This month we caught up with our first service-based business at Boxworks, a Forward Space building in Brabazon, Bristol.
We spoke with Seb at Barber Box to find out more about what he loves about being based at Boxworks, and why he took the leap of faith and started his own business in barbering!
How did you get started in barbering? Was there a particular moment that made you want to pursue it as a career?
Barbering was never something I wanted to do, it kind of found me if I’m honest!
Before barbering, I actually worked in schools as a support teacher with an aim to go into teaching full time. There was a lot I loved about the job, but unfortunately there was a lot I also disliked and disagreed with. Leaving teaching was a difficult decision but I felt that I needed more freedom over my working life.
My wife worked as a hairdresser at the time and I’ve always had an eye for detail, a creative flair, and I would always keep up with hair trends and get trims religiously every two weeks!
She gave me the push I needed to look at barbering. When I did, I realised it offered me the freedom that I was looking for and it would fulfill the creative in me too. That’s when I found Thomas Lloyd Barbering Academy in Cardiff. I enrolled in the course, left my job in teaching and the rest is history! I haven’t looked back – I love my job!
Tell us more about Barber Box! What inspired you to make the leap and start your own barbering space?
I’ve been barbering for nearly 10 years now. Once qualified, I landed my first Job at a Barbershop in Henleaze, and this is where I truly honed my craft and bettered myself as I learnt from those around me.
I took a year out and lived in Australia with my wife which was one of the best experiences of my life. I landed a job there and cut hair in a barber shop in a brewery for 6 months of the trip, which was nuts!
When we got back in 2021, it really made me start to think about having my own place and building something with the vision I had.
I didn’t want life to get away from me, I’m 35 now and life moves quickly, too quickly! I don’t want to be that guy in 20 years time to have a list of ‘what if’s?’.. I want to be the guy who looked at the opportunities I’ve been given and took the risk, regardless of what happens because life is too short!
I think you have to believe in yourself, and yes, there are definitely fears and worries to take into account. I had to consider financial overheads, managing the business, growth, and more.. but I just decided to trust God that now is the time for me and my family – I’m all in!
What made you choose Boxworks as the location for Barber Box, and how has working in a shipping container workspace shaped the feel of your business?
If you know Bristol well, you know that it’s a city that isn’t short of Barber shops!
I knew that to stand out from the crowd I had to offer something unique. I feel that people are looking for something that stands out, and I feel that Boxworks has given me a space that I can create that. The container concept gave me a blank canvas to create the vision I had and design a new experience that encourages conversation, connection and great cuts, with great music and good vibes!
What’s unique about the Barber Box experience? How do you want your clients to feel when they come to you for a haircut?
The Barber Box experience is all about offering a fresh and personalised approach to barbering. With the unique setting of a refurbished shipping container, a modern and intimate vibe within a comfortable yet professional environment, the experience is designed to feel high-energy and tailored to each individual.
I want clients to feel like they’ve just stepped into a space where they matter, and they’re not just getting a haircut—they’re getting a personalised experience that makes them feel confident, relaxed, and ready to take on the day. The goal is to blend precision with creativity in every cut, all while ensuring my customers leave feeling their best.
Do you have a favourite hairstyle or grooming trend that you’re really enjoying right now?
Hair is like fashion. People look to previous generations and take what they’ve seen before but put a modern twist on it!
I think right now my two favourites have got to be the burst fade which is like a traditional mullet, but with more of a tapered fade on the sides. I also like a textured taper fade, which is like a skin fade, but slightly softer, with a messy textured top. These, along with skin fades, are probably what is most popular with teens and young adults right now, but work for any age.
What do you love about working in Brabazon? Any go-to spots you’d recommend in the surrounding area?
I love the prospect of what’s being created in this area, YTL are building a sub-city within a city! It’s a really cool place to be and it’s only going to get better with the new Brabazon housing being built around it. I’m definitely looking forward to the new arena!
Aside from the usual spots like Cribbs Causeway, the top 3 places that I’d recommend locally would be:
— The Wave is an epic surf spot for any age or ability plus it has a great spot to eat or grab a drink in the sun!
— The Bristol Golf Course is a spot I go to regularly to get a round in with mates.
— Bristol Pitbulls Ice Hockey – if you haven’t gone yet, it’s so good!
When you’re not at Barber Box, where would we find you? Do you have any hobbies or favourite places to unwind?
I’m a big sport guy, so you’ll either find me watching sport or playing some kind of sport, but I’m no spring chicken anymore so that involves a sport that isn’t going to break my legs or my hands!
You’ll generally find me on a golf course with mates and a couple of beers, enjoying the sun, and playing some seriously average golf.
Other than that, I’m a musician and have a passion for both playing and listening to music. Although my gig days have ended, I still enjoy watching live music when I get the chance, and Bristol has one of the best music scenes in the country!
Desert Island Situation: What three things could you not live without? (besides your clippers!)
Essshhh, that’s a difficult one..okay, firstly:
— A BIG TV – like cinema size, PS5 Pro Call of Duty & FIFA – this is a bundle, so it counts as one!
— An NFL football that I’ll name Wilson – IYKYK!
— Bear Grylls – so I could survive and hopefully get off the island!
Finally – if you could sum up Barber Box in one sentence, what would you say?
A contemporary, modern barbershop within a unique industrial container setting, serving up fresh cuts and crisp fades with passion.
Where else can we find you?
Website – www.barberboxbristol.com
Instagram @barberboxbristol
TikTok @barberboxbristol
Book a haircut here!
