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W Squared provides retained payroll services to Uncle Classic Barbershop.

September 18, 2009

Amy Tanksley, Owner

What personal business experience led to your decision to open? Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to be part of the health and beauty business. Given that I am not tremendously creative, I eventually realized I could use my strengths - numbers and operations - in the field I loved.

My husband grew up in Nashville and spent several years in Southern California. From the moment we married, he always complained about having to get his hair cut and dreamed of one day having his own barbershop. We spoke of opening one for years before finally deciding to do it.

Did you have an "ah-ha" moment? Absolutely. As a woman, I look forward to my visits to the salon because I know that I'm going to be pampered, and that I will look better when I leave than when I arrived. But I found that for men, getting their hair cut was an evil necessity. Most men told me they couldn't imagine spending any more time than what was absolutely necessary at their haircutting locale because they hated every second.

Uncle Classic Barbershop creates an opportunity for men to enjoy a haircut with all the trimmings in a sophisticated masculine environment with only the most professional barbers and cosmetologists.

You opened despite the recession. Why? Well, the lease was signed when the economy really went down the tubes, so there was no turning back. Looking back - had we known how bad things would get - I'm not sure we would have moved forward. However, I am so glad we did. If anything, the recession has made the Uncle concept - consistently excellent haircuts and premium customer service - shine.

Describe your primary market? We target men living and working in both the Belle Meade and Brentwood communities. Most of our clients are professionals who want to look consistently polished. We don't use the words "trendy" or "metrosexual" at the barbershop.

When do you anticipate your business will become profitable? We hope that both shops will be profitable within the first year they are open.

What research did you do to test the feasibility of your business? I think my husband had his hair cut almost weekly for several months as we visited other barbershops and men's salons.

Type Of Business | Men's Barbershop

Address | Hill Center Belle Meade, 4326 Harding Pike, Suite 106, Nashville 37205
Brentwood Place, 330 Franklin Road, Suite 910-D, Brentwood 37027

Phone | Belle Meade, (615) 297-6001; Brentwood, (615) 309-0044

Employees | 12

Web Site | uncleclassicbarbershop.com

How Long Open | Belle Meade, 3 months; Brentwood, 9 months

Projected First-year Revenue | $275,000 - $325,000

W Squared provides retained payroll services to Uncle Classic Barbershop.