Luke Grevell, Michael Vernon-Livingston open Knuckleheads barber

A spontaneous idea, a stroke of luck and vision for a “clubhouse” barber shop has evolved into two best mates commanding their own business on the Sunshine Coast.

Upbeat music, a basketball hoop and hundreds of colourful stickers help create the relaxing “vibe” at the Sunshine Coast’s edgy new barbershop.

Luke Grevell, 25, and Michael Vernon-Livingston, 34, have opened Knuckleheads near Kawana Shopping World, born out of a spontaneous business idea from the pair.

They completed their apprenticeship at the same barbershop in Birtinya and worked for several years before they wanted a new challenge.

In opening their first barbershop they wanted to create a fun, clubhouse atmosphere where people could get their hair cut, hang out and have a great time.

“It feels more like us than a shopping centre salon,” Mr Grevell said.

Michael Vernon-Livingston (left) and Luke Grevell (right) opened their barbershop, Knuckleheads in Buddina.

Mr Grevell applied to lease the first shop space he found, thinking it would give him experience for the future.

The next morning, he received a phone call announcing they were successful in the application.

They felt blown away and fell in love with the shop immediately, Mr Grevell said.

He described the business as a spontaneous, impulsive idea and it felt surreal to take on the new challenge of running his own shop.

Many mates helped the pair build the shop, wanting to see them succeed.

A basketball hoop has been mounting in the corner, contributing to the laid-back atmosphere of the shop.

With the “awesome” help of many friends and family members, the pair opened the shop within about a month.

Mr Grevell never expected he would cut hair for living – he was attending university and hated his job in hospitality until his friend got him assisting in a barbershop.

Soon he started an apprenticeship of his own and became “best mates” with Mr Vernon-Livingston, a man with similar humour and easygoing personality, he said.

“It was never in my life plan to become a barber,” he said.

There are two barber chairs in the shop, with hopefully more to come.

Being business partners with his close friend has been a “pleasure” and “incredible” experience so far for Mr Grevell.

“I would take a bullet for that guy,” he said.

“We get along like a house on fire.

“We sort of complement each other’s weaknesses which has been incredible for starting a business together.”