By Carole Levy
Motown Barbers in Sunbury is way more than your average barber shop.
Yes, it has all the trims, cuts, shaves, colours, grooming and hot towels that any man would expect. Yes, the shop is fitted out with a bit of urban grunge, wooden floors and sharp retro-modern chairs – all designed to relax a man. But where Motown Barbers transcends the norm is in their visionary Learn, Earn & Shine program.
Owner Domenica Kemp explains the program and how it emerged.
“I wanted to help young creative kids who found school wasn’t working for them, the ones who didn’t want to follow a traditional trade or academic pathway. The original vision felt almost a calling,” says Domenica.
“So we offer young creative males a opportunity to become part of Motown, a chance to learn and study and earn an income at the same time.
“Our current barbering team has come from Learn, Earn & Shine. They each found a pathway for their creativity, learned heaps of technical, life and social skills, earned money and became better communicators along the way. And if they go on to start their own business, that might be the way they choose to ultimately Shine.”
But as well as learning the craft of barbering, Domenica says that program participants learn about themselves and expand in the ‘self’ areas – esteem, worth, respect and love.
“Motown is an emotionally safe place for men to land, whether as a staffer or client. It’s great to see our clients relax, absorb the vibe, and get more from the experience than a haircut, beard trim or shave.
“We’re like a barber shop from older, simpler times, when a man and his barber had conversations, discussed current affairs and, on a deeper level sometimes, talked about themselves and life.”
Domenica also believes clients, generally your average hard-working man, should definitely indulge in some me-time. From 4-7pm, every third Thursday of the month, the shop offers the special Date Night With Motown.
“Clients get the whole hog: hot towel face-wrap, a neck and shoulder massage, hair wash, a foot soak, and all the barbering services needed. It’s three hours of pampering, with drinks and nibbles in a social setting.
“Even if it’s not for a date, that sort of luxury makes you feel a million dollars. We guarantee any man will leave feeling buffed and relaxed.”
If you have aspirations to become a barber and want to learn more, Domenica welcomes you to contact Avante Education on 1300 766 228 or visit the Avante Education Skills Training Centre Unit at Unit 3, 49-51 Horne Street, Sunbury.
Motown Barbers, Unit 3, 49-51 Horne Street, Sunbury. Opens 9am-6pm Tuesday-Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday. Inquiries: 0451 884 559
