From classmates to business owners

Why did you choose barbering as a career? Was there a light bulb moment when you thought, ‘Yeah, I can do this’?

Joss:
When Covid hit, I dropped out of school. It just wasn’t for me. I had no direction and wasn’t in a great place, especially managing type 1 diabetes. I tried a few jobs, but nothing gave me motivation or satisfaction. I’d always wanted a job where I could help others, particularly around mental health, but I knew university wasn’t the path for me.

One night I picked up clippers with some friends and something just clicked. It gave me the same feeling I get when I’m surfing – completely present. I became obsessed and started practising as much as I could. That’s when I realised barbering was for me.

Seth:
I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school either. I tried a few jobs and business ideas, but nothing stuck. I picked up clippers just for fun, cutting mates’ hair without thinking much of it. Then I started to see the potential; in myself and barbering as a career. That’s when I decided to commit and give it everything.

They say great business ideas start with a coffee between friends. How did The Social Barbershop come to life? 

Joss
We were always talking about it, sitting in the campus cafe, having coffee and dreaming about opening a shop together. By the end of our studies, it felt like there was no other option. We had the same goals and are great mates. After working separately in other shops, we realised how well we worked together and decided to back ourselves.

Seth
We knew we wanted to be our own bosses and create something of our own and when this space became available we jumped on it. It all came together quickly. After around two months of hard work with the help of our families renovating and setting up the shop, we opened The Social Barbershop in January 2026.

From the moment a client comes in the front door, what can they expect?

Joss:
We focus on personalised service, taking the time to understand exactly what each client wants. Every customer gets a thorough consultation so they leave feeling confident and understood. The space is just as important. We wanted it to feel like a community, not just a transactional service. People come in, stay, chat and connect. Our goal is for clients to feel welcomed, relaxed and in safe hands.

Seth:
The response has been strong from day one, mostly by word of mouth. We’ve had great support from school students, parents and locals and we want the space to be for everyone, all ages, all styles.

We also create our own styling products used in-store and available to buy.

What keeps you both motivated?

Joss:
We’re both really motivated to make the most of what’s in front of us. There’s no point doing something unless you’re going to give it your all.

Seth:
At this stage in our lives we don’t want to get comfortable. We want to keep improving and doing better for ourselves.

Reflecting on your time at The Gordon, what lessons or experiences have shaped you?

Joss:
The biggest thing was the sense of belonging. That’s what we’ve aimed to recreate here, a space where people feel heard and safe. We learned the technical skills, but we’ve made friendships and connections that will stay with us for life.

Seth:
Our teacher Ben had the biggest impact. He went above and beyond for everyone in the class and still supports us today. He believed in us early on, even coming to our opening day, which meant a lot. He continues to promote our work and is genuinely interested in what we’re doing. It’s almost like a proud dad moment. We still go back and visit him at TAFE.

It wasn’t just his teaching, it was mentorship. And it wasn’t just us; he’s that way with everyone in the class. That encouragement has shaped how we approach business, and how we want people to feel in our space.

Your ambition so early in your careers is inspiring. What’s one piece of advice you’d offer?

Joss:
Don’t underestimate yourself. Even when things feel dark or uncertain, you don’t always know where you’ll end up but when something clicks, back yourself and go all in.

Seth:
If there’s an opportunity in front of you, give it a go. Don’t overthink it. Back yourself and see where it can take you.