Sam has his own barbershop: ‘Our customers are not customers, they are friends’

From the hospitality industry to the hairdressing profession. Sam (34) did it and has not regretted his decision for a second. For seven years he has been cutting and shaving many a hair and beard. And now three years from his barbershop in Meerzicht.

Sam from The Hague owns Barbershop Pacino in the Meerzicht Shopping Center. He searched for the perfect location for a year and a half, until a friend from Zoetermeer pointed out a property near the Jumbo supermarket. He seized his chance. “One call to the bank and it was arranged.”

If your beard looks good

Sam worked in the hospitality industry eight years ago, but the hairdressing profession turns out to be more his thing: “My friends taught me to cut a bit. But never professionally. So when I saw an advertisement for a barber training course, I signed up right away.” Sam completed his degree within a year The Old School Barber Academy of Schorem in Rotterdam. A course where you learn the trade the old-fashioned way. Sam explains: “We cut and shave in the style of 80 years ago.”

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An exciting time

Exactly two weeks before the lockdown in 2020, Sam signed the contract of his business. It was an uncertain time, but that turned around once the lockdown was over. He says: “Because people hadn’t had a haircut for months, and their own hairdressers were full, we were immediately fully booked. So corona was good for us”.

I spent a year looking for all the furniture

An antique decor

The style of the barbershop can be described as vintage or old school. At least not this time. And that is not without reason, says Sam: “During my training I learned that a barbershop should have an antique interior. Fortunately, I also think it is very beautiful.”

Finding the furniture together was quite a challenge for the barber: “It took me a total of a year to find all the furniture. The cinema seats come from Belgium, the sofas from Germany, the hairdressing chairs from Spain and other items from Marktplaats. But it’s totally to my liking.”

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Customers become friends

Men of all ages are welcome at Pacino and Sam loves nothing more than to make his customers happy with a new look. He says: “I don’t see our customers as customers, but as friends. I know all their stories and problems.” And the conversations don’t just take place between the walls of the barbershop. “Sometimes I even get invited to parties,” says Sam. “Meerzicht and all the people here make me very happy.”

Expansion to another city

Sam has found his calling in the hairdressing profession, but he also likes entrepreneurship. “I now employ three hairdressers. And new customers are added every month. I am very happy with that. And because things are going so well, I have plans for a second barbershop in Gouda. Probably also under the name Pacino.”

Pacino is open seven days a week. Men can go there for special treatments for the beard, facials and a haircut. With and without an appointment!