
What were some of the best events that Blind Barber put on in the bar space over the years? After that, it was a no-brainer to continue creating stuff that would further embody the mission of Blind Barber, which is to make people feel like the best versions of themselves. Once we decided to make our product line, we were introduced to some of the greatest labs in the country. When we started seeing the response of our shop and how the brand went beyond the immediate neighborhood and started to branch out, and got attention from everyone ranging from New York Times, GQ and Complex, we then pondered what else we could create to make this even more ours. What was the process of coming up with these formulas and bringing them to the masses?īlind Barber has been this blank canvas for us hardworking creatives that were down to fail fast and learn quickly. You were also the main person from the team who really spearheaded the creation of your now staple hair and beauty product line. For some reason, the barber technique was always downplayed, but people with short hair actually care just as much about their hair as those who go to the salons, and beer just seemed natural to pair with it. I wanted to bring the experience that people were having in the salons and bring it to the barbershop world. There was this major gap at the time, and it seemed like the barbers were not getting compensated for the level of skill they were providing. On the flip side, and it’s not the case anymore, a barbershop was a place where my friends would get a $15 haircut, in and out. You get a glass of wine, an espresso, a nice robe, great reading material, and everyone’s hanging out, and everyone knows you.

When you would go into these salons, you would be with a top-notch stylist, the salons are beautiful, the attention to clients’ happiness is top-notch.

I was lucky to work at some really cool salons that offered an experience beyond the haircut. What kind of environment are you trying to foster with Blind Barber? Once he came in, he helped us tie it all together, and it’s been off to the races ever since. We had two locations at the time, but it wasn’t a cohesive brand yet. Then our fourth co-owner Matt Breen came on board two years later to help push us to the next level. Little by little, we all started to feed into each other. I operated the barbershop, and over the course of time, we learned each other’s lanes. Josh and Adam were in charge of operating the bar aspect. When I brought it to Josh, he had a bar at the time that he was selling, but instead of going through with that, we converted it into Blind Barber. I had a pretty healthy grasp of how a salon worked and operated.
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I had no experience in the food and beverage world and the bar industry, but when I was introduced to Josh Boyd and Adam Kirsch, I had a business plan and an idea but didn’t know how to execute it yet. How did the rest of the team help jump-start Blind Barber and its nightlife component? Obviously, you brought your experience from that industry to the table when you linked up with the other co-owners. It was just a part-time gig hanging out with a creative community and a way to make some cash. I didn’t know it was going to be a career at the time. JEFF LAUB: My mom was a manager at a really reputable salon in the Tri-state area, and when I was out of work in college, I would pick up some gigs running the front desk, so that was my first introduction into the salon world. Read more: RATSTAR believes shopping vintage is the best way to avoid fast fashion What was your first introduction to the salon/barber industry? The future looks bright for Blind Barber, as they plan to open additional locations in the near future and continue to provide a space where you can look and feel your best. We spoke with co-owner Jeff Laub, who was instrumental in developing the brand’s concept and has led the charge in developing their hop-infused hair product brand into something that goes far beyond their already impeccable brick-and-mortar shops and bars.

The space includes the best mixologists, DJs and special performances and events that vary across each location.īlind Barber was founded by four hard-working creatives who each brought in their distinct experiences, ranging from the salon and food and beverage industries to brand marketing and development, to create a fully realized vision that’s constantly evolving. Not only are guests treated to top-notch services, world-class hair products and a complimentary cocktail, but once the service is complete, you can simply walk through the door in the back and be transported to a retro-inspired and exceptionally designed lounge and nightclub. With locations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia, Blind Barber is hands down the most definitive barbershop experience in the U.S.
