By Alesha Capone
A Hoppers Crossing barbershop is hoping to become a focal point of the community.
Co-owners Mubarak Warsame and Darren Manoharan opened 6ixwest Barbers during January.
While Mr Manoharan is the owner and principal dentist of Progressive Era Dental in Truganina, he said that he has always been interested in hair and also wanted “to do something for the community”.
The ideal opportunity arose when he and Mr Warsame, who trained and worked as a barber in Canada, became friends.
At 6ixwest Barbers, they have hired two 19 year-old apprentices.
“Apart from hair, the focus of the business is the younger generation,” Mr Manoharan said.
“Sometimes it’s very hard to get those opportunities, we want to make sure we are giving young people an opportunity.”
Mr Warsame said that many people from an African background, who live in Wyndham, travelled to Sunshine or Footscray to attend one of the many African barbershops located in these suburbs.
He said that 6ixwest Barbers was hoping to attract these customers, and save them a long car ride or public transport trip out of the municipality.
Mr Warsame said that growing up in Canada and North America, barbershops were often a focal point of the community.
Mr Warsame said one of his favourite parts of the job was talking to clients, even helping them solve their problems.
“Anyone who comes into the shop, they will tell you, I’m the first one to say something,” he said.
“Most people will tell you I’m the most outgoing barber they have ever met.”
6ixwest Barbers is located at shop 6, 1-3 Alexandra Avenue, Hoppers Crossing. Details: www.instagram.com/6ixwestbarbers/ or 6ixwest Barbers on Facebook.
