Making a difference at the barber's

Name: Charl Ackerman
From: Cape Town Based in: London
Occupation: Founder of The Barbery
Erbology partner since 2018

Instagram: @thebarberylondon

“I am responsible for everything but cutting hair and shaving. So, I am present most of every day. I manage the barbers’ schedules and keep the salon tidy and clean. Whenever I can look after clients during their visit, I like to be available to share details of our concept and our products and refreshments. I really enjoy the interaction. Our desired client experience depends on the whole team. The barbers cut hair or shave (what they do best) but also help with other operational tasks. We are a good team, a family of sorts.

I wake before 5.30am. Then, I either catch up on work or squeeze in a quick workout before cycling to arrive at The Barbery at least ninety minutes before opening time. I get the salon ready for the barbers and clients: cleaning, preparing hot towels, watering the plants, setting up the playlist for the day and ensuring products are ready for the first appointments, especially in the case of our prescriptive scalp treatments.

I take clients’ orders, have a catch-up with our regulars and make them tea myself. We serve these in Viva Scandinavia cups using a Floating Tea Strainerfilled with freshly chopped fennel bulb, ginger root or mint leaves. Boiling water starts the infusion and I leave it for the client to remove from the glass when they are happy with the strength. I like giving clients the option of how strong they want their tea – we are all different. The tea can be sweetened with yummy Field Bean Honey or Zambian Forest Honey. I get them from The London Honey Co.

Every client gets an Erbology Energy Ball and I often joke: “I know it is vegan but actually it is really tasty”. This is sometimes a good conversation starter and gives me an opportunity to share what The Barbery is all about.

I love making a range of waters, too. I infuse water with fresh mint leaves and cucumber or add a few drops of Erbology Pure Rose Water. It has a beautiful calming scent.

For our prescriptive scalp treatments (Dandruff and Soothing) I am hands-on as I am especially passionate about this part of our offering, partly because I suffer from an itchy red scalp from time to time.

On relatively quiet days (during school holidays or around Bank Holidays, for example) and with the permission from the team I nip to a yoga or pilates class, usually early afternoon.

By the time I get home after closing The Barbery there is little free time to spend with my husband, but we make the most of it with an effort to have dinner together. I struggle to get six hours of sleep but I try. Sundays are my resting days, often turning off my mobile. I make sure I do as little as possible…but do so outdoors whenever I can.”