A SALON AND THE MUSEUM

A SALON AND THE MUSEUM

Ramesh Babu wasn’t born with a silver spoon unlike most of the billionaires of this generation.

Ramesh was born in Bangalore to a family of five. His father, P. Gopal, used to run a small barbershop on Brigade Road, Bengaluru. Ramesh lost his father when he was seven and saw the beginning of turmoil in his life at a very tender age. With no breadwinner in the family, her mother took charge of raising three kids and worked as a servant at various houses to feed her children. She also rented out the barbershop her husband left her for Rs.5 per day, as she couldn’t run the shop alone.

As Ramesh turned 13, he began contributing to the family income by doing various jobs, such as newspaper and milk delivery. He continued his studies until the 10th standard but later quit to manage the family shop full-time. He transformed an ordinary barbershop into a stylish hair salon called "Inner Space." Ramesh realized that he needed to expand his arms in business to give his kin a better life. So, with the salon’s savings and help from his uncle, he bought a Maruti Omni Van and rented it out since he couldn’t drive the vehicle due to lack of time.

The Omni Van was a turning point in Ramesh's life. His first business contract opened his mind to the full potential of the business. Over time, the vehicular fleet grew larger and more impressive. It became even more luxurious with the addition of its first elegant vehicle, the Mercedes E Class Sedan, which cost Rs. 38 lakh. Today, Ramesh Babu is not only the proud owner of a salon but also of Ramesh Tours and Travels. He rents out a wide range of vehicles, totaling up to 400, from top-end cars and buses to more common models. The fleet includes dozens of Innovas and BMWs, as well as luxury vehicles such as the Rolls Royce Ghost and the Mercedes Maybach.

Although he is a billionaire, he still spends a quarter of the day in his salon looking after his clientele. In addition to being a billionaire barber, he is also an inspiration to all entrepreneurs who doubt their abilities or lack the motivation to dream big and achieve great things.

The situation is quite similar in another region of the world.

Arthur Rubinoff is a fourth-generation Master Barber who is carrying on the legacy of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. When his father, Rubin, an immigrant from Uzbekistan to the US, passed away, the business was passed down to his 14-year-old son along with some of his father's barbering tools. Rubin used to collect tools from different shops and had a dream of opening a Barbers’ Museum. Motivated by a deep desire to honor Rubin's life, Arthur created a space as a tribute to his family and the industry.

The space, now named "Intimate Space," is located on a busy street in Manhattan and catches the attention of passersby with its variety of antique poles and old-school barber decorations in the windows. Arthur, who already owns a full product line and a chain of barbershops, quickly became very famous in his trade.

As you know, barbershops are an interesting place. They provided more than just haircuts; they were places where stories were passed down.

"A lot of people don't know that barbers used to perform minor surgeries back in the day. They used to do bloodletting and minor surgeries such as bullet removals. And a lot of people don't know that barbers carry history, and I think barbering is not just a vocation; I think it's an artistry," says Rubinoff.

For the past 15 years, Arthur has been building a collection of antique equipment—dryers, clippers, chairs, etc.—to capture the history of the barbering industry in America.

The NYC Barber Shop Museum, located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, was opened to the public in June 2018. It offers a blend of nostalgia, hair history, and the opportunity for a fresh cut. Whether you're a barber enthusiast or someone interested in unique New York cultural experiences, this museum is worth a visit!

The museum showcases a diverse collection of items, including a 1900s steamer and sanitizer machine, a toddler's chair, and one of the first blow dryers from the 1930s. Moreover, the museum operates as a store offering contemporary men's services within a historical environment.

Perfect social consciousness is the hallmark of Arthur Company's projects as they donate a portion of the proceeds to a children's hospital. They also engage in similar charitable activities.

UNICEF proclaimed World Barber Day on September 16, 2017, to support efforts in protecting and educating children globally!

"No matter what life throws at us, we can always find beauty in the world around us. Often, that beauty is found in the way we persevere. Let's seek out the beautiful opportunities that empower us and help us overcome any obstacles standing in our way".