What it's like to be a lady behind the chair

Meet Shan – the barber and a member of the Booksy family. Read as Shan talks about the biggest challenge she has faced working in a male-dominated field. 

How (and when) did you get into barbering?

I started cutting hair back in 2008. My brother decided that he no longer wanted to go to the barbershop and he allowed me to cut his hair – with a lot of trial and error I noticed that I was actually kind of good at it. That’s how it started.

The barbershop is traditionally a sacred male space. What is it like to be a lady behind the chair?

The biggest challenge is really gaining the trust of male customers. Most of them have never received a haircut from a female barber so that is really the struggle. As far as the barbers, they accepted me with open arms and they were willing to show me the ropes. All barbers  - both male and female -  inspire me to be better each and every day as there is a constant battle against us but a friendly one.

Barbershop is a place not only to get your haircut, but also to chat. Do people come to your barbershop just to hang out?

Occasionally yes because our barbershop is not just typical barbershop. We make it an inviting environment for women, men, and children. We have a game system for the kids which they really love. We provide a complimentary mini facial for all our clients. Also the women enjoy the fact they can actually come sit and enjoy the service that is given to either their husbands, kids, or even themselves in a safe and friendly environment.

What’s the key to being a successful fenale barber?

I love that I can be myself and be creative. I love doing low fades and I love working with people. My job is my passion and that’s the key to success – to have a passion for what you're doing, plus great attitude and a lot of patience.