LEARNING FROM THE BEST

Claire Chambers tells us how her relationship with her Grandad led to a passionate career in barbering

Claire Chambers’ barbering journey started at a very young age, thanks to the inspiration of her Grandad Ray, a barber in Kettering, Northamptonshire. With his own barbershop at the front of his house, Claire spent much of her childhood helping to sweep up while chatting away with clients. It was during this time that she witnessed how much her Grandad loved his career and decided she wanted to follow suit.

Following her exceptionally early work experience, Claire travelled across the world, recalling: “I’ve had the opportunity to work in some excellent barbershops, one job that I particularly enjoyed was working in a barbershop in Sydney, Australia where I got to work alongside barbers from all over the world. They all taught me something different, so it was a really valuable experience.”

Claire knew that eventually she wanted to open her own barbershop one day. “I wanted to create an environment where people come in, feel comfortable and relaxed, and leave with a smile on their face – not just from the haircut they receive, but because they feel happier in themselves, and that a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.”

“MOST IMPORTANTLY, I SEE THE NAME AS MEANING ‘GRANDAD AND CLAIRE’”

In April 2021, her dream became a reality when she opened Eagle and Bear Barbers in Stamford. Claire explains that the name is particularly special to her because she was keen to incorporate her Grandad into it somehow, since he is the reason she decided to enter the barbering industry. “My Grandad and I also share an interest in golf, and getting an ‘Eagle’ is of course two under par. A lot of my friends call me ‘Bear’, so together, I thought it had a nice ring to it. Most importantly I see the name as meaning ‘Grandad and Claire’”.

With such a longstanding passion for the barbering industry, Claire believes a true love for what you do and your customers lies at the heart of a successful barbershop. “If clients truly believe that you love your business then they will support you wholly, and they’ll sing your praises to everyone they know too! My clients know I love what I do and that’s what keeps them coming back. Don’t get complacent and expect a regular to return – you should treat your clients with the same care as you would a close friend or family member.”

Claire’s passion for barbering and commitment to her craft aren’t the only influences from her Grandad. She reveals she took inspiration from his barbershop interior too. Wooden panelling and old desks were repurposed as working units, along with small trinkets and old photographs of Stamford, as well as a few of her Grandad, sit proudly on the bookcase.

Reflecting on learnings she has taken from her Grandad, Claire says: “People used to spend hours in his barbershop, relaxing and chatting to each other, something which I feel has been lost in recent years.” To try and encourage this culture once again, Eagle and Bear’s waiting area has comfortable chairs, freshly ground coffee, craft beer and a chess board, so clients don’t feel like they are waiting for a haircut, but coming in for an experience.

“‘DON’T GET COMPLACENT AND EXPECT A REGULAR TO RETURN – YOU SHOULD TREAT YOUR CLIENTS WITH THE SAME CARE AS YOU WOULD A CLOSE FRIEND”

Looking back on her own experiences in barbering, Claire explains that the biggest challenge she has dealt with is spreading her time between the shop floor and the admin side of the business, which can become something of a balancing act. “I love welcoming clients through the door, but I also feel it’s very important to keep on top of your admin and progress the business.”

Looking ahead to the future, Claire explains that she would love to experience the same success as her Grandad. “I would like to have a successful barbershop where locals, regulars, friends and family can enjoy the experience that Eagle and Bear has to offer.” She is also committed to taking all of her staff on a mental health first aid course, “We want to ensure we are prepared to always be there to listen when clients need to talk.”