Most people would say that opening up a business smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic was unlucky, but for this local small business entrepreneur, it was a most fortunate timing for him to open up his business. We Know WeHo talks to Jordan Halem, the owner of The Barber Den LA, a very hip barber shop located at 7748 Santa Monica Blvd., on the “east side” of West Hollywood just east of Genesee.
This is We Know WeHo’s first barbershop interview and Tracy (our podcast host) is eager to learn the ins and outs and the services offered at this type of business. Jordan Halem is not only the owner of The Barber Den LA, but also a professionally trained barber. You will definitely want to listen to this episode to hear how Jordan spent several years in federal prison for selling and transporting meth after a successful law career, and how his prison hussle of cutting hair inspired a successful business against all odds.
Jordan breaks down for Tracy the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist and their unique service offerings. The Barber Den LA offers both, which means you can go in for a close shave and also a haircut if you have longer locks. Would you believe that mullets are one of the latest men’s hair trends?! We wouldn’t be surprised to see Tracy in the chair with a hot towel and thick shaving cream on her face for a good old fashioned (mock) razor shave!
Outside The Barber Den LA“Vintage”, “Cozy”, “Masculine” and “New York” are the four words Jordan landed on to convey the branding of his barber shop, and that is definitely the vibe he has achieved with brick walls, dark leather seating within a narrow interior. Every three weeks devoted clients take a seat in a comfy leather chair for a revisit on a skin fade, zero shade or beautiful airbrushed fade. Jordan has been so successful that he recently opened up his second location, Circa 33 Barber Shop on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood.
We always love to hear about what is happening in bustling east WeHo, as there is a thriving business community that continues to grow on Santa Monica Blvd east of Crescent Heights including the likes of Farm Cup Coffee, Irv’s Burgers, Candle Delirium, and Liv Infrared Sauna.
You can follow We Know WeHo on Instagram @weknowweho_official and send a DM or email to [email protected] to be a guest on the show.
Well , how much is a haircut ?
I go to several places on pico and they’re only 8 dollars… what are they charging here?
There is no way someone is making any money off an 8 dollar haircut…
Are you living in 1987?
There’s plenty of places are cut hair and pico interest at night pico in Highland pico over there near the midcity shopping center plenty of places for seven and eight dollars for a haircut
Tell me the exact name of a place that charges $7 for a haircut.
Tell me the business name.
Let me break this down for you:
$7 a haircut (let’s just say a short 30 min haircut)
So that would be $14/ hour (already less than minimum wage)
Then you have to factor in the charge to rent a chair (pay 20-30% to the owner)
How would anyone survive on that income?
No idea but not my concern how they make money.
pico/union
start at that intersection plenty of places ! Some are $6.00
So you still won’t name a specific place. It can’t be that hard…