International Women’s Day is something we like to celebrate as we feel it’s important to acknowledge the women in our business. This year we interviewed our Lead Educator Issy, who has been with the business since 2021 where she joined as a barber working in both Dubai and New York, and most recently promoted to our Lead Educator where she focuses on Training and development throughout the brand. We’ve asked her some questions below about her experience throughout her time at Chaps and have put together some interesting information about her journey as a barber.
Issy’s Journey into the barbering world
Issy has been a barber for 10 years and has continued her passion in the craft to this day. She originally joined the barbering world through working at a barbershop where she started out as the receptionist. She later joined the team as a barber as she already had experience in the hairdressing industry. Throughout her career she has modelled for brands such as L’oreal, Wella and Toni&Guy. She then went to barbering college and went on to make her mark in the barbering industry where she is now a Lead Educator at Chaps & Co. She’s continued to feel passionate about the craft and is dedicated to continuing her success in the industry as a female barber.
What attracted you to Chaps & Co?
Shortly after moving to Dubai in 2021, through networking with other barbers in Dubai I had joined the Chaps family and haven’t looked back ever since. I could see Chaps was a professional brand and the best barbershop to work for in Dubai. I take my career seriously and wanted a to be part of a brand who was just as professional. I’ve been with the company for 4 years and have seen how its more than doubled it’s size since I had first joined and I’m grateful I’ve got to see it and contribute. Getting to see barbers join over the years from all over the world has been an amazing experience as it’s allowed me to learn more about people’s cultures. With years of hard work and dedication, I’ve been promoted to Lead Educator where I will help keep the Chaps brand consistent. In my current role, I cover areas such as eduction from onboarding new barbers that join, as well as ensuring our current barbers are always up to date with trends and helping keep their skills sharp so we can deliver the best possible cuts. Our teams are always eager to learn and grow and that is something that is essential being a barber.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced being in the industry as a woman and how did you overcome those challenges?
The hard work and dedication I’ve put into building my career in each shop I’ve worked in over the years has been very rewarding and I’m grateful I’ve been able to build an ever-growing clientele which I’ve been able to expand on throughout my years in the profession. There was a culture shock when I first moved here as barbering was far more formal than I had experienced in other countries, however with my skills and dedication to succeed helped me to quickly acclimate to the quieter, more professional side of barbering.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment overall as a female barber in the industry?
One of my biggest achievements is having the opportunity to live and work in three of the world’s most iconic cities—London, New York, and Dubai. Experiencing different cultures and styles in these global hubs has shaped me both personally and professionally, and I feel incredibly lucky to have taken my skills across borders. Beyond that, building a solid reputation in the industry has been just as rewarding. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a loyal client base that continues to grow, which is a testament to the passion and dedication I put into my craft every day.
Why do you think there are not as many female barbers in the industry in the UAE?
Back in the day female barbers could only work in the free-zone and not on main land because of labor laws. I think now the barber industry has come on leaps and bounds and the industry is elevating and changing. Therefore there are now more opportunities for female barbers as the industry is in it’s prime. I think this will continue to change and I’d love to see more females enter and succeed in the industry in years to come.
Is there anyone you would consider a role-model in the industry that’s helped you successfully mould your career as a barber?
There are 2 individuals who have both been massive influences throughout my career in barbering who are StayGold and Hayden Cassidy. With both being female as well as two of the greatest barbers in the industry, they have truly inspired me throughout my journey. Their perfectionism as well as creativity is aw-inspiring and I hope to one day be that kind of role model, helping inspire and motivate other female barbers either already in the industry or anyone looking to join the barbering world.
What are some memories that have stood out over the years as a female barber and how has it inspired you to continue your journey?
While working in England with two other talented female barbers, the shop was always full of energy. Women have a natural ability to multitask, which allowed us to deliver outstanding cuts without missing a beat. I truly believe female barbers are the future, bringing perfectionism, great conversation, and incredible attention to detail to every client we serve..
If you were to give any advice to any female that are looking to enter the barbering world, what would it be?
In the industry you need to be strong minded and have thick skin as you will come across challenges being in a male dominated field. If you’ve got the right attitude, passion and dedication you will succeed and excel and prove your skill set and abilities are up to par with the male barbers in the industry. Stay focused, work hard, and don’t be afraid to be creative!
International Women’s Day is something we like to celebrate as we feel it’s important to acknowledge the women in our business. This year we interviewed our Lead Educator Issy, who has been with the business since 2021 where she joined as a barber working in both Dubai and New York, and most recently promoted to our Lead Educator where she focuses on Training and development throughout the brand. We’ve asked her some questions below about her experience throughout her time at Chaps and have put together some interesting information about her journey as a barber.
Issy’s Journey into the barbering world
Issy has been a barber for 10 years and has continued her passion in the craft to this day. She originally joined the barbering world through working at a barbershop where she started out as the receptionist. She later joined the team as a barber as she already had experience in the hairdressing industry. Throughout her career she has modelled for brands such as L’oreal, Wella and Toni&Guy. She then went to barbering college and went on to make her mark in the barbering industry where she is now a Lead Educator at Chaps & Co. She’s continued to feel passionate about the craft and is dedicated to continuing her success in the industry as a female barber.
What attracted you to Chaps & Co?
Shortly after moving to Dubai in 2021, through networking with other barbers in Dubai I had joined the Chaps family and haven’t looked back ever since. I could see Chaps was a professional brand and the best barbershop to work for in Dubai. I take my career seriously and wanted a to be part of a brand who was just as professional. I’ve been with the company for 4 years and have seen how its more than doubled it’s size since I had first joined and I’m grateful I’ve got to see it and contribute. Getting to see barbers join over the years from all over the world has been an amazing experience as it’s allowed me to learn more about people’s cultures. With years of hard work and dedication, I’ve been promoted to Lead Educator where I will help keep the Chaps brand consistent. In my current role, I cover areas such as eduction from onboarding new barbers that join, as well as ensuring our current barbers are always up to date with trends and helping keep their skills sharp so we can deliver the best possible cuts. Our teams are always eager to learn and grow and that is something that is essential being a barber.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced being in the industry as a woman and how did you overcome those challenges?
The hard work and dedication I’ve put into building my career in each shop I’ve worked in over the years has been very rewarding and I’m grateful I’ve been able to build an ever-growing clientele which I’ve been able to expand on throughout my years in the profession. There was a culture shock when I first moved here as barbering was far more formal than I had experienced in other countries, however with my skills and dedication to succeed helped me to quickly acclimate to the quieter, more professional side of barbering.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment overall as a female barber in the industry?
One of my biggest achievements is having the opportunity to live and work in three of the world’s most iconic cities—London, New York, and Dubai. Experiencing different cultures and styles in these global hubs has shaped me both personally and professionally, and I feel incredibly lucky to have taken my skills across borders. Beyond that, building a solid reputation in the industry has been just as rewarding. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a loyal client base that continues to grow, which is a testament to the passion and dedication I put into my craft every day.
Why do you think there are not as many female barbers in the industry in the UAE?
Back in the day female barbers could only work in the free-zone and not on main land because of labor laws. I think now the barber industry has come on leaps and bounds and the industry is elevating and changing. Therefore there are now more opportunities for female barbers as the industry is in it’s prime. I think this will continue to change and I’d love to see more females enter and succeed in the industry in years to come.
Is there anyone you would consider a role-model in the industry that’s helped you successfully mould your career as a barber?
There are 2 individuals who have both been massive influences throughout my career in barbering who are StayGold and Hayden Cassidy. With both being female as well as two of the greatest barbers in the industry, they have truly inspired me throughout my journey. Their perfectionism as well as creativity is aw-inspiring and I hope to one day be that kind of role model, helping inspire and motivate other female barbers either already in the industry or anyone looking to join the barbering world.
What are some memories that have stood out over the years as a female barber and how has it inspired you to continue your journey?
While working in England with two other talented female barbers, the shop was always full of energy. Women have a natural ability to multitask, which allowed us to deliver outstanding cuts without missing a beat. I truly believe female barbers are the future, bringing perfectionism, great conversation, and incredible attention to detail to every client we serve..
If you were to give any advice to any female that are looking to enter the barbering world, what would it be?
In the industry you need to be strong minded and have thick skin as you will come across challenges being in a male dominated field. If you’ve got the right attitude, passion and dedication you will succeed and excel and prove your skill set and abilities are up to par with the male barbers in the industry. Stay focused, work hard, and don’t be afraid to be creative!
