For STMNT ambassador Ryan Lewis, the future of barbering is rooted in the past when the barbershop was more than a place for a trim, it was the heart of the community. Looking to the future, Ryan envisions a return to that connection: barbers as confidants, creators and community pillars. Through open conversations, authentic expression and local outreach, Club 13 is redefining what it means to be a modern barbershop: a space where men can be real, open and strong.
WHAT DOES BARBERING LOOK LIKE TO YOU RIGHT NOW?
Barbering for me, looks like reconnecting with the barbershops of old, it’s not just about the haircut. Now, obviously the quality of the haircut has to be up there - it’s very, very important. But I think for me, it’s about connection. It’s about being a cornerstone of the community, being a pillar in the community and allowing people to a safe space to relax, unwind and open up.
HOW DO YOU USE YOUR CRAFT AS A FORM OF SELF EXPRESSION?
For me it ties in with connection. It’s not just about creating a safe space for your client to open up. It’s sometimes about you opening up, which can be a catalyst for them to go “this is my barber.”
WHEN IT COMES TO CONVERSATION AND HUMAN CONNECTION, HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT CREATING YOUR SPACE?
We went about creating our space in a way that we don’t encourage small talk. The shop should be somewhere where real conversation is encouraged - whether that’s open conversation throughout the shop or private conversation between the barber and the client. As barbers we express ourselves in every way. When we feel vulnerable we’re honest and open, in the hopes that it’ll help people understand you can be vulnerable as a man and still be a strong man.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE PART OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
I do feel like we’re part of the local community. We sponsor a youth rugby team and a youth football team as well as a couple of pro fighters from the area. We’re connected to a lot of the gyms. We’re always looking for some way to support extracurricular activities within the community. It almost feels like we’re creating our own community because we connect a lot of these people that we’re connected with. And that’s what we like about Club 13
