Godstime Of Touch Image Barber

If you’re in the Hendon, North London area near the Hendon Tube station just past the Costas and the Hookah Lounge is a new Barbershop called Touch Image. A big yellow sign which also serves as the outline of the storefront. A sign in the window marketing a social experiment to clients for free haircuts to those in need. Followed by the quote, “Love is in the hair”. Meet GodsTime, a barber who uses his gifts to give back. This interview could not have been more insightful and with a more humble person with a flare for homespun wisdom. We forget sometimes that in the business of hair and beauty these artists are also doubling as our therapists, confidant and friends. I sat with GodsTime the owner of Touch Image Barbers to talk about his years as a business owner.

QUOTE: “God is there, and time, everyday he gives us.” 

BELOW IS A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT.

Q) What inspired the name Touch Image?

A) The name behind Touch Image was inspired by an idea for creating a lasting impression. I wanted a name that reflects the person I touch. It’s about crafting an image that represents the client's personality and style. Style changes over time, people can go on the internet and show you a video [for new styles]. Touch Image is a system, systems make things work.

Q) How long have you been a barber?

A) I’ve been a barber for over 10 years. It’s been an incredible journey, doing business and connecting [with] people in the community.

Q) Why choose the Barnet Borough? 

A) I love the sense of community and the diversity in Barnet. I believe it’s a place where people from different backgrounds can come together. There is a strong local support system [here]. I would, however, like to see more initiatives that support small businesses and further development of communities where people can commence to supporting each other. 

Q) Whereabouts are you from? If not from London or the UK what brings you here?

A) I’m from Nigeria. I cam here as a student studying business. I have a foundation degree in business from Holborn College. It was an affiliate to my university. Along the line, life happens and the story changes. 

QUOTE: “Men in the UK aren’t disciplined. Being a barber you need to be a source of structure and command respect, but also provide a great service and not just what's trendy, like how now they’re pushing the hairline back and spraying the hairline in for a sharper lineup appearance that just washes off.”

Q) You posted a sign in the storefront offering “free haircuts to those in need”? What inspired or prompted this? How many free haircuts would you say you give each week?

A) I believe in giving back to the community that [also] supports my business. The idea of offering free haircuts in needs comes from seeing first hand the difference a fresh haircut can make in someone's confidence and self-esteem; especially the homeless. I would say I’ve been homeless, but never gave into that defeat to [stay there]. I knew I could give something, other than giving money because I struggle to get money. I give them free haircuts. On average I give 2-3 free haircuts each week depending on how busy I am with work. Sometimes I’m helping people who are working part-time or going through a hard time and are broke. In the past I’ve had situations where I’ve finished a customers hair and they start telling me their situation [not being able to pay]. I prefer you [customers] tell me the situation. I don’t mind helping you [customers] out, you know, just tell me you don’t have the money and we can do the money the next time. Looking good is more important to me. 

Q) As a business owner what challenges do you face?

A) Well, one of the main challenges is managing people. It’s very difficult to manage people, personal lives and my craft you know. So balancing, bookkeeping, marketing and customer service along with cutting hair can be quite demanding. The long hours of standing can be tough. Additionally staying ahead of trends and continuously improving my skills to meet clients expectations. It’s a constant change, so all these things you have to keep trying to make sure you stay updated on. 

Q) What would be your advice for anyone aspiring to be a barber?

A) Well, my advice to anyone aspiring to be a barber would be to stay passionate and dedicated to your craft. Never stop learning and be open to new techniques and trends. Building good relationships with your clients is crucial. Always listen to their needs and strive to exceed their expectations. Patience and persistence are key in this industry. It’s beyond cutting hair. Over time you develop these skills. A tree grows, but it has to be mature. Over time these things make you mature. 

Q) What are some challenges you have faced and have overcome as an independent business owner?

A) The pandemic and competing with larger and more established barber shops; however, by focusing and providing excellent service I have been able to carve out a niche for myself.

Another challenge was the pandemic, covid-19 which enabled me to adapt quickly to a new health guideline and find ways to keep my business afloat. 

QUOTE: “Most men are more loyal to their barbers than their missus.”

Q) What methods do you use for advertising your brand and business?

A) Well with this business I personally believe in word of mouth, it’s more visual, because people  believe in what they see, and I prefer a reference as well so you know who's coming. Out there these days things are changing, social media is the world. The new world, so we try to adapt. So you make sure you have enough time for that. 

Q) What do you think sets you apart from other barbers in the area?

A) Being reminded everyone has their own struggles. For me I tell my customers I’m a master barber therapist. I don’t know if you’ve heard about that? MBT - Master Barber Therapist. I also [studied] psychology and criminology so it helps me to take time not to judge but to educate, instead of criticising. Barber shops seem to be a place men come to talk and joke. Those things are changing. I’ve always focused on innovation. Because of the pandemic I’ve also focused on mental health problems. 

Q) Being a barber or hairstylist you often are a therapist to your clients– but what would be something a client has taught you?

 

A) One thing the client has taught me the importance of resilience and hearing their stories of overcoming personal changes is inspiring. It reminds me that everyone has their own struggles. I think [a] positive attitude and determination can make a big difference. It just takes a little to make great things. Just like Tescos says, “every little helps”. Do you know Tescos- the store?

Q) What are your plans for future growth?

A) Training programs for aspiring barbers, pass on skills. Stay ahead of trends, write books. Possibly open a different location. Additionally I want to continue to innovate in service, products and health- [again] staying ahead of trends and providing the best experience for clients. 

Q) What's trending in men's hair these days?

A) Well the undercut, skin fades, you know you get all these new, modern and trending [haircuts]. It varies, things are changing a lot, you can see people are changing even, they have a choice to be who they want to be. You’re free to be yourself and that is reflected in your personal style. It’s a huge, huge enjoyment for the industry. It gives us challenges. Colour wise, most people are experimenting. However, you just gotta be prepared for everything. So I just keep training, I want to learn more about caucasian hair because I am more experienced with afro and asian hair textures. 

Q) Lastly, if you could give your younger self advice when you were starting out as a barber and business owner, what would that advice be?

A) I would tell my younger self to be patient and to trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight and there will be setbacks along the way. Just stay focused on your goals, keep improving your skills and don’t be afraid to take risks. Most importantly, always remember why you started and stay true to your passion… always…always. 

CONTACT: TheTouchImage.com