There are so many different paths to take in this industry, from working at chains stores to independent shops, or even running your own business. The question is, which option is best for you?
To find out, we got the inside track from barbers to hear the pros and cons of their own journeys.
The Suite Life
Frank Williams, CLUBHOUSE
Frank runs CLUBHOUSE out of his own suite in St. John’s, FL, but he started out at a commission salon before moving into a booth rental salon.
For Frank one of the biggest benefits of being a suite owner is being in control of the client experience: “That was always a big thing for me – being able to provide the exact environment that you want for your clients. I don’t want to provide just a service, but an experience that’s going to make them want to come back and see me.”
Since he’s become a suite owner, Frank said he’s had more freedom to build his own personal brand, too, which has opened new opportunities for his to scale into new areas, like education. “Going independent and building your own brand as a barber is huge for scalability in the future, whether that’s getting into education or developing some sort of brand,” he said.
It’s not all a bed of roses. For barbers who want to work independently, Frank encourages them to think of the hard work, financial investment and personal sacrifices it takes to become a success.
“From furnishing and decorating the suite to stocking your backbar and retail, it’s a much higher upfront investment. Also, the entire workload is on you; you have to take care of all those day-to-day things as well as the clients sitting in your chair.”
A Growing Independent
Madisyn Brandt, Commodore ATL
After starting up inside a salon suite in 2015, the Commodore ATL has grown into a thriving business with five locations and counting around the Atlanta, GA area, with Madisyn joining the Roswell location in February 2025.
She shared that she was drawn to the shop’s personality, style and atmosphere – it’s what keeps her there to this day: “There’s a strong sense of community between the barbers and the clients, and it never feels overly corporate, impersonal, or shallow.”
One of the biggest benefits for Madisyn of joining the Commodore team is the balance between support and room for personal growth, which provides the stability and recognition of an established brand, but without the feeling of being “another disposable barber”, said Madisyn.
“The communication is better, the team feels close knit, and your work and ideas actually feel noticed and appreciated,” she said.
The Commodore also provides Madisyn with inspiration for her work, and the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other barbers with different specialities and aesthetics than her own.
For barbers wondering if a smaller chain is the right fit for them, Madisyn suggests paying attention to the culture behind it. “A smaller chain can be a great option if you want the structure and consistency of an established business while still keeping that close, personal, and creative feel,” she added.
“At the end of the day, clients pick up on the energy of a shop, and being somewhere authentic makes a difference for both you and the people sitting in your chair.”