Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Sherman And Ken Cairns.
Hi Andrew Sherman and Ken Cairns, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Andrew and I worked together as barbers before we became business partners. Over time, we realized we had a similar idea of what a barbershop should be. We wanted to create a better experience for the clients, but also a better place for barbers to work.
Opening our first Philadelphia Barber Company location was where everything really started. At the time, we were focused on building a shop that felt professional without feeling overly formal. We wanted people to feel comfortable when they came in, and we wanted the quality of the work and the overall experience to be consistent.
Neither of us started out knowing everything involved in running a business. We learned as we went. That included managing employees, dealing with construction and leases, understanding the financial side of the business, and figuring out how to grow without losing what made the shop work in the first place.
Hemlock Grooming Supply came later as a natural extension of the barbershops. We were using grooming products every day and felt there was room for products that performed well, used better ingredients, and had a brand that reflected our style and values. We first developed the products for use in our own shops, and from there Hemlock gradually grew into its own business.
Today, we operate multiple barbershop locations and continue to build Hemlock. We are both still very involved in the day-to-day decisions. Most of our growth has come from paying attention to what works, being honest about what does not, and continuing to improve things one step at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. When we opened our first shop, we knew how to cut hair and how we wanted clients to feel, but we had to learn almost every other part of running a business as we went.
Hiring and managing a team has probably been one of the biggest learning experiences. Every person communicates and works differently, and we had to learn how to set clear expectations, handle difficult conversations, and build a culture where people could succeed. We have made mistakes along the way, but each one has helped us become better owners and managers.
Another challenge is that we still work behind the chair while running the barbershops and Hemlock. We are cutting hair, working with clients, managing employees, developing products, solving problems, and planning for growth, often all in the same day. It can be difficult to step away from the immediate work long enough to focus on the bigger picture.
There have been stressful periods, long days, and plenty of situations we were not fully prepared for. We have learned that owning a business is less about having every answer and more about being willing to adapt, take responsibility, and keep improving.
We’ve been impressed with The Philadelphia Barber Company and Hemlock Grooming Supply, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Philadelphia Barber Company is a neighborhood barbershop focused on good haircuts, consistency, and making people feel comfortable when they come in. We do both modern and traditional men’s cuts, but the experience matters just as much to us as the haircut itself. We want the shops to feel professional, but never stiff or unwelcoming.
One thing that sets us apart is that we still cut hair and work in the shops. We are around the clients, the barbers, and the everyday problems that come with running the business. We are not trying to manage everything from an office. Being there keeps us connected to what is actually happening and helps us understand what needs to improve.
Hemlock Grooming Supply came out of our experience working behind the chair. We used grooming products every day and felt like there was room for products that worked well, used better ingredients, and had a look and feel that matched us. We started by making products for use in our own shops, and over time it grew into a separate brand.
Hemlock is inspired by the outdoors and uses botanical ingredients. The products are tested in our barbershops, so we get to see how they perform on different hair types and styles before they ever reach a customer. We also try to use recyclable glass and aluminum packaging whenever we can.
What we are most proud of is that both businesses came from real experience. The barbershops were built from years of working with clients, and Hemlock was built from years of actually using grooming products. Neither brand was created just to fill a gap in the market. They both grew out of the work we were already doing and the things we believed could be done better.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Our biggest advice would be to learn the business side as early as possible. When we started, we knew how to cut hair and take care of clients, but things like managing people, understanding the numbers, creating systems, and planning ahead were all learned through experience.
We also wish we had understood sooner that you cannot do everything yourself forever. In the beginning, it feels easier to handle every problem personally, but that eventually limits the business and wears you down. You have to learn how to communicate clearly, trust other people, and build systems that do not depend on you being involved in every small decision.
At the same time, do not wait until everything is perfect before you start. You are never going to feel completely ready. Make the best decision you can with the information you have, pay attention to what is working, and be willing to adjust.
Most importantly, be patient. Growth usually takes longer than expected, and there will be mistakes, setbacks, and periods where you question whether you are doing the right thing. Try to learn from those moments instead of letting them stop you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thephiladelphiabarberco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philadelphiabarberco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiabarberco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT5pfZ7-yEI
- Other: https://www.hemlockgroomingsupply.com
