A PAIR of barbers from Wilmslow have come up with a cutting-edge business idea which they hope will revolutionise the way you get your hair cut.
Friends Dylan Powell and Joe Salvatore have launched Gorilla Barber Company, a barbershop service on wheels.
The duo has completely transformed two Mercedes Sprinter vans to create a mobile salon with all modern facilities of a traditional barbershop, and they’re taking to the road to ply their trade.
The business idea was prompted after Dylan and Joe – who have both became dads in the past three months – lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
Dylan, 23, said: “We’d both had the same idea, but separately and when we talked about it, we decided we just had to go for it.
“It’s nerve-wracking because we’ve thrown everything we’ve got at it, but the response so far has been incredible. We’ve had loads of interest since we launched.”
The pair worked hard over the past three months, converting the vans to ensure they are comfortable and safe for their clients.
Dylan said: “We did it ourselves – well, to be honest, Joe and his stepdad Marco did a lot of the hard work because they're really handy like that. I couldn’t even change a lightbulb before we started the process, so I’ve learned a lot in the past few months!”
The vans are fully kitted out for cutting hair in the back and the stylish interior looks a good as any modern city centre barbershop. The one-to-one service includes all the usual treatments you’d expect from a high-end shop including cut and finish, beard trim, full shave and hot towel beard sculpt.
Joe, 28, said: “I think part of the appeal is that our service offers a safer way of staying groomed – why sit and wait in a shop when we can come to you and offer and one-to-one service? It’s way more convenient for customers too – we’ll come to you at your workplace, home or a location of your choice.”
The friends currently serve areas within 15 minutes’ drive of Wilmslow but are hoping that if it proves to be a success there will be more Gorilla Barber Company vans on the road in the coming months.
Joe added: “We really hope it grows as a business – it would be great to turn it into a franchise.”
Visit Gorilla Barber Company on Facebook or Instagram to find out more about the services on offer and how to make a booking.
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