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Brian Siswojo &
Ball Ng


Founder & Head Barber / Partner, Handsome Factory

 

Nestled in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay is a street known for its neighbourhood vibe and eclectic mix of independent shops. In 2015, skate shop owner Brian Siswojo decided that Haven Street was perfect for his new venture, a retro-styled barber shop. The former hip-hop musician, a member of the 24Herbs group, first came up with the idea ten years earlier.

“I was drawn to the barber culture which had disappeared for many years except for a few Shanghai old-style barber shops,” he says. “I used to go the barbershop in Indonesia, where I grew up and I remember going with my dad as a child.”

His wife suggested that the street was the right setting for his western-styled, 1950s inspired concept that required a location with a more laid-back feeling so that customers can also enjoy the barber shop culture.

“I was drawn to the barber culture which had disappeared for many years except for a few Shanghai old-style barber shops, I used to go the barbershop in Indonesia, where I grew up and I remember going with my dad as a child.”

Once you realise you’re doing this not because it’s about trend or making money but that this culture is going to be a big hit, then you should do it. Don’t even think about it.

“Guys come in and spend 30mins, hang out and chill, get their hair cut. That’s the whole barber vibe. Some people on Haven come to our store, SF Express guy, chef from Japanese restaurant.”

Brian’s partner is Ball, a third-generation hair stylist who spent time in Canada to train as a barber. “My father and grandfather were both barbers and I became a hairstylist in the 90s when hair salons were popular but I wanted to do something that I liked and took this chance to become a barber.”

Clients range from young children to men in their 70s and Ball takes on an active role in training the team, including their first barberette, Cherry.

The collaborative environment is exactly what Brian had envisioned when he took the plunge: “Once you realise you’re doing this not because it’s about trend or making money but that this culture is going to be a big hit, then you should do it,” he says. “Don’t even think about it.”