Demi, 21
From a very young age I’ve had a passion for beauty and creativity, Going to the barber shop with my dad as a child was the biggest highlight of my week as I got to sit in the salon and watch the braiders work there magic and before I knew it just by watching I could do styles I never knew I was capable of and doing hair quickly became my favorite way to express my creativity. I’ve been in the hair industry for over 3 years now, and every day still feels exciting. After university I made the scary decision to move to manchester fresh start, new environment, away from friends, family and leaving behind the clients i had built within university. This could of became my biggest mistake … I found and joined 121 Barber Therapy which was a game-changer for me the supportive environment, professional growth, and sense of community have made such a positive impact on my journey and this is just the beginning. I’m truly excited to see where it takes me and all I can achieve in the future. I am enjoying every moment and love being part of a team that values both skill and connection.
Meet The Team
Josh, 18
My name is Joshua
I have been cutting hair for 2 years
I started cutting hair in may 2023. Starting off was rough because I didn’t have much help atall and I was purely just relying on YouTube tutorials. I was posting all of my barbering content on social media, and one day i had a barber message me on tiktok asking if i worked in a shop in which I didn’t at the time. He put me in contact with the owner of 121 barber therapy because he see my work, and we arranged to have a meeting. I met up with the owner, the conversation went well and we agreed for me to start the following week. At first I was very nervous and hesitant to cut hair in a professional setting as I used to do it in my house, but chaddy helped me overcome this and showed me techniques that stuck to me until now. Fast forward 2 years of being with 121 I am now the manager of the shop. I have now also cut premier league football players, and world star Djs. I still continue to up my barbering standards and progression throughout myself and the business.
George, 20
My name is George and barbering has changed my life. I’ve had an interest in barbering since the age of 12, watching videos and and studying them. I always told myself that I would save and buy my own equipment but I never did until my first year of university. I started cutting hair at the age of 18 in my university accommodation and it instantly took of because I already had the knowledge. Wanting to expand my knowledge I went to a barbering masterclass where I met chaddy, he was impressed by my knowledge and skills and I got hired on the day. I ended up dropping out of university and started taking barbering seriously, now a year and a half later I’ve got regular clientele. 121 is the first barbershop I worked at and Chaddy helped me get to the next level.
Meekz, 24
Hi im Meekz -
barber with nearly 4 years of experience, and a journey that started with a cheap beard trimmer during lockdown.
From cutting hair with missing guards to investing in real tools, watching endless YouTube tutorials, and learning from friends — I was locked in from day one. I’ve mostly worked as a mobile barber, and even found myself managing a shop without ever working in one before. That came with its struggles, but each step sharpened both my skill and mindset.
After moving to Manchester for a fresh start, things didn’t go to plan — but a call from my boy Teo changed everything. He introduced me to 121 Barber Therapy, and I’ve been full-time ever since. 121 gave me the chance to turn my passion into my full income and align with a team that’s about purpose, not just trims.
Barbering isn’t just a hustle for me — I’ve used it to help others too. I’ve worked with Crowned with Care giving free cuts and education to Black and mixed kids in foster care, and raised over £1,000 through a 24-hour TikTok live for Palestine. 121 isn’t just a shop — it’s a movement for the community, and I’m proud to be part of it as we grow.
Keaton, 17
I’m Keaton – 17 years old and already deep in the game.
I’ve been barbering for a year and have done over 100 trims. It all started when I told my barber I’d cut my own hair next time — gave myself a high taper thinking I was doing a low one. It wasn’t clean, but it lit something in me. From there, I just kept practicing, messing up, learning, and getting better.
I got involved with 121 after they came to my school for a careers day. The way they spoke about ambition, confidence, and turning passion into something real — it clicked with me straight away. I joined, locked in, and everything changed from there.
Since then, I’ve even travelled with 121, repping the brand and doing what I love in different places. I’ve also become the personal assistant to the founder, which opened up a whole new side of the game. This is bigger than just cutting hair — it’s about growth, professionalism, and staying hungry. And I’m nowhere near done yet.
Brandon, 22
Hi, I’m Brandon – a 22-year-old barber on a journey that started with a simple thought: "Why not cut my own hair?"
Growing up, I found it hard to get exactly what I wanted from a trim – only a few barbers really understood my style. I always thought it’d be better if one of us learned to cut, so we could just look after each other’s trims and keep it all in the circle.
Before barbering, I worked at the airport, but I always knew the 9–5 life wasn’t for me. I wanted to build something for myself. My brother connected me with Chaddy Masangi, a long-time family friend and the owner of 121 Barber Therapy, and that’s where my journey really started.
Since joining in May, it’s been nonstop growth. Every day is a learning curve, and I’ve had the chance to sharpen my craft at events like Jeremie Frimpong’s Pathways. The more people I meet, the more I fall in love with this lifestyle. The barber journey’s only just begun.
Deni, 16
I’m Deni – and my journey with 121 Barber Therapy has been nothing short of life-changing.
When I first came here, I was a very introverted young man. My original work experience placement had fallen through, and that could’ve been the end of the road — but Chaddy gave me a chance. Despite being the quietest in the group, he saw something in me and chose to keep me on, investing time to train me from the ground up.
Since then, I’ve grown not just as a barber, but as a person. I can now confidently cut hair, hold proper conversations with clients, and work alongside my team with pride. 121 didn’t just teach me how to cut — it helped bring me out of my shell. The progress I’ve made so far motivates me to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep growing.
This is just the beginning.
William, 16
I’m William – and barbering has quickly become something I’m proud to be part of.
I first heard about 121 Barber Therapy through my brother, who trained there. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill, build confidence, and grow as a person.
Since joining, I’ve made genuine connections and started building belief in myself both in and out of the shop. Every day here feels like a fresh chance – it’s a place that feels more like family than work.
At first, I didn’t think I’d be cutting hair confidently for months. But within two months, I’ve already done over five trims, and with each one, my confidence has grown massively.
Tywin, 14
Hello
My Tywin I’m 14 years old
I’ve been doing barbering since March 29th.I started doing it every Saturday but then I needed an alternative from school and barbering I would say was the right one for me.When I first started I didn’t really enjoy it but I was saying let me give it a chance ever since then I’ve enjoyed majorly and I would say this barbering situation is the best thing that happened to me.