaustralia.com 39

FinaL CUT

Barbers. I’m talking about you - and me, for that matter. We are renowned the world over as masters of the ancient craft of Tonsorial Art. But our skills don’t stop there. We are psychologists, anthropologists, dispensers of medical advice, financial wizards, legal experts, culinary geniuses and expert chin waggers.

e love a good yarn, right? There’s nothing better than having a fresh set of ears to chew off roughly every 20 minutes to keep a barber’s jabbering appetite satisfied. The fact that we actually get paid for it is a bonus. Chances are, we’d do it even if we didn’t. Barbering is a passion, a calling and a lifestyle all of its own. We are a special breed. You can spot us when we’re on holidays. The first thing we do when we hit the nearest town is to proceed with haste to the local barbershop and watch the unofficial mayor (we barbers are self elected) in envy as he dispenses his local version of whatever the hell it is that we barbers crap on about.

But there is a fine line between great service to those eager listeners and being rude. Sometimes we just don’t get it right. I have taken the liberty of compiling a short list of my personal dos and don’ts.

Be a Chameleon: I’m not saying sell yourself short or to forget who you are. But the guy in the chair is paying your wages and if he thinks the gold and white dress is black and blue, then let him. 40

Never Turn your Back on a Customer: A rookie error and one to avoid. Your customer is king, at least for the next 20 minutes. Beckon him to the chair with a smile as you face him, and then follow him. Don’t walk away from him; he doesn’t know where to go. Talk to the Client, Not your Mate: There is nothing worse than two barbers crapping on about the weekend to each other while the clients shift uncomfortably in the chair. Make it inclusive, or save it for morning tea. Personal Hygiene: Take care of how you smell. You are up close and personal for the next however long it takes, so make it a pleasure, not a pain. Keep it Light: Try to stay away from polarising debates. He’s there to relax. Tell jokes and make him laugh; it could really make his day.

Roddy Donegan is owner of Crackers Barber Shop, the oldest barbershop on the Mid North Coast and founding director of Barberco, Australia’s leading online barbering wholesaler. www.barberco.com.au

David McCarthy

B l a d e

B r o t h e r

SURFING ALL DAY AND PARTYING ALL NIGHT WITH DOG WILLIAMS, ITCHY GREY, KID COLMAN OR WAYNE “WHALE” SMITH, ONLY TO NAME A FEW, GAVE ME AN INSIGHT INTO THE CRAZY ROCKABILLY, MOD AND RUDEBOY SCENE THAT WAS QUICKLY EMERGING IN THE EARLY ‘80S HERE ON THE GOLD COAST. y part was played by cutting wild shapes into mates’ hair on any given Sunday, usually in some messy two bed flat at Budds Beach or Broadbeach. The price? A six pack of XXXX, 2 joints, or $10.

While heavily immersed in this culture, I was also serving out a hairdressing apprenticeship at the Jon Le Court Barbershop at Pacific Fair. That’s good reason for me to look no further than my 37 year industry history to obtain inspiration from the hair I love to create. All the pressure in the world as a first year hairdresser was placed on me by this crowd of crazies, who wanted skinned out cap cuts or 6 inch quiffs. Looking back now, I can see I love and thrive on that pressure, and in

breaking new ground in both the creative and in the business side of our great industry. And so begins Blade & Brother Barbers. My inspiration in building Blade & Brother is to create a great place to go and get a cut from a barber who is loving his work and to sit and share a yarn and a cold beer with like minded men. I’m passionate about passing on my knowledge and learning from others that I’m working with. That’s the very foundation of this barbershop. To be successful in this industry, I believe you need to be authentic and sensitive to your own town, its history and the people you know well. With that in mind, the world of barbering will be your oyster.

T H E

W O R L D OF

B a r b e r s

Thailand BarberS IT’S GREAT TO SEE THE MODERN BARBER SCENE HAPPENING IN THE NEW LO O K B A N G KO K . T H I S B U Z Z I N G S PA C E I S A L I V E A N D W E L L , A N D I T ’ S G R E A T T O S E E YO U N G K I D S R E S P E C T I N G T H E T R A D E A N D L I N I N G U P I N S I D E T H E BARBERSHOPS FOR THEIR INDIVIDUALISED STYLES.

I had a great week getting around to many shops and talking with barbers at their level and finding out the needs of this market. Many young barbers have come from more of a hairdressing background, but they all seem to be enjoying where barber culture is heading. One barber who stood out was Smile Club Barbers at The

local food vendors selling all sorts of crazy street foods - things that I could not describe, on sticks over hot coals. The old barber was nearly as old as his two old Japanese chairs, that were very well kept considering their age. There were a few old guys just lurking around for a chat, drinking a local brewed glass of Kopi. I tried to ask a few key questions, but

I WA L K E D TH E B A C K S T R E E T S TI L L I FO U N D A T R A D I TI O N A L OLD STYLE BARBER, DUSTY AND RUSTIC SHOVED IN BETWEEN A C O U P L E O F E S TA B L I S H E D LO C A L FO O D V E N D O R S S E L L I N G A L L SORTS OF CRAZY STREET FOODS, THINGS THAT I COULD NOT DESCRIBE ON STICKS OVER HOT COALS.

MRT stop, next to Siam Square. This area is now full of western shopping centres, with every clothing brand you could imagine. The new age barber in Bangkok is cutting as many girls’ hair as guys. Many young girls are the customer base, and they look great with these styled cuts and they are dressing very corporate to go along with the look in suits and collared shirts. I walked the back streets ’til I found a traditional old style barber, dusty and rustic, shoved in between a couple of established

had to jump ship when he tried to lure me to the waiting chair. I was already groomed and did not like the look of the worn tools of the trade on the workbench, and the smell of the cafés beside the store was getting a bit overwhelming. If I was a bit more adventurous on the day, I would have been a keen punter. I could see that most traditional barbers were only offering short back and sides all the way round and was not much of a place to get a new look.

Story by Sean Edwards.

LEND ME { AN}

Ear S

LET’S FACE IT: WOMEN HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING PURVEYORS OF IDLE CHITCHAT. GET A GROUP OF THEM TOGETHER, AND YOU’LL BE LUCKY TO GET A WORD IN EDGEWAYS. ome studies have even suggested that women talk twice as much as men - which might make you think the average Aussie bloke doesn’t have a whole lot to say for

himself.

When it comes to managing your barber shop, this is an incredibly dangerous assumption to make. The war of words is a powerful one, and it has been proven that men actually like to air their views just as much as women. Ignoring your male clientele’s gut feelings could be the difference between a shameful defeat and a roaring victory for your business. Did you know, in Australia over the past 12 months, 76% of men who were asked left feedback for their barber or salon? All of them provided a rating, and many also left a written review revealing what they really thought about their visit. This is proof that men are craving an outlet for their opinion, just as much as their female friends. So, do you think you’re ready to hear the whole nine yards, the warts-and-all truth? Brace yourself! You’re likely be overwhelmed by a barrage of great feedback - and you will need to be ready to face some honest criticism head-on too. If you’re like many business owners and the mere idea of asking for feedback sends a shudder of dread shooting down your spine, it’s probably a sign that this is well overdue. Nothing can influence your success more than a happy client, and if you can address any issues your clients raise, your business and bank balance will thank you for it. The first step is to start sending out automated emails or texts after each client’s visit, asking them

how they feel about their experience. Being able to do this in the digital space takes the pressure off: your clients will feel more relaxed about telling you what they really think, and you’ll have time to choose the best way to respond.

refer you to their friends or family. You’ll be able to see exactly how you rate, compared with similar businesses in the industry.

Shortcuts software makes gathering all of your customer feedback easy - from automatically collating ratings and reviews, to calculating your You’ll also start to develop an instinct on how to net promotor score. It also lets you share your position yourself in the market. For example, if a glowing reviews on Facebook with the click of a client is used to being in and out of the chair within button, helping you 30 minutes, and spread the word you take an hour LISTENING TO YOUR CLIENT WILL HELP about your business. to create the same YOU: look, they will have Armed with all this something to say • ADDRESS ANY ISSUES AS THEY ARISE feedback, you’ll be about the speed of • OBSERVE MARKET TRENDS properly equipped your service. to hone in on your

• SHINE A LIGHT ON STAFF PERFORMANCE

strategy for success, You might decide a • UNDERSTAND YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE making informed longer consultation • IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGY decisions about is part of your • INCREASE YOUR REVENUE. everything from the strategy to make way you interact with sure your clients feel clients, to the way you position yourself against the at home - or you might choose to put a rocket up barbershop down the street. your team to get them working faster. Either way, it’s worth knowing that some clients would prefer Get it right, and your client base of usually to spend less time with you. restrained blokes won’t be able to keep their Asking for feedback will also help you monitor how your staff are treating clients - and whether they are up to scratch. Armed with this information, you can then address this in team meetings - or oneon-one if the issue is specific to one employee. Another essential is to keep track of your net promotor score: the ultimate KPI to enable you to monitor the health of your business and indicate future growth. This takes into account factors including environment, care and quality, and allows you to see which clients are so happy they would 44

mouths shut about how much they love you. Your clients will become your marketing team, spreading the word about your business on your behalf. You’ll quickly start to reap some serious rewards, winning the battle for business growth and increasing your profitability. To find out more about how your software and client feedback tools can be used to grow your business, visit www.shortcuts.com.au/barber. Words by Jo Burgess, Evolution Manager, Shortcuts

For a full size poster for your barbershop contact us at info@thecutthroatjournal.com

Just send us an email at orders@ratsgetfat.com

Lord of the Barber Championships 2015

T he IH S W A c r e a t i ve t e a m h a s pro v i ded a pla t f o rm f or b a rb ers a n d ha i rdres sers o f a l l l e ve l s to c o m p et e f o r t he t op pri z e i n LORD OF T HE B A RB ER.

ocused on being the beginning of a new era of competitions, the IHS - Creative Team consisting of Daniel Yap, Christian Dalley, Nakia Stevens, Joanna Banks, Sue Goy, Lisa Polini, Sarah Penno and Peter Del Casale want to lift the standards of WA to an even higher level. As a group, “We are all artistically minded and looking beyond the present, excited about what is about to happen and inspired to be at the forefront of trends”.

Lord of the Barbers was the first championship for 2015, where it brought over 40 competitors and 200 spectators showcasing craftsmanship and artistry with categories of “Junior/Senior Classical Design” and “Junior/ Senior High Fashion New Generation”. The High Fashion New Generation category had 20 competitors battling it out; the competitors were allowed to break out, create shapes and use any clipper attachment to create the ultimate creative design, all within a 30 minute time frame. Taahir from Mr-T Barber created the perfect look with a perfect score, giving him the title and first place winner in the Senior High Fashion Next Generation. Salon International supplies were the very

generous major sponsors for the event and also displayed a pop up stall showcasing their new products and latest appliances. It was a chance to also see the latest gadgets in barbering. Barbering has taken off around the world, and we are now seeing a huge demand in men’s haircutting. “We wanted to bring this trend to the forefront and bring all the local talent out to compete and finally, just a competition for men’s hairdressing and barbering.” - IHS Creative Team. The night also showcased a barbershop quartet, graffiti artist, and a highly organised and professional team of judges, headed up by Sue Goy and Joanna Banks. “Seeing so much talent coming together in one night was just amazing, and seeing the diversity of creative work from the competitors was awesome,” Sue said. Prizes to the value of $1,500 were given to all the first place winners. Excellent Edges/Wahl, Keune Hair Cosmetics and American Crew were also sponsors of the event and provided much sought after equipment to the winners. But it was the results that everyone had come to see, and well-deserved congratulations go to the winners! 49

EVENT WINNERS Junior Classic

1st: Cordeliah Daley - Momo Hairdressing 2nd: Sean May - Hair Junkies 3rd: Bradley Cottrell - Hype Hair Studio, the Barber Shop Senior Classic

1st: Dylen Flanegan - The Barber Shop 2nd: Paddy Lin - Tao of Hair 3rd: Asika Aiko - Tao of hair Junior High Fashion Next Generation

1st: Hiawe Daley Bercich - Sonnys Barber Shop 2nd: Cordeliah Daley - Momo Hairdressing 3rd: Josh James Smith - Fades Barbershop, Perth Senior High Fashion Next Generation

1st: Taahir - Mr-T Barber 2nd: Perfect Brown - The Perfect Barbershop 3rd: Katy Mowat - Shape “up” at Barbertown The next IHS - WA events are being held in May and in September for the IHS state championship, where a barber category will be introduced into the competition for the very first time. “We are super excited about 2015 - a new change of direction, which everyone can be a part of and most importantly, creating something you can be proud of.” - IHS Creative Team. For more information on the Lord of the Barber Championship, please contact Nakia Stevens: Kiwigem4@hotmail.com

Double

LIFE

JAY braslin He ain’t lazy; he’s our brother

I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT DRUMMER JOKES LIKE - WHAT DO YOU CALL A GUY THAT HANGS AROUND WITH MUSICIANS? A DRUMMER. OR - WHAT DOES A DRUMMER USE FOR CONTRACEPTION? HIS PERSONALITY. BUT I WON’T, I PROMISE. INSTEAD, LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BROTHER OF THE BLADE, JAY BRASLIN, AND HIS AWESOME DOUBLE LIFE AS A DRUMMER IN A ROCKIN BAND CALLED THE LAZYS.

JAY

THE

BARBER

JAY

Jay started his hairdressing trade at 16 in Hobart. As Jay pointed out, at that stage, barbering wasn’t really an option, as it seemed to be a dying trade. He had visions of sipping soy lattes all day and fitting in a few haircuts here and there. His apprenticeship came as a shock, when he had to work his butt off. But he was always much more interested in cutting his mates’ hair than women’s. After completing his trade and moving to Melbourne, Jay fell in love with the barbering scene there and set to work to brush up on his barbering skills, which he said took him a good year. These days, when he’s not touring as a drummer with his band The Lazys (we’ll get to them), he can be found at Urban Man barbershop in Hawthorne, Victoria. Urban Man launched about three and a half years ago and has just recently opened a second shop in Brunswick. In a sign of the barber times, the shop has grown incredibly busy in just a relatively short time. It’s a job that Jay never grows tired of. He is constantly inspired by the art of barbering and gets major satisfaction at the completion of each cut. Without the support of his bosses

THE

DRUMMER

When I spoke to Jay, he was just a few weeks away from heading to Canada to tour with The Lazys, a good old Oz rock band. Oh and their single, Shake It Like You Mean It (which is such a sick song!) was in the number 22 spot on the Canadian rock charts. An awesome achievement - and well deserved. These guys are actually really good. Jay has been rocking on the drums since he was a wee 10 year old boy and hasn’t stopped tapping anything and everything since (hopefully in time ... C’mon, it was wide open!) Jay joined the band six years ago when the other band he was playing in did a gig with the Lazys and the drummer from the Lazys was leaving, so they all had some beers and then somehow by the end of the night, he was their new drummer. Got it? These guys are doing it the old fashioned way and are headed for another massive year of touring, slogging it out for weeks on the road, both in Australia and overseas. They’ve played with some great Aussie bands, including The Angels, The Screaming Jets and The Snowdroppers.

Last year, the band released their self-titled debut album through Pheremone Records. It’s been picked up by heaps of Canadian H I S FAV O U R I T E C U T ? A F L AT T O P. Y E S , I J U S T S A I D T H AT. J AY T R I E S T O C O A X A S radio stations. Just as a M A N Y O F H I S C L I E N T S A S H E C A N I N T O G E T TI N G O N E , W I T H O U T T O O M A N Y TA K E R S . side note, it apparently H E ’ S A L S O A B I G FA N O F T H E P S YC H O Q U I F F A N D I S A S U C K E R FO R M O H AW K S . hit number two on the Toronto (that’s Canada, not Australia’s Toronto “Tronna”) CBS rock charts just below this other band called at Urban Man, Jerry and Dave, Jay says he wouldn’t be able AC/DC. The album has also been released in Australia to juggle his double life. He’s grateful that he gets to indulge through Sony ATV, and triple M have added it to their in both his passion for barbering and his passion for music. playlists. He continues to work his butt off to prove to Jerry and Dave This guy obviously loves not only having his cake, but also that he is worth having around. Never letting his standards eating it. And good on him! Jay says he loves nothing better drop and helping to run training programs for new employees than coming home after a long tour and heading to the are just part of what he does to prove that worth, along with barbershop to get stuck into it and hang out with his mates maintaining his relationships with his loyal clientele, who love again. Kudos to Dave and Jerry for their belief in Jay and coming in and hearing the stories of his recent music tour. Jay for giving him the opportunity to live out his dreams in the loves it too; the camaraderie of barbering is a thrill for him. barbershop and on the road. But he obviously deserves it! Strangers becoming mates after a few visits; it never gets old. Rock on, buddy.

B A R B E R

R E V I E W S

Review

Hawleywoods

Jet Charm Barber Shop How cool is it when you find two of your most favourite things in one place: a great barbershop combined with great espresso bar! This was all in a very hip part of New Zealand, where you can surf and snowboard on the same day; the snow is just an hour away from the beach. Yes, it’s the well kept secret of New Plymouth on the South East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The barbershop/café is right on the edge of the main shopping precinct. To make it even more appealing, it’s right beside the local pub. The business is the creation of Shaun and Cassie Conaglen, who after 20 years in Manly, Australia, escaped to go on a year long surfing pilgrimage. It was during this trip that they stumbled on old home dirt in New Plymouth and changed their lifestyle choices. Shaun is a builder with a pretty impressive background in Australia, renovating Sydney’s classic architecture with his own company. Cassie was a Solicitor, mostly doing family law, so they had no experience in barbering or coffee at all, except as a customer. It was when Shaun came back from his daily surf that he sprung it on Cassie he wanted to open this new venture. She thought he was mad, but the two were looking for a new

chapter in their lives back in NZ, and took it on as a challenge. They have hit all the right bits to this business puzzle, and they have a pretty experienced bunch of young barbers and baristas working for them. There has been plenty of detail put into the layout, combining two shops to make the space work well. It is a total retro fitout, from deco light fittings to the Axminster carpet in the upstairs lounge. The locals are loving the funky feel, and men are travelling from afar for their weekly feel good groom. Cassie has taken to the café and has employed some gun baristas to punch out morning brews. She’s also put her stamp on to the menu, with some healthy choices. She has got the baking sorted, with a real good Kiwi scone. Shaun is enjoying the barber side of the business, organising the bookings and having that business beer with his clients in the afternoon debriefing sessions. This setup is a great example of a cool barbershop/café business. It’s nice to see these guys have a real vision for what the customer wants. Now, let’s make it work! Good luck, guys, and enjoy the new chapter in you life.

432 KING STREET, NEWTOWN NSW 2042 (02) 9557 6290

Barberman Dan opened the shop in 2010 at St Peters above a hotrod garage. But after scouting out a hole on the wall on King Street, Newtown, Hawleywoods was established. On stepping inside, you’re immediately taken back in time. The old magazines littered along the waiting bench and the ‘40s vibe of the shop, the music and dress code take you to when the barbershop was a sanctuary for men to come get a cut, a shave, or even just to shoot the breeze. Gentlemen only: the first rule of Hawleywoods. No need to feel uneasy or self conscious about how the rest of the world views you until you leave the shop looking ready to tackle it. Being an exclusive barber shop, nothing is off limits, whether it be car, bikes or babes; what’s discussed at this barbershop, stays at this barbershop. Walking into the shop, the walls are adorned with currency collected from around the world, as well as tattoo flash done by local artists. This shop definitely gives back to the community as much as it puts in. You can see and feel the pulse the shop has from the second you and your scrffy hair do walk in, ‘til

32 EGMONT, NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND 4310 (06) 758 8840

5353

you and your high faded pompador leave. It really is a shop for guys who believe in a simpler time when service, class and expertise spoke the loudest. The service is only one aspect found at Hawleywoods. It is very much focused on creating the ideal haircut, with just as much time spent combing up and quoffing as any other part of the cut. There are no cutting corners (pun intended), and there are no excuses. If the boys at Hawleywoods can’t get your head looking slick and suave, then it’s a plastic surgeon you may be looking for, not a barbershop. From beard trims to face shaves, the boys do it all. The barbers here provide the high-class service, including a hot towel at the end of every haircut. It is best to make a booking. Shop hours run from 10am-7pm most weekdays. The later times quickly book up, so call ahead to secure your spot. You will be blown back by this Sydney barbershop, Newtown’s own Delorian, taking you back to the past. As soon as you leave you will be counting down the days to get back in that chair. Just remember to leave the lady at home; gentlemen only.

D u de Hu t Dude Hut is a barbershop in Albury NSW, that mixes Rockabilly and Hot Rodding, with old school barbering. Our team specialises in all aspects of barbering, from pomps and quiffs to the more modern flat tops, tracks, buzz, fades and everything in between. They also do hot towel cut throat shaves. Free beer and a friendly atmosphere are all part of the service. So come in and have a cold beer, a cut and a shave by the Dude Hut barbers! 466 SMOLLETT ST, ALBURY NSW (02) 6021 1201 WWW.DUDEHUT.COM.AU

www.thecutthroatjournal.com

SUBSCRIBE to AUSTRALIA's BARBER SHOp trade journal yearly subscRiption

4 issues DELIVERED

TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT

www.thecutthroatjournal.com

BOOKINGS for the winter edition closing soon Photography by Chris Smith

Julian and Susannah Maloney

Tell us your tale

M a l o n e y ' s

B a r b e r s h o p

he gamble paid off - now the area’s been revamped and is pumping with eateries, breweries, apartments and offices - enough to keep the shop busy six days a week. Over the past 12 years Maloney’s has grown from small beginnings as a one barber/two chair shop, to its current size of eight chairs, two cutting levels and a staff of ten, including apprentice Cole.

Wholesale enquiries contact dudehut@dudehut.com.au

www.dudehut.com.au

Julian says, “All the barbers at Maloney’s use Instagram, Facebook and other social media to follow barber shops around the world as well as showing off their haircuts, techniques and unique Kiwi style of barbering. They’re outwards looking and like to keep current.” This is reflected in the hair products they use and sell, many of which they import from overseas, including Suavecito, Bona Fide and Layrite - often on the recommendation of their barbers, who could be described as pomade addicts. The team also compares notes on the latest gear and garb, importing equipment in bulk from the USA (the most recent craze is Wah 5-star foils). The team’s got a good world view and includes barbers from England, Scotland and Canada, as well as locals with Samoan, Maori and Pakeha heritage. Some have come from a hairdressing background and some have been barbers from the start; and there a couple of women (Barber Sue and Cutthroat Sue!) to make it the perfectly balanced barbershop. They’re keen on pursuing exchanges with overseas barber shops too (Jordan from Melbourne’s Royal Crown Barbers spent a couple of days there at Christmas).

GOT A GOOD STORY for the next issue?

INFO@THECUTTHROATJOURNAL.COM

BRIAN

Burt

Visits Turnstyles

Recently travelling from the USA to visit Tim Dodd at Turnstyles in Coffs Harbour, Brian Burt is having an amzing time enjoying our more laid back, Australian lifestyle and our unique barbering scene ... hat are you doing in Coﬀs? I don’t know what I’m doing here, but I’m having a great time with Tim (Dodd) at his barbershop, Turnstyles. Just riding it out and having a great time.

out of high school you had to figure out what you wanted to do. I tried all kinds of different hands on jobs, and I knew I didn’t like doing them. I did whatever I had to do. I sold drugs for a little while, and in that part of my life I met a barber; I’d get my hair cut every week. He taught me how barbering worked, so I looked into it. I never got started on it until I moved to San Diego and couldn’t find a job there, so I enrolled in Barber College. Ten years later, I’m still doing it.

What were you thoughts or preconceived ideas of what Australia was going to be like? I thought it was going to be a lot like what it is. Beaches, a very relaxed atmosphere. People aren’t in a hurry. It’s Australian time and it’s nice for me, because I’m usually fast paced. In Seattle, San Diego, NYC it’s just GO GO GO. Here is a much slower pace, so it’s a great break for me. Good food, good vibes, great scenery, the waves and water here are beautiful.

come in all day, every day and talk. It’s keeping a good conversation going, not being grumpy, being clean, being able to talk with the people you work with. Then of course, it goes back to cutting hair. To be able to do a good, clean haircut. But I always tell people the haircut is the smallest part of it. To be able to stand on your feet all day, talk all day and get along with the other barbers in the shop is a much bigger part. Talking with the customers and the clients. That’s what makes a barber elite; it separates the good from the great.

I’m not in it for the money; I just love to travel, and I’m using my barber licence and instagram account as my platform to get out there. I hope to meet more people like myself who are passionate about what they do and about everything in life, whether it’s cooking, tattooing, art or barbering. So how did this come about? I like to hang out with other like-minded people I met Tim a few months ago over Instagram. He with a passion for life. reached out to me, I responded, and we started What’s your musical taste? messaging back and forth. I was in Europe and he I grew up skateboarding, since about Grade 6, hit me up and asked me to come out to Australia, and I got introduced to the punk rock scene at so here I am! What do you think is the secret in stepping an early age. I listened to Exploited, Minor Threat, up from being a good barber, to a great What did you think when you were asked to basically all skate punk. I got to go to lots of barber? come over to Australia by Tim? punk shows, and we used to set I was flattered. When anyone up ramps at the shows. I’d meet on social media asks me to other skaters from all around do something or a question, C U T T I N G H A I R I S T H E E A S I E S T PA R T. I T ’ S T H E P E O P L E Washington. We’d skate with the I’m flattered that they’d reach T H A T C O M E I N A L L D AY, E V E R Y D AY A N D TA L K . I T ’ S roadies and hang out with them. out to me. There are so many KEEPING A GOOD CONVERSATION GOING, NOT BEING Music’s definitely a big part of my other barbers doing what I’m G R U M P Y, B E I N G C L E A N , B E I N G A B L E T O TA L K W I T H T H E life. I go to a lot of shows still. doing, and doing it better and PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH. I listen to everything, though, they have a better platform from country to Frank Sinatra than I do. So again, I was to Slayer back to blues. I like flattered to be asked, so I had to come. Cutting hair is the easiest part. It’s the people that everything.

Why did you become a barber? I became a barber out of survival. I didn’t go to college; none of my family went to college. Right

What do you hope to get from this trip? I just hope to get another good friend, or friends. 57

What has made you into the man you are today? Just going for it, basically. People say I march to the beat of my own drum, which I do. Whatever I want to do, I do it. I go a hundred miles at whatever I do, and people dig that. What’s next for you? Next, I’ll be in Southern California, hoping to get a clothing line going with a barber theme; that’s really getting big now. Luckily for barbers, it’s a good time in our scene. After that I’m going back to Europe and cutting hair in Ireland, England, Scotland and hopefully Germany.

Sunny Full Name: Jason Turner AGE: 28Â OCCUPATION: Tattoo artist

ow old were you when you started tattooing? I started my apprenticeship when I was 22, in 2009. I was actually in getting my first tattoo, which was on my chest, and I said to the the tattooist, “How do I get into tattooing?” He explained that it was by apprenticeship. I happened to be in the right place at the right time, as the shop was looking for a new apprentice!

Did you practice on yourself? Any pigskins? During my apprenticeship I didn’t practice on any pigskins. I actually learnt to tattoo on myself. It was mostly on my thighs and feet, which is how most tattooists learn. That’s why most tattooists wear long shorts ha ha. Do you get nervous before you tattoo someone? I don’t get nervous as such anymore about tattooing clients. I guess I put a lot of pressure on myself, because I want to make sure I fulfill each client’s request and vision to the best of my ability.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job? I think the most rewarding and satisfying part of my job is seeing a client’s face and reaction when they first see the finished product. It’s 200% satisfying, and I never find what I do a drag or hard work. The saying goes that if you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life. I totally agree with that! Have you ever turned anyone away ... Creative differences? I don’t think I’ve ever actually just turned a client away, so to speak. On occasion your job as a tattooist is to offer other options to a client, to help them look past their initial idea and maybe reinvent that a bit.

Favourite type of tattoo? At the moment I’m definitely into doing old school traditional pieces. I also really love doing large Japanese pieces. Working in a holiday town, as 59

I do, is great because you get the opportunity to cover so many styles, from small text tattoos to back pieces and sleeves. If you weren’t a tattoo artist, what would you be doing? If I wasn’t tattooing I guess I would still be teaching in childcare. I loved that type of work. It’s actually very similar in ways to my job now, believe it or not. No day was the same working with kids, and they all have different kinds of personalities and humour.

Best tattoos you’ve done? The best tattoos, the ones that really stand out, are usually large pieces. Most of the time you’ve put anywhere from 10 - 50 hours into them, and it’s great to see them completed. But, as I said earlier, even putting a small rose or butterfly on someone who has procrastinated about it for years, seeing their reactions is just as satisfying.

Tell us who inspires you? People and tattooists who have inspired me through my short career so far are quite easy to rattle off. My boss, Brett Barrington, is self taught - like most tattooists. I’m grateful for the work ethic and the skills that he has taught me. I’m grateful to everyone I’ve worked with who’ve taken the time to show me tricks of the trade that I can pass onto others. And of course, my loyal clients; it’s hard to describe how thankful I am for their continued support and belief in me. What does the future hold?

I just hope to continue to learn and grow as a tattooist. I’d really love to own my own shop one day down the track. Yep, that’d be awesome. @sunnytattoos

THE LAND OF JOY The New Ducati Scrambler

WITH THE DUCATI SCRAMBLER, DUCATI PRESENTS NOT JUST A NEW MOTORCYCLE BUT RATHER A NEW BRAND, A NEW APPROACH TO THE MOTORCYCLING WORLD THAT OFFERS NOT ONLY PERFORMANCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUT ALSO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, FUN AND SHARING OF POSITIVE EMOTION.

ucati Scrambler is a new brand, offering a whole new world made up of bikes, accessories and apparel that provide the last word in self-expression. Anti-conformist, accessible and essential, the Ducati Scrambler is a perfect mix of tradition and modernity, a stride towards the pure essence of motorcycling: two wheels, wide handlebars, a straightforward engine and endless fun. The Scrambler world - the latest addition to the Ducati universe – is one of authentic creativity and free expression; the lead-up to its official arrival has generated an unprecedented buzz, as has a captivating launch campaign of outstanding originality. This is more than just a new bike: it’s a whole new world, one that expresses itself via a range of versions that provide a starting point for satisfying the different needs and wants of individual motorcyclists. ‘Post-heritage’ design gives a contemporary take on the iconic bike built by Ducati back in the 70s. This Ducati Scrambler, though, is not a retro bike: it is, rather, intended to be just how the legendary motorcycle would be today if Ducati had never stopped building it. The Ducati Scrambler is a contemporary bike that expresses the pure essence of motorcycling. Tried and tested materials such W A T C H

as the aluminium of the rear swingarm and engine covers and the steel of the teardrop tank and frame are combined with newgeneration components such as front and rear LED lighting and LCD instruments. Wide handlebars and a long seat provide a comfortable, relaxed riding position and, together with the low weight, low centre of gravity and slightly knobby tyres, ensure pure riding fun whatever the situation. The Icon version, in yellow and red, is joined by three others - Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic - each offering its own style and performance-related interpretation of the Ducati Scrambler spirit. The Urban Enduro, with its ‘Wild Green’ paintjob, is for enduro style enthusiasts and ready to switch from city streets to country backroads in an instant. The Full Throttle is for riders enthralled by the flat-track racing world who have a penchant for pushing things to the limit. And the Classic is for devotees to details and a 1970s look who want the uncompromising riding pleasure and comfort of a modern-day bike. Moreover, thanks to a vast range of apparel and bike accessories, called ‘ingredients’, the Ducati Scrambler offers a virtually unlimited range of exclusive personalisation and lifestyle options. T H E

V I D E O

It was when Daniel Flynn was 18 years old and attending university that the idea for Thankyou Water was first born.

DANIEL FLYNN. { T H A N K Y O U WAT E R }

THE IDEA? TO M A N U FA C T U R E B O T T L E D WA T E R T O SELL IN CAFÉS AND SUPERMARKETS, WHERE ALL PROFITS WENT TO FUND PROJECTS I N D E V E LO P I N G COUNTRIES. B R I L L I A N T.

et on pursuing a career in the business world, Daniel’s life took a different turn as he listened to the following statistics and heard of heartbreaking stories: 900 million people in the world without access to water, at the same time Australians are spending $600 million dollars a year on bottled water. He was quite taken aback by the strong emotional response he had on hearing about the water crisis facing so many people in the world. One particular story affected him: a young boy in Africa, who travelled all day to collect water for his family. The water though, was contaminated, and so was actually slowly killing them.

to stock Thankyou products, including water, muesli Bars, hand wash and moisturiser, to name just a few.

Daniel and a group of friends who were also passionate about this cause decided to take action. Bottled water was their answer. People buy bottled water all the time. With Daniel and his team’s idea, they could buy water with a conscience. The idea? To manufacture bottled water to sell in cafés and supermarkets, where all profits went to fund projects in developing countries. BRILLIANT.

Depending on the day, Daniel says the degree of satisfaction in this work changes. “Sometimes it’s like - wow, look what we’ve achieved already. But other days it feels like we have such a long way to go,” he says. “In the first year we made a total profit of $7,500, and we were so discouraged. Since then we’ve continued to grow in profit each year. To date, we’ve contributed over $2 million dollars to projects.”

With everything set in place and with sales and progress already being made, Thankyou came up with another BRILLIANT idea. A social media campaign, which comprised of a video explaining the idea. It was asking people to pledge that they would buy Thankyou products, which by now included a Thankyou food and Thankyou body range, if they were stocked in Australia’s two biggest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths. The response: overwhelming. 15.5 million views later, the dream became a reality. Both Coles and Woolworths agreed

Daniel is married and his wife, Justine, is one of the fellow founding members of Thankyou. Working together and being married can be a tough gig, but Daniel says he and Justine have had to learn to switch off when they leave the office. “We’ve become extremely good at not talking about work at home, because we’ve had to.”

So how does it all work? We can do our part as a consumer by simply replacing existing products that we buy with Thankyou brands. Then, after manufacturing and staff costs are covered, all of the profit goes directly to programmes on the ground in 14 developing countries in South East Asia, Sub Sahara and Africa. Thankyou doesn’t set up their own programmes; instead, they fund projects presented to them by humanitarian organisations, or project parters, already in the field, such as Care Australia and Oxfam. Such a smart lad this Daniel, hey?!

There’s not many young men of Daniel’s age who would devote themselves so entirely and selflessly to helping others as he does. “There are probably three main reasons why I do what I do. One, because I’ve

had these arresting moments in my life where I’ve witnessed other people in extreme poverty. Two, is because of my Christian faith; this is a huge part of my own journey, of giving to others as I believe I’m called to do. And three is my vision - keep working; the bigger we go, the bigger impact we can make.” How many times have you sat and watched an ad for an aid organisation, seeing a sick, hungry, vulnerable child and wanted to help, but then forgotten? No blame game here; so many of us are in the same boat. It’s so easy in our comfortable existence to forget about the millions in need. Thank God for people like Daniel, who follow the calling of helping the needy. The fantastic part of Thankyou though, is it is so simple for all of us to contribute to the cause. We would be buying these products anyway; by buying Thankyou products we can choose to contribute ... To live every day, give everyday, as the Thankyou motto goes. Daniel and the team at Thankyou are continuing to work to be bigger and better. They were a team of eight just 18 months ago, and now that number has grown to just over 30 people. There is a top secret new range of products on the horizon which, according to Daniel, will be a big bold move and will take their number of products to nearly 50 in total. “The point of that,” says Daniel, “is that the more retail sales ability we have, the more people we can help.” For more information, visit thankyou.co

Nathan Edwards is a notorious and much appreciated barbershop inhabitant. He’s also known as an epic news photographer and has photographed some of the world’s most significant events in our recent history. Here’s his story. ow long have you been a photographer? Since I left high school; I didn’t want to do anything else. I’ve worked for News Corp since 1991.

Why photography? Were you always interested in it? Honestly, I don’t know what first got me interested, but I’ve loved it for a long time. I did photography as part of my HSC and really haven’t looked back. Yes, I was always interested and wanted to be a news photographer.

What is it about photography that first captured you? I was doing art and I liked photography as a creative medium. How did you get started? Basically from Year 10 in high school I hounded the Daily Telegraph for a cadetship. I always wanted to be a news photographer. After three years of banging on their door, actually getting the cadetship happened really fast. I was in Cowra where I grew up, got the call and had to be in Sydney the next day. I fronted up with my portfolio, got the job and started the next week. How did you decide on news photography? The great thing about newspaper photography is that you never know what tomorrow might bring. I also love that working for a newspaper you can incorporate nearly all forms of photography - from fashion to sport and portrait.

You were in New York on 9/11. What were you doing there? I was working for the New York Post. I’d just come off covering three weeks straight of the US Open Tennis; it was the year that Leighton Hewitt won. I was due to have my first day off in three weeks, when I was woken by my pic editor calling to tell me a plane had hit the World Trade Centre and asking me to get down there asap.

Tell us of your experience at ground zero - the people, the surroundings, etc. It was surreal. I ran into the area as the second tower collapsed. People were screaming for their lives, there was a dust haze, bloodied bodies, and the look of terror and desperation on the faces of people around me. There was rubble and what looked like grey dirty snow everywhere. Everywhere you looked there was devastation. And after the buildings came down, it was silent; you could have heard a pin drop.

How has that affected you and your life, do you think? It brings home that life can change in a heartbeat. I’ve always loved New York, but I now have a deeper connection to the city. I’ve also made lifelong friendships with some of the fire fighters I photographed on the day, and then met and got to know them when I went back for the ten year anniversary.

You were also in Bali after the 2002 Bali Bombings. How long were you there? You never know how long you’ll be away when you leave to cover an assignment like the 2002 Bali Bomb. In this case I left the day after the bombing and came home three months later.

Do you have to detach yourself in a sense so that you can get the job done in that situation? Yes, definitely. The lens becomes a bit of a barrier. You can’t get too close, and you have to find a way to switch off afterwards. It’s not always easy. When you finish working in such horrendous circumstances, how do you go about normal life again? Do you receive any sort of counselling, or is there any other way you have found to deal with those situations? When you leave you try to leave it behind and separate your job from your life. I’ve never had any formal counselling, but I try not to bottle it up, and I talk about my experiences - good and bad - with my

wife, family and work colleagues.

A few of the funniest stories you’ve had to cover? An assignment brief to go to Byron Bay to cover a woman who lifts washing machines by her hair was a funny one. Some of my funniest moments on jobs though, aren’t the jobs themselves but the times shared with colleagues.

Have you ever been given a job that gave you a crisis of conscience, as in you weren’t sure if you could cover it? Since becoming a father, I’ve found covering cases about kids, where something awful has happened to them or they’re sick, even harder.

Do you take many photos for fun? Like of your kids, family? Or is it a work thing? No, I’m pretty slack. Like everyone else I use my iPhone, but don’t often get my gear out when I’m not working. My wife has to nag the shit out of me every year to take a Christmas photo of the kids on the beach. Do you still enjoy being a photographer? I do; I wouldn’t keep doing it if I didn’t. But like every job, you have good days and bad days. Best parts of your job? The variety, the travel, the different people I get to meet. There are a lot of perks.

Most people assume that it would be great meeting celebrities, but I find the real people and stories more interesting.

Worst parts of your job? Meeting someone you’ve always idolised, and they turn out to be an arsehole. Death knocks (speaking with the partner or family of someone who has just died), spending hours and hours outside a court, and then trying to avoid either the crooks or their families as they take a swing at you on the way out. Elections.

N E W Y O R K C I T Y A N D B A L I D I S A S T E R Z O N E P H O T O S B Y N AT H A N E D W A R D S

BALI

Man Trades

Reg

BARBER The Cutthroat Journal is looking at The Skills and Trades of the’Man, highlighting the tradition behind their chosen crafts. eg Barber is a man well known in the world coffee industry for taking the coffee tamping tool and turning it into a must have piece of equipment for the modern day barista. Like all industries, men need their tools to complete the job right and to the highest quality of that task, and we asked Reg Barber, who started his career as a saw mill worker, how he became the tamper man. We interviewed Reg whilst he visited Jimbo’s Barbershop back in November last year. Reg got to sit in Jimbo’s chair and restyle his mane before his long journey back to Vancover Island in Canada.

“When I started Reg Barber Enterprises, there weren’t many tampers on the market; there were only plastic tampers and turned aluminum solid tampers. They were all under sized and didn’t fit the portafilters properly. However, this made sense, as the tamper wasn’t an integral part of the coffee making process back then - unlike today. It was merely an extra step, and the tamper didn’t take on much responsibility. My hope when I started in 1995 was to change this. I started simple, making flat bases out of aluminum with wood handles which, to be honest, didn’t really fit the portafilters either. I knew I wanted something better, and I realised there was a need for bases made with a more substantial material, so I introduced stainless steel and specifically sized them - most were 58 mm. To pair with these bases, I made several handle types to fit different sized hands and to meet the baristas’ various tastes. The Short Tamper was my first handle, made out of either Maple or Bubinga wood. I then made the Tall, Tall Ball, Short Ball and later the Radical Pro out of not only numerous types of wood, but out of aluminum that could be powder coated and anodised in different colours. My Midori Tamper, a size between the Short and Tall Tamper, is actually named after a barista from Japan. We spent time sizing the tamper out perfectly for her hand, and then I kept it as an option for everyone. The tamper

handles evolved rapidly after I started experimenting with the stainless steel base. Not only did baristas request different shapes and colours for the handles, but custom engravings took on popularity as well. I started to feel quite connected to the coffee culture and the baristas themselves. The tamper bases took a prominent shift early on in my coffee tamper career, when David Schomer began to make tampers out of aluminum specifically for a better extraction. He produced the first base with a US curve (a slight curve on the bottom of the base) and from there, I saw the idea of the coffee tamper begin to change. Not only were baristas customising their tamper with their preferred handle and base, but now the bases were designed to improve the espresso. The tamper gained even more popularity when the first World Barista Championship was held in Monte Carlo in 2000. The barista competitors used their customised handles and specifically chosen bases to wow everyone with their coffee creations. Here, I saw the tamper take on more responsibility and become a key step in the extraction process. Tampers weren’t just a weight for the coffee grounds anymore, but personal gear for the barista that truly had an effect on the taste and look of the espresso. This new wave of understanding took over. This tamping knowledge continued to spread worldwide, and so in 2003 I received my own CNC lathe to keep up with this explosion. The lathe opened up the opportunity to make my own bases and specifically size them to fit perfectly in an espresso machine’s portafilter, or within a tenth of a millimetre according to the Reg Guarantee! The lathe also allowed me to make my own aluminum handles. Thus, the true experimenting began. I started with the flat, US curve, and the Euro curve base, as seen already in the coffee community. However in 2004, I invented the C-Flat base, a blend of the Euro curve and the flat. The ripple line came shortly after, including the invention of the C-Ripple, US Ripple, Euro Ripple 68

and the Flat Ripple base. The idea behind this was to make a larger diameter portafilter by artificially creating more surface area. This would allow the coffee grounds to be ground finer while maintaining an excellent extraction and therefore making the coffee sweeter. The base experimenting was definitely a focus, but on the side, I also tried using glass, caste resin, exotic woods, and laminations as handle material. The next evolution was the Clicker Tamper, which gave you a noticeable click when the pressure on the coffee grounds reached 30 pounds. Even though this is a good training tool for new baristas, it forces the grind to be the only variable in the extraction. After the barista becomes familiar with the process, he or she then could begin to influence a variety of different variables to produce his or her own extraction. Using a regular tamper, the pressure on the grounds, the base shape, and the coffee grind all took on a role that baristas were able to control. This connection and control the baristas developed with the coffee was the best thing the evolving tamper did for the coffee community. I have watched the coffee tamper evolve over the years and with a constantly changing coffee industry still today, it seems like the tamper’s potential is endless. If there’s something a barista needs or wants in a tamper, I will do my best to provide the perfect tamper for them. The excitement and the experimenting never stops. The tamper has come a long way, and it’s amazing to see the role it takes on today. I don’t know what the next evolution might be, but I do know that the feeling I get seeing a barista excited and happy to make an exquisite coffee with my tamper is one like no other. Today, the tamper is a crucial tool, a personal mark, and a piece of the barista’s character and coffee making style. I would never have imagined that the coffee tamper would take on such an influential role, and all I can say is that I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it. “

S P O R T I N G

A L L - S T A R S

T O

R I D E

HARLEY Davidson W

Mic h a el H o o p e r a nd T r a vi s C l o k e a n n oun ced a s ne w br a nd a m ba s s a d o r s

allabies captain Michael Hooper Parramatta Eels and NSW Blues and AFL star Travis Cloke are hero Nathan Hindmarsh; legendary set to join Harley-Davidson® in All Blacks flanker Josh Kronfeld; official ambassadorial roles. The Seven Network TV personality announcement comes on the same day that the James Tobin; and stunt rider Matt iconic US brand unveiled its all-new motorcycle, Mingay, who will be showing off his the StreetTM 500, at MOTO EXPO in Melbourne. incredible skills with performances Collingwood Football throughout the Club star forward Cloke duration of MOTO Harley Davidson Street 500 I’VE BEEN HOOKED ON - who is currently riding EXPO. HARLEY FROM THE MOMENT blood. I’ve always envied my dad’s Harley and a Harley-Davidson Street “I’ve been hooked I WENT ON MY FIRST, wanted to one day ride my own with him. Glide® Special - will be on Harley from the moment I THUNDERING RIDE. IN FACT, “This is going to be the start of a journey which will present to meet and greet went on my first, thundering ride. THE LOVE AFFAIR WENT BACK In fact, the love affair went back no doubt leave me with a lifetime of experiences fans at the MOTO EXPO like no other. I can’t wait to be back in Australia FURTHER TO BEFORE I HAD from midday on Saturday further to before I had my licence and go on a ride with the guys.” 29th November at the it was the dream of one day MY LICENCE – IT WAS THE “Harley-Davidson is thrilled that on top of all the Harley-Davidson stand. owning a Harley that kick-started DREAM OF ONE DAY OWNING exciting things we have going on at MOTO EXPO, Meanwhile, Australia and my passion for bikes and led me A HARLEY THAT KICKwe have the privilege of formally announcing the Waratahs flanker, Hooper, to get my licence,” commented STARTED MY PASSION FOR relationships we hold with Michael Hooper and will get his first taste of Travis Cloke. BIKES AND LED ME TO GET Travis Cloke,” commented Adam Wright, Director of riding a Harley-Davidson “To join the Harley-Davidson MY LICENCE. Marketing for Harley-Davidson Australia and New motorcycle once he family and be one of the privileged Zealand. returns from Australia’s few official ambassadors for a “Both Michael and Travis are fantastic Spring Tour in Europe to brand that I have so much passion representatives for Australian sport, so we look jump on the new Harley-Davidson Street 500. for is unbelievable,” continued Cloke. forward to getting out on the road with them as we The pair join Harley-Davidson’s roster of celebrity Michael Hooper, Australia and Waratahs rugby go into 2015,” continued Wright. followers, which includes the likes of former union captain said: “Harley-Davidson runs in my 69

Coffee machine Review { W I T H S E A N E D WA R D S }

Rocket Giotto PID v3

a d d i n g

a n

IMPORTANT

TOOL

{ INTO YOUR BUSINESS}

IN AUSTRALIA WE DRINK OVER 13 BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF COFFEE FROM OUR HOME ENVIRONMENT, AND ESPRESSO COFFEE IS NOW OUR DRINK OF CHOICE. THIS TREND HAS HAPPENED FASTER IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE POD/CAPSULE MACHINE. The Giotto has many technical features in its latest able to offer your clients a crackingly good espresso This has made espresso coffee very model, replicating a high end commercial coffee based coffee! Already, so many of the nation’s hair affordable to have in the home, and in machine like you see in cafes, but still very easy to salons have this on offer for their customers, Now small business like the barbershop. The use. Going from a capsule machine to the Giotto is with the emergence of the men’s barbershop, it’s pod system is a great starting block, but like going from a FJ Holden to a Ferrari. A huge jump time to get on board. it has a few issues, like the strength of the pod in quality, at a great price point. The Rocket Giotto is a wonderful addition to any serve. It is quite weak considering a Nespresso Its time to add some quality into your barber small to medium size business in any industry. Add capsule can only take around 5 grams of coffee. business. Stop sending your Most café owners are serving a customers up the street for a coffee, volume of plus ten grams through or offering that weak brew that they a traditional espresso machine IN THIS CATEGORY OF ESPRESSO MACHINE, THE pretend to like. single cup coffee. Pods, or capsule ROCKET GIOTTO DELIVERS THE SAME FOUR KEY Please contact Andrew or Kristine machines, are also not going to FEATURES THAT A COMMERCIAL MACHINE DOES. THIS at Peak Coffee on 02 65812677 give you the same milk steaming M E A N S T H E O U T C O M E I S I D E N T I C A L I N E V E R Y WA Y or Espresso Company Australia on quality that you would get from TO YOUR FAVOURITE ESPRESSO BAR CAFÉ PURCHASE, 1300 326 326 for sales and service a boiler style espresso setup. PROVIDED YOU FOLLOW A FEW BASIC STEPS. Please visit www.giotto.com.au Remember, 95% of coffees sold in cafes are milk based. value and retro style to your customer service. A I would like to introduce a system that is the Giotto will give the cool element that the modern next step up from a capsule model. It is going to Barber space is renowned for. have some real longevity into the future. I have A reasonably small investment for such a great personally owned a Giotto Coffee machine now for value add quality café coffee experience in store. over ten years and it has not missed a beat. Last 15 years on, and the year on year growth of this year I gave it a birthday present and put in a new Rocket Giotto category of machinery has been very shower screen and seal, which cost less than $20. impressive for home. Also specifically for the small Not bad maintenance for a machine that has turned to medium sized businesses that wish to pride out thousands of life saving morning brews. themselves on adding another level of customer Imagine, Rocket Giotto PID V3 ‘Cutting Edge, in focused service, a wonderful coffee. barbershops, offering espressos! This machine In this category of espresso machine, the Rocket has a very small footprint and will replicate a fully Giotto delivers the same four key features that a commercially espresso system. It’s the top of the commercial machine does. This means the outcome range home machine but it’s semi commercially is identical in every way to your favourite espresso applicable. There are many small restaurants and bar café purchase, provided you follow a few basic bars that use the Giotto as their coffee system. steps. It’s really not a difficult series of short steps to be

Photos courtesy of Mashara Wachudy

THE

SNAKE

HOLE

THE 74

NOOK

Arts

JOSHBrown THE

SNAKE

HOLE

THE

NOOK

There is a weightless ease of travelling down the wide four-lane freeway; the path is worn from the many who have travelled it before, to a destination many have sought out. However, for Mornington Peninsula’s Josh Brown, the trail to establishing a creative culture in his hometown was new ground - a path he’d have to carve out for himself.

nspired by his sister’s own pursuits in graphic design, Josh had always been artistically inquisitive. Previously working for clothing brand Insight in Sydney, it wasn’t long before Josh returned to his hometown to chase his own creative aspirations. Naturally, he looked to Melbourne’s inner suburbs, a breeding ground rife with creatives. You could throw a rock in Fitzroy, and you’re bound to hit another studio. Yet his passion for surf culture and longing for home gave Josh other ideas.

“I looked in the city, but decided to stay on the Peninsula and surf. There is nothing like this down here,” explained Josh. Running out of the back of his dad’s factory, machines were replaced with walls and insulation to block out the squealing grinders from next door … The Snake Hole was born. “I would come in the morning, do three hours in the factory, pay my rent off and work the rest of the day,” laughed Josh.

collaborative art show. The inviting industrial aesthetic is set off with plenty of natural light. Yet as aesthetically pleasing the space may appear, it’s the community surrounding it that you will first notice. The community established within the industrial estate is furthered by high-school friend and next-door neighbour Sam Keck, with Commonfolk Coffee Company. What use to be an old stone masonry is now a thriving café and roastery, that also provides a second entrance to The Snake Hole. “These two things work hand in hand,” Josh explained. “Our whole plan for this was to provide a space for emerging artists who we saw were doing rad stuff and to give them a space to get some exposure. It is really hard for an artist to find a gallery they

It wasn’t long before expansion was on the horizon and after having “the chat” to his dad, the day came and Josh pounced: “I’m moving out; do you want the space?” He went straight into business with his sister, Kristy, and brother Joel and created The Nook, a place creatives could come together to work alongside like-minded people. The space encompasses six studios for the like-minded, a common room, meeting room and a large gallery. Where The Snake Hole gallery caters to a niche of low-fi exhibitions, The Nook gallery is an accommodating chameleon and has seen the likes of book launches, photo exhibitions, yoga classes, and Hither Thither & Yon, an all-female 75

can afford, for one, and also one willing to take on a young creative” - which is exactly what they are achieving. The space has created a culture and a community that is fostering young artists on the Peninsula and giving them a leg up in the industry. As well as supporting other artists, and doing their own shows, The Snake Hole has their own clothing range on the horizon. “My whole dream was to work alongside other creatives and do something on the Peninsula where it wasn’t happening; it’s like people had this mental block that you can’t do this down here. I still have to pinch myself that I get to make a living out of it.”

www.thesnakehole.com www.thenook.com.au Written by Ethan Jenkins

Colouring in books I L L U S T R AT O R G R E G O R Y S T E V E N S O N C R E AT I V E C O L O U R I N G F O R G R O W N - U P S : TAT T O O D E S I G N S

Outside the lines { S O U R I S H O N G - P O R R E T TA }

Let your imagination loose with these amazing colouring pics in Oustide The Lines.

color me happy { LUCY MUCKLOW}

Don’t worry. Colour this in and be happy. Color Me Happy.

Who says colouring in is just for kids? No, I actually really want to know who said it because I wanted to speak to them and say ‘hey man, that junk you said about colouring in, you were way off’. This colouring in stuff is the business. We’re not talking pictures of Spot at the Beach or lame umbrellas, but actual cool arty things to colour. How popular are you gonna be, the guy in the corner of the local organic café, sipping his soy decaf latte and COLOURING IN! You’ll be one of those trend setting type people (check out that guy over there Jan, I love his pencils, I wonder if he needs help sharpening them). What are you waiting for?

Colour me good { MEL ELLIOTT}

He’s everywhere at the moment. And now you can colour him in. Colour Me Good: Benedict Cumberbatch

Creative therapy colouring book

Creative colouring for grown-ups: Tattoo Designs

{ H A N N A H D AV I E S }

If you’re stressed and worried, apparently spending time doing this can help. Creative Therapy Colouring Book.

{ MICHAEL O’MARA BOOKS}

Colouring in gets tough with Tattoo Designs.

BOOKs and MUSIC

Platypus

Shadows in The Night

{ PELICAN ITCH}

{ BOB DYLAN}

The critics are divided. You’re gonna have to listen and decide for yourself. Those people that are inspired and delighted by it, I feel really happy for them. But I love Dylan too much to buy it. I’m firmly placing my fingers in my ears, singing la-la-la and never speaking of this again.

What’d you say? You’re fully hanging to listen to some fresh, new, old school, guitar driven rock music? Drum solos, killer vocals and angstridden lyrics? Well, it’s your lucky day. Pelican Itch have just released their debut album, Platypus. Great to hear some new Aussie rock. With a little Chilli Peppers thrown in. A classic straight up, boys!

THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE INSPIRED AND DELIGHTED BY IT, I FEEL REALLY HAPPY FOR THEM.

PELICAN ITCH HAVE JUST RELEASED THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, PLATYPUS. GREAT TO HEAR SOME NEW AUSSIE ROCK.

Fear and saturday night { R YA N B I N G H A M }

It’s listed under “country music”, but I’m not sure it belongs there? If it does, it’s definitely more the Americana type. And it’s BRILLIANT, by the way. It’s raw and grungy, not over produced, which is what makes it so great. For a guy who started out by winning a Grammy, an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his song in the film Crazy Heart, it’s awesome and surprising that he hasn’t travelled down the most likes road. He’s instead chosen soul and substance.

Hozier { HOZIER}

This is bluesy, soulful rock ‘n’ roll at its very bestest. If you love the single Take Me To Church, you need to buy the whole album. Hozier’s unique, transcendent vocals and stirring melodies make for some seriously potent stuff. We can’t get enough of this Irish singer songwriter. A must have for your collection.

HOZIER’S UNIQUE, TRANSCENDENT VOCALS AND STIRRING MELODIES MAKE FOR SOME SERIOUSLY POTENT STUFF.

IT’S LISTED UNDER “COUNTRY MUSIC” BUT I’M NOT SURE IT BELONGS THERE? IF IT DOES, IT’S DEFINITELY MORE THE AMERICANA TYPE.

cutting

Culture $

79.95

CARRE Saint Patron Pocket B utton Up White/b and ana

149.95

T H ING-T H ING Fa ke Jea n Di stressed Indi go

159.95 Ni ke Wo mens Ai r H ua r a che Run

Products available at Culture Kings. Visit www.culturekings.com.au 78

39.95

.95

269

39.95

CARRE Va rsi ty Sna pba ck Bla ck/Whi te

CARRE Sli de Sta ndard Fi t Tee Black

Tim b erl ands Leather B oot Whi te Leather/nub uck

CAR R E S tat e 3 M S n apback Black 3 M

44.95

cutting

Culture CARRE Poi gnet Butto n Up Shi rt Na vy/red/ whi te

99.95

39.95

c ar r e Scis s ion Tee Wh it e

99.95

Con ver se Wome n s Rub b er HI

119.95

Ni ke Ro sherun Premi um

149.95

Ni ke Ai r Fli ght 89 Whi te/flt Gold-pure

Products available at Culture Kings. Visit www.culturekings.com.au

with the lionbeard - nathan green

Crossfit Hijacked

The 15 minute workout This issue, Nathan Green, owner operator of CrossFit Hijacked, shows us how to get maximum impact from your workout when you only have minimal time.

Don't let the simplicity of this fool you. This workout is bad ass!

'The plank'

c'mon, Do it like you mean it

'the superman'

Get into pushup position on the floor. Now bend your elbows 90 degrees and rest your weight on your forearms. Your elbows should be directly beneath your shoulders, and your body should form a straight line from your head to your feet. Hold the position for as long as you can. Your goal should be to hold it for two minutes.

Lie face down on your belly. Engage your whole posterior chain by squeezing your butt and raising both your legs and chest off the ground as far as you can. You can have your arms by your side or make it harder by stretching your arms out above your head.

'The hollow rock'

Lie down face up with your arms and legs both extended about one foot off the floor. The goal is to be the shape of a rocking chair. Then, much like a rocking chair, start moving back and forth while keeping your body stiff and without raising your arms and legs. The easier version that you can do is started with your arms by your side and your knee bent and raised near your chest with your butt slightly of the ground. You can then progress to a harder position by lowering one leg then 2 then to the full position when you are strong enough.