A few months ago we introduced you to Classic Man Barber Lounge, a new locale offering a superior grooming experience for our readers – modern demanding men looking for the best. After testing some of the services we highly recommend a visit.
This time we sit down with co-owner Isiah Michael who, along with fellow Law School classmate Cassandre Davilmar, left promising corporate careers behind to chase the vision of creating the ultimate grooming lounge for a diverse clientele. They are succeeding and far ahead of the curve, as Classic Man continues to evolve and grow. We catch up with Michael to learn of the company’s future plans, and the reason for its current success.

From the moment you step into Classic Man Barber Lounge you are greeted by a friendly receptionist and offered your choice of beverage. Between sips of a Margarita, Old Fashioned, or Green Tea you are presented a menu of the available services which range from manicures, pedicures, facials, haircuts, straight-edge shaves, and more. Then you are introduced to your groomer, who undoubtedly is someone who LISTENS, and is trained to deliver the service you desire – with a smile.

Frank Billini, Managing Barber at Classic Man

HOMBRE: How has Classic Man evolved since we last met?
Isiah Michael: We have grown our barber team. We made Frank (Billini) our Managing Barber and have decided to focus on key areas. We have Assistant Managers who are running the Manicure and Pedicure area, and the Client Outreach area. We are starting to get a more defined structure. Our client base is ever increasing. Still diverse in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, and hairstyles. We have had a few events, and are doing more partnerships.

The Team of Classic Man Barber Lounge

H: Speaking of staff, how do you select new members to your team?
IM: We have an interview process where someone on our team will meet with the specific candidate. Then they will meet with Frank, or one of our assistant managers, and then myself or a manager will meet with them. We have them meet with a broad group of personnel to make sure we agree. We want the team to always get better.

H: Going back to the beginning, why did you decide to open this space?
IM: Initially we wanted to create a place to cater to African-American and Latino males that work in in the area. We wanted to create a grooming experience that was designed for them without having to travel to Harlem or Brooklyn. But then we decided to create an experience for everyone, that was truly diverse in terms of our team, and the clientele base we serve. And that’s where we are now. The impetus was to cater to that group and grow from there.

H: Do you have expansion plans?
IM: Yes. This is a prototype. We want to make sure this place is right. We’re still in the process of creating the structure from an operational aspect. We document everything and have very defined roles. We’re creating the foundation for the next Classic Barber. But we want to make sure this prototype is perfect and then apply it somewhere else. We want to expand but we want to expand with the right mindset. We just opened January 22. 2018. We’re ahead of the curve when it comes to where we should be operational wise, but we have a lot more documenting to do.

Isiah Michael, Co-owner Classic Man Barber Lounge

H: What advice can you offer aspiring entrepreneurs?
IM: My advice is that when you have an idea, go for it. The tough part is taking that first step to do it, but once you start everything else can fall into place. And if does not fall into place you will have the energy and focus to make it happen. For us, we were both working full time jobs and it took us a while to leave that full time job and devote our energy to this. When we did there was no problem we couldn’t solve because we were completely committed and dedicated to do this project. It’s just taking that first step and run with it. And then feeling confident that you have the ability to solve any problem that comes along.

H: Finally, why should our readers visit Classic Man?
IM: We focus on creating a great experience. We don’t sell services. We focus on the perfect experience, meaning what does the person feel, smell, and see when they first walk in. And how that carries through the time they’re here with us. We want to maintain that positivism while they’re here. We’re holistic, meaning that we do haircuts, facials, manicures, pedicures and other grooming services. But they all go into this whole experience. We offer complimentary drinks, teas; we offer smiles and hellos and good conversation because that is part of the experience. That is what we’re selling. That’s our product, a great experience.

Classic Man Barber Lounge Co-owners Isiah Michael and Cassandre Davilmar

Classic Man Barber Lounge
443-445 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
www.classicmanbarbers.nyc