LÍMON

DYLAN LIMON AND ELLIE BRENCHLEY SHARE HOW THEY WERE INSPIRED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

INSIDE

WHEN DID THE BARBERSHOP OPEN?

We opened on 11 December 2023.

WHEN YOU ACQUIRED THE PROPERTY, WHAT WAS IT BEING USED FOR?

The space was empty for nearly 12 months before we took it over. It has been a sandwich shop, an architect’s office and even a bridal shop.

TELL US ABOUT THE RENOVATION PROCESS?

The unit was a complete shell when we took it on with just a couple of stud walls and shelving everywhere. One of the main challenges was trying to fit in as much as we could into the small space – it’s only 413 sq. ft – and we must have changed the layout over ten times before the work even began.

We started demolition on 18 November and opened our doors to clients on 11 December. A dear friend and client of Dylan’s supported us in the fit out; AJ owns his own maintenance company (HPG Maintenance) however, his background is in property investment. Never a project like this though – he really got stuck into the process and shared the passion we had.

IS THE BARBERSHOP MEANT TO APPEAL TO ANYONE IN PARTICULAR?

Our clientele ranges from young children all the way through to the older gentleman. We are a completely inclusive space so encourage anyone seeking barbering services to try us out – not just men. Winchester is becoming more influenced by London, which means there was a gap in the market for our vision. We knew through the community that a luxury, inclusive, modern barbershop that could provide a client-centric approach would thrive in this city.

WHAT MAKES THE SPACE UNIQUE?

We came up with all elements of the design by ourselves and every bit of paint on the walls and ceilings was done by Dylan with a block brush to achieve the limewash paint effect. We put our blood, sweat and tears into the design and execution of the fit-out, which our community appreciates so much.

WHAT INFLUENCED THE DESIGN?

Having been in the hair industry for 15 years, Dylan wanted to push the boundaries of barbershop design and venture into a more spa-like environment. Through his experiences of seeing what did and didn’t work in shops he’s worked at all over the world, Dylan was able to ensure the functionality of the space was top priority, allowing me to focus on client pathways. We have been planning and envisioning what our space would look like for years, even trialling colour palettes over the years in our own home!

TELL US ABOUT THE FURNITURE?

The main goal for us was to secure the Takara Belmont chairs, backwash and desk. Our clients pay up to £60 to be in our space so they need the best and most comfortable chair to enjoy their service in.

HOW MANY CHAIRS ARE THERE?

We currently operate with four chairs in the studio. One being the Director ’s corner and the other three along the long wall on the right as you come into the studio. We have plans for potential growth to five chairs but for now are really happy with the functionality of four chairs.

DESCRIBE THE LIGHTING IN EACH AREA, WHY IT WAS CHOSEN, AND WHAT EFFECT DOES IT HAVE?

Choosing lighting in a studio dedicated to hair is like a science. Too much can be off-putting for clients and the stylists, and too little can strain the stylist’s eyes and make for incredibly challenging work.

DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS OR THINGS YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY?

If we could have done, we would have given ourselves much more time to complete the work.

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how prepared you are, things happen, and we had to decide on opening before Christmas or in the new year and it seemed silly to wait. We definitely don’t regret this but for a future studio we would give ourselves much more time and allow for a bigger budget to mitigate surprises.