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W Squared provides retained payroll services and human resource consulting to Uncle Classic Barbershop.
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October 20, 2008
Business Q&A: Old-time barbershop blends with salon services for men
By Mitchell Kline
Brentwood, TN - Amy Tanksley is banking on Brentwood men.
The Nebraska native, who married Brentwood High School graduate Kirk Tanksley and moved to Brentwood in 2007, recently opened a full-service barbershop. In the Brentwood Place shopping center (330 Franklin Road, Suite 910-D), Uncle Classic Barbershop offers haircuts, coloring, hot straight-razor shaves, shoeshines, and foot and hand grooming. The shop carries a variety of men's grooming products. It's open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Why is a full-service men's barbershop a good business to start?
"I feel strongly that the men who live and work in the Brentwood community are looking for something different when it comes to their grooming needs. Men want a sophisticated, masculine environment where they can get the extra pampering they deserve. The men in this community also demand premium grooming products that, until now, have not been available in the Greater Nashville market."
How did you prepare for this opening?
"For the better part of the last year, I researched the best barbershops in the world and the best business practices within the salon industry. After investigating several franchise opportunities, we decided to create our own concept, which was completely empowering but also overwhelming. We knew that we wanted to do something that looked and felt like a traditional barbershop, but with a modern flair and a wider variety of services."
Do you think most men would go for hair coloring and foot grooming?
"Absolutely. Sales of at-home color products have increased dramatically over the past few years as appearance matters more and more in the workplace and job market. Men are coloring their hair; they just don't necessarily want to talk about it. We encourage these men to come to Uncle for a more superior and longer-lasting result.
"Foot grooming is an absolute must for men. We've already had so many clients admire our semi-private foot-grooming throne with its private, 42-inch plasma television. It's a service so many men want to try but oftentimes feel uncomfortable with their suit pants rolled up in front of a room full of women."
What has been the hardest part of starting a new business?
"The hardest part has been working through my own doubts. There were days I would wake up and wonder just what on earth I was doing opening a men's barbershop. Did I have enough experience? Was I making the right decisions? However, the bad days were tempered by the far numerous days where I would receive incredibly positive feedback from friends, family and Uncle team members, who consistently cheered me on. In the long run, the hard work has been worth the effort, especially with the number of gentlemen who leave Uncle incredibly satisfied with their experience."
How did you settle on the look and style of the barbershop?
"Well, the name was the easiest part. My husband always dreamed of opening a barbershop and naming it Uncle. Through all our design iterations, the name was the only piece that remained the same. We wanted something that was classic and would appeal to men regardless of age. As Kirk says, 'Classic never goes out of style.' We definitely didn't want anything that was too theme-y."
What is your biggest concern about the success of the place?
"My biggest concern about Uncle's success is twofold - finding and retaining the most talented barbers and cosmetologists in Nashville and providing consistently excellent service to all of my customers. Without both, we will not have the type of success we're working toward."
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W Squared provides retained payroll services and human resource consulting to Uncle Classic Barbershop.