Barbershop in Zapolyarny – a social enterprise

How and when did you come up with an idea to start the business?

Since I was 19, I’ve been in online advertising. I started off with posts and simple Photoshop designs. I took training courses and learned about things like target audience, leads, conversion, and unique selling proposition.

When I became more knowledgeable and skilled, and ran 5–7 projects at the same time, I realized that I could make any product viable, find a consumer for it and succeed in sales. And then I thought: why promote and make money for someone else when I can do it for myself? By coincidence, at that time I had to find new income sources as it was the COVID-19 outbreak, and many customers of the advertising companies had gone out of business or cut their advertising budgets in response to the crisis.

How did you come up with an idea for your business and its format?

My appearance stands out: I have colorful hair and lots of tattoos. I realized I could be either a tattoo artist or a barber. Since I can’t draw, I decided to cut hair. Plus, I’ve always been into modern haircuts and bright hair colors.

I wanted to open a barbershop in Zapolyarny, and I didn’t have a single male competitor in that niche. Less than a year has passed from an idea to shop opening. Now I have an established business, loyal customers and a reliable team of three barbers.

Who are your customers?

Men, not only from Zapolyarny, but from all over the Pechenga district. They come to the Viking Barbershop for a contemporary makeover and a stylish feel. Fathers want to get a haircut and have a good time with their sons over a game on PlayStation and a cup of tea in the waiting area. Mothers enjoy watching their happy kids, who finally like their new haircut.

Both kids and adults love the atmosphere and the vibe at the barbershop. We do haircuts, shaves, beard color, and waxing.

What challenges have you faced?

Those of a small town and consequently a narrow market for goods and services. Complicated logistics in a remote location, people looking with distrust at someone running a successful business in such a small town as it doesn’t make any sense to them. Generally, it’s hard for many people to accept anything new and uncommon.

But it’s manageable. Doing a small business today is easier than it was five or ten years ago. There are many training programs and support options to help an entrepreneur.

You participated in Nornickel’s program. How did it help you?

Nornickel’s World of New Opportunities booster program pushed me to open the barbershop. I got the necessary knowledge and confidence in my actions.

My tracker Dmitry Bogdanov provided professional coaching for me to reach a new level of understanding, planning and forecasting the business processes. I keep in touch with him, ask for advice and share my good news.

The program organization itself was above all expectations. Speakers’ expertise, a large state-of-the-art venue, comfortable intercity transfer, a nice hotel in between sessions, coffee breaks, new friends – everything was terrific and therefore very inspiring!

Do you have any other business projects?

Just a few days ago, I learned that my BeaverShop key-making project had won a grant competition for young entrepreneurs. I was awarded 1 million rubles and plan to start my second business soon. By the way, my wife also won this competition with her project, so business now is a family undertaking for us.

Do you think your business has a social impact?

Of course, a barbershop is a social enterprise as we contribute to an improved quality of life. Men in a far-off northern region get a chance to feel closer to the Big Land by going to the barber, enjoying their time in the salon and getting their looks on point.

My wife and I want to promote the barbershop culture in the Pechenga district and bring young people into this creative industry. We see our development in training, creation of new jobs, and new barbershops in the region.

What would you advise to those who want to start a business?

Only one thing: don’t be afraid to try, fail and learn from your mistakes, then re-try and get the desired outcome. Everyone can be a successful entrepreneur. Just get up and take action.