Dalby barber opens up at tattoo shop, offers residents ‘safe space’ and unique experience

From being a mother, barista, hairdresser and now barber shop owner, one Dalby woman has launched a ‘unique’ experience that offers residents a ‘safe space’ to get their haircut in the comfort of a locally-owned and beloved tattoo shop.

Barber Jami Austin has partnered with GM Tattoos Dalby to open up a new shop, Leopard & Fade Barber. Picture: Emily Devon

A Dalby barber has shared what’s driven her to open a brand new shop in town with the aim of allowing residents to have a spot they cannot only get a haircut but have open conversations without judgement.

New barbershop owner, Jami Austin revealed that the partnership with another local business GM Tattoos Dalby owned by Graham Moore will bring a “unique” and “safe space” to the region.

Ms Austin said ever since beginning her career as a barber three years ago she had a vision of opening up her own store.

“I feel very excited and nervous at the same time,” she said.

“But I think Dalby needs something that’s a bit different, it’s not your generic hairdressing salon, but a space for guys and kids to come which is exciting. They will get to see Graham tattooing, along with the different artwork that’s hanging up, it’s a unique experience.

“A lot of people are willing to pay for that different experience or go to Brisbane or the coast and are spending the big bucks at major companies.”

It was a conversation only a month ago between her friend Mr Moore, that sparked the initial idea to partner up and open the new spot Leopard and Fade Barbershop, inside the tattoo parlour.

Barber Jami Austin has partnered with GM Tattoos Dalby to open up a new shop, Leopard & Fade Barber. Picture: Emily Devon

“(Graham) was looking for a body piercer and I said I might be interested,” Ms Austin said.

“We had a business meeting and he suggested we put the barber chair at the front of the tattoo shop, and I couldn’t think of any better place to be.”

Despite it only being a few weeks since the original brainstorm, the pair along with co-owner Elisa Moore have put an enormous amount of work behind the launch, with Mr Moore renovating the front of the shop, designing the new barbershop logo and putting together the pieces to separate the barber to the tattooing studio.

The new business owner paid tribute to beloved barbershop owner John Hart, who recently passed away following a sudden cancer diagnosis, saying she had grown up hearing of his work in the community and hoped to follow in his steps.

“It’s hard to follow someone that was such an icon in Dalby for over 40 years, I only hope I can live up to his standards,” she said.

She touched on how the late barber created a comfortable spot for men to open up and have a chat.

“Hopefully people find it to be a safe space, where there’s no judgement ever,” she said.

“It’s just a place they can come and relax, where it’s one-on-one service. There’s no clutter of being in a shopping centre or people walking past and looking at you, you’re booking my time for that personal service and attention to detail.”

Barber Jami Austin has partnered with GM Tattoos Dalby to open up a new shop, Leopard & Fade Barber. Picture: Emily Devon

The businesswoman has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback following the announcement of the shop, from building up report with residents either as a barista or her previous work at hair salon, Pascal and Co.

“Everyone’s excited to see the space,” she said.

“Before hairdressing and barbering I worked at Marissa’s Espresso and have been there for nine years, I really enjoy the customer banter, one-on-one, it’s a great part of my day being able to talk to a heap of different people so it’s been a really good crossover.

“(Residents) know me, and it’s all about keeping business local. I’ll still be slinging coffee on a weekend and cutting hair during the week.”

Leopard and Fade Barbershop is officially open today, Tuesday July 25 and trading hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm.

Residents can find the shop located inside GM Tattoos at 9/66 Drayton St, Dalby and contact the store via phone on 0476 461 762 to inquire about bookings (walk-ins preferred on Saturdays).