New barber’s success story despite coronavirus challenges

A Sydney-sider’s decision to open a brand new business in the midst of the coronavirus proved to be a positive one, and the barber had now seen continued success over the last eight months.

Sarge Tirabzon is an adamant believer that if you truly love what you do for a living, you won’t work a day in your life, as the saying goes.

He has crafted a life in which he does what he loves for a living, and is able to give back to the community he cares about at the same time.

Mr Tirabzon opened up his own barber shop, Sarge’s, in April, while the rest of the community was closing its doors, and living just within their own four walls.

The barber and business owner described his decision as a “risky” one, but a choice that ultimately paid off in the long run.

Alongside his employees Jacob, Antoine, and Jess, Mr Tirabzon has proven the pandemic was not strong enough to stop him from achieving his dreams.

Mr Tirabzon said he has crafted a dream team of employees who simply love what they do.

“We all enjoy doing haircuts,” he said.

“We don’t really look at it like a job.

“They’re all from Toowoomba so they have their friends and clients. You get to talk to them. “People come in regularly so you get to meet them and talk regularly.”

Sarge Tirabzon of Sarges Barber demonstrates traditional Turkish ear hair removal technique on staff member Antoine Roma. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Even more remarkable is his desire to give back to the community that welcomed Mr Tirabzon, his wife and his two children.

He offers free haircuts to homeless people every Tuesday.

“I’m more than happy to cut their hair for free,” he said.

“A haircut makes you feel happy and gives you more confidence so I’m trying to do my part as much as I can.

“I just like to give back.”

Originally from Turkey, Mr Tirabzon has been influenced by his culture while opening his business.

Sarge Tirabzon opened his Margaret St barber shop in April, during the pandemic lockdown. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Aside from the usual haircuts, he also offers eyebrow threading for men, nostril waxing and “ear flaming”, the Turkish practice of removing hair from ears using a small flame.

Mr Tirabzon hopes to continue his work in the city he has grown to love.

“Toowoomba is home and we’re staying here,” he said.

“I just want to maintain the business, keep the shop as it is, improve the clientele, and keep doing what we’re doing.”

Sarge’s is open seven days a week, and the store lives at 158 Margaret Street.

They’re open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm, 9-6.30pm on Thursdays, 8.30am to 3pm on Saturdays and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

Sarge Tirabzon outside his Margaret St barber shop. Picture: Kevin Farmer