We chat to Dani Niven, owner of Rebel X Hair Shop in Calgary, Canada, about her dream life, the Calgary community and edgy inspirations...
By accident! I chose to work at a barbershop chain when I moved to a new city. They paid hourly and since I had no clients, it just made sense. At the time, I was working as an unpaid tattoo apprentice, so barbering was my only source of income. I’m so glad I decided to stick with it as it’s given me my dream life.
WHAT OR WHO HELPED YOU PERFECT YOUR SKILLS?
I owe a lot of what I learnt to the first ‘real shop’ I started at when I first moved to Calgary – the guys there are great at fading, and they definitely helped me with that. In terms of cutting, I have a background in salon cutting from growing up in my mother’s salon.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE BARBERING COMMUNITY IN CANADA?
There are a lot of barbers, and the community is small, but it’s growing. In Calgary, you tend to stick to yourself and your shop. I’ve been trying to grow the community here by hosting classes, inviting other local hair artists in, and networking with the talent we have locally. It’s a great way to make new friends in the industry and grow your skills.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Music, I find when I hear a cool track, I start to envision a photo or video shoot I can create. It gives me a vibe, and an idea for colours and cuts. Collaborating with other creatives also always adds to the vision – it’s a great way to grow your creative brain as everyone always has rad ideas!
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
I want to dive deeper into the photo and video realm with hair and mix it more with fashion. We have an in-shop studio that encourages creative freedom. I also want to get more of my work published and produce another fashion show next year.
WILL WE GET TO SEE YOU IN THE UK SOON?
Just say when! I love the UK – Camden is one of my biggest ‘edgy’ inspirations.
