Sotomi and the vision of Chop Chop London 

In a rapidly evolving world where industries are challenged to be more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, Kaye Sotomi, the Founder and CEO of Chop Chop London, is transforming the hair industry with his innovative vision.

The guiding principle behind Chop Chop is bold yet simple: “No gender, no texture, just hair.”

This core belief breaks the conventional mould of hair salons and barbershops, offering a fresh approach that transcends traditional norms. 

Kaye Sotomi’s Chop Chop London is more than just a chain of salons; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape the way the hair industry operates, making it more accessible, streamlined, and aligned with modern values. With four Chop Chop locations, Kaye’s vision has found a solid foothold in London. 

No gender, No texture. Just hair 

At the heart of Chop Chop London is the belief that hair care should not be limited by outdated gendered or textured definitions. Sotomi’s mission is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender or hair type, feels welcome. The concept of “no gender, no texture, just hair” recognises that personal expression through hair should not be confined by societal expectations. 

Kaye believes that this simple, yet profound approach has the potential to shake up an industry that has often divided its services along rigid lines. Most traditional salons and barbershops categorise their offerings based on gender or ethnicity, creating barriers that exclude or alienate certain customers. Chop Chop’s inclusive ethos removes these barriers and puts the focus where it should be: on delivering exceptional hair care that suits the individual, regardless of who they are. 

A vision for a more efficient and sustainable industry 

But Kaye’s vision goes beyond inclusivity. He’s also determined to make the hair industry more efficient and sustainable. To him, it’s not just about what Chop Chop does for its customers, but how the brand can positively influence the entire industry.

For Kaye, creating a more efficient industry means leveraging modern technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and reduce waste. 

Efficiency is key in today’s fast-paced world. Kaye wants to offer their clients convenience and quality without compromising on inclusivity or sustainability. Their goal is to push the industry forward, to make it more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable. 

This ambition is reflected in every aspect of Chop Chop’s operations, from how appointments are booked to how products are sourced and used. 

The role of technology in streamlining haircare: partnering with Fresha 

A significant aspect of Kaye’s push for efficiency is the salon’s partnership with Fresha, a leading software platform that supports appointment bookings, customer management, and business analytics for the beauty and wellness industries. The switch to Fresha has been transformative for Chop Chop London, allowing Kaye to run his business with precision and ease. 

“The partnership with Fresha was seamless,” Kaye said. “It’s not just about a booking system, it’s about running an efficient business. Fresha understood exactly what I needed for Chop Chop, and the level of detail it provides in terms of analytics has been invaluable.” 

Kaye highlights how Fresha’s platform has been key to understanding client behaviour, optimising services and keeping track of the business’s performance. Having access to real-time data means Kaye has all the details he needs to make informed decisions, whether it’s about staffing, inventory, or client trends. 

Through this integration of technology, Chop Chop London has been able to modernise its operations, providing a better experience for clients while also increasing efficiency behind the scenes. The platform’s intuitive design and robust analytics mean that Kaye can focus on what matters most: providing an exceptional, inclusive haircare experience while growing his business. 

Creating an inclusive and empowered hair care community 

Kaye’s journey with Chop Chop London is not just about building a successful salon chain, it’s about building a community. He believes that the hair industry has the power to bring people together and that salons should be places where everyone feels welcomed and valued. His goal is to cultivate an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and every customer walks away feeling seen and heard. 

Kaye’s approach to inclusivity also extends to the stylists he employs. By fostering a team of diverse professionals, Chop Chop London ensures that there is someone for every client, regardless of their hair type or personal style.

Looking ahead: The future of Chop Chop London 

With four Chop Chop locations already established in London, the future looks bright for Kaye and his team. The success of Chop Chop’s inclusive, efficient, and sustainable model is a testament to the power of reimagining what the hair industry can be.

Kaye has proven that it is possible to run a business that is both profitable and purpose-driven, one that meets the needs of modern customers while also pushing the boundaries of the industry. 

As we look to the future, Kaye’s commitment to making the hair industry better for everyone—clients, stylists, and salon owners alike—is unwavering, and his drive to lead with inclusivity, sustainability, and technology ensures that Chop Chop will continue to be at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. 

In an industry that often feels slow to change, Kaye’s Chop Chop London is a breath of fresh air. With its commitment to inclusivity, efficiency, and sustainability, it’s not just setting the standard for what hair care should look like—it’s leading the charge into a better future for the entire industry. 

Here’s how Danny Smith, owner of BarberSmiths, uses Fresha to manage his three bustling barber shops across London.  

Danny opened his first BarberSmiths in Angel, North London, with the aim to create a traditional barbershop with a warm atmosphere and highly skilled barbers. All at an affordable price. Now open in Shoreditch and Marylebone, too, Danny’s brand is ever growing. 

BarberSmiths have been using Fresha as their chosen software to help keep track of the day-to-day running of the studios, and help the business continue to grow. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha’s software simplifies business operations and has a spread of features so business owners can tap into marketing, payment processing and have their own place on the Fresha marketplace. 

Fresha sat down with him to talk about what it’s like being a business owner, and how he’s found working with their software to grow his barbershop into what it is today. 

“I started the business about five years ago. We grew very quickly in Angel, which allowed us to open another studio in Shoreditch. And then Marylebone. I was inspired by being in London in general and seeing all the lovely barber shops. I wanted to be a part of it.” 

“What makes BarberSmiths different is the incredible atmosphere, and the very high-end service. It’s our premium service that remains at an affordable price.” 

Fresha asked Danny about his experience opening his own business, and if he had any advice for anyone starting out as a business owner. “The best way to learn is to throw yourself in at the deep end.” 

After falling in love with barbering and London, Danny opened BarberSmith with only three years’ experience working in the industry. So, it wasn’t all smooth running when Danny decided to make the jump. “I found that there was a lot I didn’t know. I probably went into it slightly too quickly: but sometimes that’s the best way to learn.” 

His favourite part of being a small business owner is the community he became a part of as soon as he opened his first studio. “There are people I’ll speak to on a daily basis,” he tells Fresha, “whether that’s the 90-year-old woman who’s lived here for years, or maybe someone new to the area. You tend to build relationships with so many people.” 

What made him the proudest, though, is the fact that his clients just keep coming back. “I can walk into every store and see first-hand that clients are coming in and keep coming in. Not just for the brand, but for the barbers themselves.” 

As Danny began to look into opening his other studios, he realised that running BarberSmiths across London was going to be a challenge and he needed software that was going to be able to keep up with his business as it grew. “I chose Fresha because I realised it was super simple to use. 

“I heard about Fresha through my sister, who’s a hairdresser. Her salon has been using it since they opened,” Danny told Fresha. “And once I started using it, I haven’t looked back. And it’s been a very nice partnership because I have been able to grow my business as Fresha has grown too.” 

Fresha gives business owners the chance to see everything that’s going on even when they have multiple shops. It saves them time and allows their team to have a little more independence. Fresha Reporting and insights also allows Danny to keep an eye on “the finer details of the business” which means he can use that time he saves investing in the business, rather than spending his whole working week trying to keep track of everything. 

“Each barber has their own profile which allows them to look after their own schedule. And they can make edits when needed. So, I have more freedom to concentrate on other things within the business. 

“My favourite feature is the retention rate: each individual barber has their own, so every month you can see what percentage people are running at. And I look at my own retention rate and male sure that I’m keeping the standard as high as possible.” 

Danny adds another of his favourite features: the ability to set up cancellation and no-show policies to either ask for an upfront payment or charge a client’s card on file when they don’t show up. “Before the no-show feature, we had a lot of issues with people not letting us know when they were going to turn up and we lost money. The feature allowed us to be able to charge people for not letting us know within a certain timeframe. 

“I would 100% recommend Fresha to anybody in barbering or anybody in the beauty industry. It’s been superb and it’s helped me sort of grow from the bottom to where I am now.” 

If you want results like these for your business, check out what the Fresha, the world’s #1 online booking platform for barbershops can do for your business. 

About Fresha 

Fresha is the world’s #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by all-in-one free business software with integrated payments. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha simplifies business operations and enhances customer experiences.

To learn more, visit fresha.com, download Fresha on the App Store and 

Google Play, or follow Fresha on Instagram and Facebook. 

Rory Antonio, a trailblazing force in the hairdressing industry, has proudly celebrated two successful years of his salon – Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab. Since opening the doors in May 2022, the salon has established itself as a beacon of creativity and excellence, transforming the hair and beauty scene in the UK city of Wolverhampton.

Rory Antonio’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and dedication. Beginning his career at the renowned Royston Blythe salon, Rory honed his skills and showcased his artistic talent at photoshoots and catwalk shows. His desire for new challenges led him to Ashley Gamble, where he furthered his expertise and contributed significantly to the salon’s reputation for excellence.

In 2022, Rory’s entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to launch his own salon, Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab. With a vision to create a distinctive brand, synonymous with creativity and exceptional service, Rory has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of hairdressing.

“I wanted to build more than just a salon; I wanted to create an experience and a brand that stands out for its innovation and quality,” said Rory. “Our mission is to offer our clients unparalleled service and creativity, making every visit to our salon a memorable one.”

Known for his expertise in full cut and colour services and his proficiency with hair extensions, Rory has curated a loyal clientele, who trust him for their transformative hair journeys. His commitment to excellence was recognised in 2023 when he made his debut in the British Hairdressing Awards, reaching the finals for Midlands Hairdresser of the Year with his first-ever entry.

Reflecting on his journey, Rory shared valuable insights from his entrepreneurial experience. He emphasises the importance of meticulous financial management, especially navigating government-backed schemes and understanding hidden costs. 

“Persistence and patience are key,” he noted, sharing lessons learned about the unforeseen expenses that come with running a business. Rory also highlights the significance of choosing reliable salon suppliers and understanding the client demographic when selecting products.

“It’s essential to balance financial benefits with the customer experience,” he advised, advocating for a thoughtful approach to retail and product selection.

Building a dream team is another aspect of Rory’s success. He emphasises the value of home-grown talent and creating a supportive and rewarding work environment.

“Finding good, reliable staff is challenging, but investing in your team and showing appreciation can make all the difference,” Rory explained.

As Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab celebrates this significant milestone, Rory remains focused on the future. His goals include further establishing his salon as a community hub, continuing to educate the next generation of hairdressers, and expanding his creative endeavours through photoshoots and competitions.

Rory Antonio’s story is one of inspiration, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he marks two years in business, the industry eagerly anticipates the continued impact of his contributions, expecting even greater achievements in the years to come.

Find out more about the hairdressing talent here.

Iconic men’s grooming brand, American Crew, teamed up with top hairstylist, Kumi Craig to elevate movie star, Jamie Dornan’s MET Gala 2024 look. 

Whilst the MET Gala finished in the wee hours of Tuesday the 7^th of May, the fashion-forward looks that celebrities from across the globe delivered are still on our minds. Jamie Dornan, who played the infamous Mr Gray, is one of them. Teaming up with go-to stylist, Kumi Craig, who has also worked on stars, such as Sebastian Stan, Nicholas Cage and Pete Davidson, Jamie’s grooming stood out on the beige carpet. 

Kumi said: “For Jamie’s look, we wanted to keep it simple and effortless. I used a few of my go-to American Crew products to enhance and add texture to his curls and keep his beard soft, conditioned and ready for the red-carpet night ahead.” 

American Crew was founded in 1994 creating a market for grooming options made specifically for men. Over 25 years later, the company has developed a comprehensive portfolio of premium products, as well as a legacy steeped in commitment to the performance that stylists demand and the quality that men trust. From hair and body to shave, skin and fragrance, the American Crew® brand is dedicated to fulfilling the styling needs of today’s man.

Kumi used American Crew products to create his look and BarberEVO has the exclusive details from the artist herself…

Jamie’s Look Breakdown

• “On towel-dried hair, I began by spraying American Crew® Prep and Prime Tonicall over to prepare the hair for styling and for increased control and manageability.”

• “I then applied American Crew® Fiber Cream evenly throughout his hair to enhance his curls, provide a natural shine, and create flexibility with control for an effortless look.”

• “After styling his hair, I apply a small amount of American Crew® 2-in-1 Skin Moisturizer and Beard Conditioner to his beard to moisturize the skin beneath and condition the beard.”

•  “Last, I apply American Crew® Beard Serum to my palms, rub my hands together and spread evenly throughout his beard to keep it well-groomed, looking soft, and ready for the night ahead.”

Innovative hair brand, OSMO, have just appointed their newest ambassador – the Glasgow born and based owner of Huncho Barbershop, Dale Mehmet. 

Dale began his barbering career 8 years ago, with his easy manner and naturally creative talent drawing him into the barbering world.

Having initially attended university after school to study art, he found the formal training restrictive and decided to leave in his final year.  After a short time in retail, he found himself drawn into the world of barbering, after a visit to his local barbers led to him being invited to shadow the owner.  Dale was hooked – he realised this was the creative buzz he’d been looking for.  

The self-taught barber built his clientele in a rented studio space before taking the jump to open his own Glasgow barbershop, Huncho Barbers, in 2023. 

Dale said: “I’ve been using OSMO products for most of my career, so it was a natural progression to take the range into my shop when I opened.  I’m constantly creating content for social media for my shop, and the OSMO team were excited by the work I was sharing and reached out.  It was an organic step for us both to collaborate and I’m looking forward to working closer with the team on creating more social content with OSMO.” 

Dale’s style of barbering is founded in the traditional techniques, but he likes to adapt his skills and cutting, so it’s unique to his creative style. A very busy barber, Dale balances running his shop with educating his growing team, whilst also creating social content to encourage footfall and excite his peers with his style of barbering.

OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin, added: “Dale is not only a great barber, but his understanding of social media is really stand out for us.  We know he’s been using our products and sharing this with his customers and followers for a long time now.  There’s lots in the pipeline with Dale and OSMO and we’re all looking forward to seeing how his ambassador role develops.”

International Creative Director, Mark Hayes, will be leading the iconic Sassoon team at exciting new hair festival, HairCon which is taking place between the 22^nd and 24^th of June in the iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.

For over 40 years, Mark Hayes has been inspiring hairdressers at Sassoon with his passionate approach to hair and his technical expertise. Mark’s signature pared-down style, which reflects his love of modernist art and architecture, puts him at the forefront of global hair design. His role as International Creative Director takes him all over the world coaching, teaching and inspiring.

Beginning his 40-plus-year love affair with hair as an apprentice at the busy Sassoon Salon on South Molton Street, London in 1977, Mark’s yearly schedule now revolves around developing the seasonal collections and leading the worldwide demand for Sassoon Hair Design. He remains as excited today, as he was on his first day in 1977.  He said: “I take great pride in continuing the Sassoon legacy and now actively help to mould the company. I have the opportunity to create an energy and passion for hair in those around me.  My goal is to give more people more creative opportunities, more of the time.  It has been an incredible journey so far”.

 Mark and Sassoon will join an extraordinary line-up including Richard Ashforth’s Noise, Saco, Jack & the Wolfe, Heffy, SLK Bleach, Sally & Jamie Brooks, Desmond Murray and Errol Douglas along with the legendary barber heroes Alan Beak and Cal Newsome to name but a few. Prepare for your perceptions of both the industry and your business to be completely transformed by a spectacular line-up of global icons and immersive stage sessions, which will in equal parts inspire and revitalise your passion.

The event is a collision of artistry, aimed at igniting genuine connections within the hair industry. For hair professionals from across the globe, it’s time to get ready for a game-changing experience where you can immerse yourselves in a world of creativity, inspiration, and innovation. Whether you’re a salon, home salon or barbershop owner, a stylist and apprentice or a colourist (and everyone in between); you can expect HairCon to offer you the opportunity to challenge the equilibrium. 

HairCon is supported by an epic collaboration of industry titans including the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, Great Lengths, yuv ®, Diva Pro, Vagaro, DENSE, Design Essentials.Collaborators include Olaplex, Phorest, Ergo, Calligraphy Cut, Blonde Solutions, Tondeo, Novo Cabelo, Zen, K18, Comfortel and Glowwa.

Join Mark and more at HairCon 2024 for the best in global artistry and connection. Be inspired, get connected and join HairCon in leading the way into the future of the industry. 

For more information, please visit www.haircon.co.uk to find out how you can get involved.

Retail is a major part of the salon and barber universe. Even though, the focus can tend to be on the result, rather than the products when you’re in the barbershop. Iconic barbershop Murdock Barbers of London place huge importance on their retail sales, and it has paid off. With their own product line that retails both in prestigious stores and online, they are the experts in maximising retailing opportunities. Murdock London CEO Graham Clark, gave us his top tips for increasing your retail sales. 

1. Make Shopping Easy.

“Being that our bricks and mortar stores are barbershops we find ourselves in a fortunate position where customers get to see our products in action every day by the very hands who designed them. When a customer picks up a product in our stores it can be done with a unique level of assurance. Everyone in our store is a master of their craft and a master of the products we use.” 

2. What’s your Secret Sauce? 

“Barber approved, British Made. Who better to take care of your grooming needs than those who do it every day. This is what sets us apart from our competitors and we’re extremely proud of it. Knowing what makes you unique is essential to success in a retail environment, it’s the first step in welcoming new customers into your brands world.”  

3. Believe in the product you are using!

“Whether you develop your own retail range or stock an existing brand, you need to have a thorough understanding of the products and how they work and genuinely believe in their worth. No-one can recommend products with conviction if they wouldn’t use them themselves. Ensure you and the team try products from the ranges you offer on your own hair, so you can legitimately rave about them to the person in the styling chair.”

4. Train to Build Confidence.  

“Both you and your team need to know as much as possible about the products you are using so that you can convey this information to clients with confidence. Confidence in what you’re selling directly translates to confidence in your customer and what they’re buying. This navigates your team away from selling and towards educating, your customers require answers and with suitable training your team will be able to provide them.” 

5. It’s not selling, it’s educating.

“Don’t think of encouraging clients to buy take-home products as selling, it’s part of the service. As experts, it’s our job to advise clients on how to look after their hair once they leave the barbershop. Being that we’re literally using the products on the customers you couldn’t have a more practical opportunity to explain to your clients why you’re using what products you are, the proof is right there in the mirror!” 

6. Use your website! 

“Our website is a major platform for selling out products, with the entire range displayed in an easy to access way with high-quality imagery and enticing descriptions. We also feature regular blogs that inform clients of ways they can use our products to create the latest trends or help with specific hair, scalp or beard needs. Your website should also promote the retail products you offer and, ideally, enable clients to buy directly from you. Our website is another tool in which we aim to educate, and nurture customers in the hope they’ll become part of our community.” 

For more information head to @murdocklondon on socials – or visit their website at www.murdocklondon.com

The new clipper offers professionals unparalleled versatility, with optional cordless freedom and a powerful performance.

The leading manufacturer of handheld barbering goods, Andis Company, has announced the launch of their new, heavy-duty eMERGE™ Clipper for barbers. The new tool by Andis, who also deliver powerful education for professionals, features a powerful motor to cut all hair types and a detachable blade system compatible with all Andis ultraEDGE® and ceramicEDGE® blades – designed to deliver the ultimate clipping versatility to create precision cuts.

Fitted with an Andis ceramicEdge size 000 Blade, the eMERGE™ Clipper’s detachable blade provides users with the flexibility to change to optional blades in seconds, so barbers can achieve the correct cut length for the desired style. The clipper additionally offers a blade lock feature for added blade security. 

“Designed for busy barbers, our new eMERGE™ Detachable Blade Clipper delivers the power, speed and ergonomics to make high-volume clipper cutting easier,” said Matt K. Andis, Co-CEO of Andis® Company. “Its powerful rotary motor glides effortlessly through every hair type – wet or dry. Plus, its cord/cordless flexibility means the eMERGE™ is always ready behind the chair.”

The innovative design, which gives you the ability to go cordless, means you can keep on clipping even if you forget to charge the battery. This is in part due to the clipper’s high-speed, high-torque motor which runs at 3,800 strokes per minute. The motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery for up to 1.5-hours of run time and includes an LED battery indicator that lets you know when to charge. The ergonomic design that offers a contoured shape with finger grooves, provides barbers with a comfortable and manageable experience.

The eMERGE™ Detachable Blade Clipper features a one-year warranty and includes:

• ceramicEDGE® Size 000 Blade
• Power Supply Adapter & Cord
• Blade Brush
• ¼ Oz Oil Tube
• Replacement Quad Drive

SRP: $305.99 USD

To purchase the eMERGE™ Clipper, visit www.andis.com and authorized Andis dealers. For more information on Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

STMNT Grooming Goods have proudly introduced their latest innovative addition to the grooming industry: the Dual-Sided Hair & Beard Comb.

Set to become a staple for grooming afficionados globally, the birchwood tool was designed with both barbers and clients in mind. The tool was created with the goal of revolutionising styling routines and enhancing the retail experience.

The tool, which STMNT have dubbed the “dual-sided wonder”, has both hair and beard grooming capabilities: streamlining the styling process, for the convenience of both barbers and clients alike. Made from sustainable birchwood, the comb is also notably sturdy. 

Designed with every barber in mind, the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and a “pleasure” to use for extended periods of time. Barbers can also use the tool to relieve fatigue and tension from the scalp, whilst promoting healthy blood circulation. The tool has also been designed with every hair type in mind, the combe caters to a diverse range of styling needs. 

In a bid to support barbers in elevating their retail offerings, the grooming company is encouraging barbers to offer the Dual-Sided Hair & Beard Comb as a complimentary gift.

Barbers can now provide added value to their customers by offering this £12.99 retail-priced comb for free with the purchase of other STMNT Grooming Goods products, creating a great incentive for clients to make in an in-shop purchase after their service.