First time ever watch “Life Comes Full Circle” documentary on YOUTUBE!!!

Posted on April 24, 2020 by admin

“Quick lil history lesson for all you up and coming barbers out there across the world who think it’s hip and cool, and are lucky enough to be tattooed with a good job; Eric Webb and his

mentor Jake were the first two dudes out of Southern California in the early 90’s to introduce the ‘look and style’ of today’s “tattooed barber” movement across the world! He might just be the reason you became a barber without you even knowing it!”
Tim co-owner of Syndicate Barber Shop in Long Beach, CA

The documentary focuses on the reluctant barber icon who is not globe trotting or looking for international acclaim even though he is one of the men who set barbering on this global trajectory but the legacy that Eric Webb has created is undeniable. We have an EXCLUSIVE interview with barber icon Eric Webb as he discusses Jake Bricks, Syndicate Barber Shop and the current state of barbering.

Eric and Phil Hernandez have created Circle City Barbers in Orange, California that is only a few steps away from the founder of the traditional tattooed barbering movement, Jake Bricks, original shop. Although, Eric does not seek fame or prestige and his humility in the profession of barbering is a rarity.

We also included interviews with Wolfman barber, Local Barber Hirakawa from Japan and Barber Harley from South Korea! Watch them discuss the influence of American Barbering on their culture and the consequences of being tattooed barbers in their countries. This is a super rare interview that you don’t want to miss and wont find anywhere else.

Watch “Life Comes Full Circle” documentary today!

Posted on February 16, 2019 by admin

“Quick lil history lesson for all you up and coming barbers out there across the world who think it’s hip and cool, and are lucky enough to be tattooed with a good job; Eric Webb and his mentor Jake were the first two dudes out of Southern California in the early 90’s to introduce the ‘look and style’ of today’s “tattooed barber” movement across the world! He might just be the reason you became a barber without you even knowing it!”
Tim co-owner of Syndicate Barber Shop in Long Beach, CA

Click Here to Watch the FULL DOCUMENTARY

Episode #002 “Syndicate Barber Shop & Bravos Barber Shop” vodcast (video)

Posted on April 3, 2017 by admin

Podcast: Play in new window

Date filmed: 2/26/17
Duration: 60 minutes
Topics: interview w/ Tim from Syndicate Barber Shop in Long Beach, CA & Bravos Barber Shop in Monterey, Mexico
Host: Mr. M founder/editor of GentlemensAvenue.com
Guest: Tim, Damien, and Alex.
Location: Whittier, CA

Episode #002 “Syndicate Barber Shop & Bravos Barber Shop” podcast (audio)

Posted on April 3, 2017 by admin

Podcast: Play in new window

Date filmed: 2/26/17
Duration: 59 minutes
Topics: interview w/ Tim from Syndicate Barber Shop in Long Beach, CA & Bravos Barber Shop in Monterey, Mexico
Host: Mr. M founder/editor of GentlemensAvenue.com
Guest: Tim, Damien, and Alex.
Location: Whittier, CA

Revival of the Traditional Barber Shop Book Cover Release!

Posted on January 20, 2017 by admin

Folks,

In 2013 we started a book, the first of its kind, a modern traditional barber history that documents the revival as it happens. We figured why wait 15-20 years after the fact. Our goal is to document history as it is happening. Not only did we document the revival but also the founders and progenitors of the revival. The barber shops featured in the Southern California edition are influential in their communities and have a worldwide impact in the profession.

The delays have been numerous but we plan to have the book completed by the end of the year. A few delays; a photographer burned us for photos so we had to re-shoot, over 4,200 photos to sort through, selecting the right publisher, and life! Finding the right publisher proved to be a major obstacle. We sought out many publishers during the last few years but each had terms and conditions that we felt compromised the integrity of the book so we decided to do what we have done with all of our projects and that is to be independent and self publish. Another great benefit of self publishing is that we found one in the USA which is a major benefit. The drawback with these choices is a higher cost per unit. The big publishing corporations don’t make it easy for independents to publish their own books but nevertheless that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

We anticipate offering pre-orders and barbershops and companies may obtain the book at wholesale. The barbershops that participated in the book can purchase the book at cost. Our publisher offers volume discounts so that is what we’re aiming for. If we get enough pre-orders with considerable volume then we can place orders.

We thank everyone for your patience. Updates will be posted on social media and our website.

For all the barber shops that participated in the book you need to contact us ASAP to complete the interview if you haven’t already done so. Without your interview the book cannot be published and your history will not be told. I cannot stress this enough because the book is a modern traditional barber history we need you stories. Contact publishing@gentlemensavenue.com

120 Years Of Barbering The Film, Japanese Edition! 2017 Release!

Posted on November 28, 2016 by admin

We are honored to announce that our groundbreaking film will be released in Japan with subtitles in 2017! Not only did we add subtitles to our film but we also translated the iconic film poster created by Howlin Wolf.

The film will be distributed in Japan by our good friend Masa. Be on the lookout early 2017 for this special release.

Watch “Life Comes Full Circle” film for FREE!

Posted on November 17, 2016 by admin

To celebrate the birthday of Eric Webb (11/17) we created a promo code that will enable you to watch the film for FREE (during 11/17/16-11/21/16). Make sure you click this link and use promo code HBD17.

Happy Birthday Eric!

Is This A Threat To Barbering? Case Study #1

Posted on November 9, 2016 by admin

Folks,

Recently we posted a question on social media that stated “The Greatest Threat To Barbering Is…” and a few people responded with their perspective and anecdotal information. One individual provided data that we found interesting and shocking so we decided to use it as a case study. We verified the information and found it to be correct.

We are not going to out the individual and we really do not care that he has “success” but the point of the case study is to document what barbers have been saying about their profession and provide evidence to substantiate or refute their claims. We are not judging them but it is important to document the trends of this ancient profession before catastrophe strikes again (i.e. The Great Barber Depression 1960’s-1990’s).

So let’s get to the case study. The subject, from what we found, was a normal looking fella 3 years ago and was proud of his new job at a big box store. In 2014 there were no apparent tattoos on his torso, neck or arms but we may have missed a lower back or ankle tattoo. In 2013 he was an apprentice at a barber shop. This is vital data because it takes about 1- 1 1/2 years to become a barber after the apprenticeship.

Presently, the subject has tattoos that start on his neck and extend down to his fingers. So within the span of 2 years the subject had tons of ink put into his skin. Not sure if they all have deep meanings but nevertheless it happened. The subject has over 30, 000 followers on one social media platform alone! This is a huge symbol of popularity and creates credibility. The subject is also a “celebrity barber judge/educator” at several major barber/cosmo events and is sponsored by a major corporation. Typically to be a judge or educator in society you need education, experience and credibility.

How did this “success” and meteoric rise to being part of barbering elite or a “master barber” occur within the span of 2 years? Once again, we are not judging or hating on them or doubting their “passion” for the game/hustle. What does this case study mean to the ancient profession of barbering? That is a question that we cannot answer and we leave you to make a conclusion based on the data we collected.

Stay tuned because there is more case studies to come…. Why are we doing this? We are not barbers or pretend to be. We have a deep reverence for the ancient profession and believe that history must be documented as it happens and not after the fact.

Hopefully the catastrophe that many long-term barbers have predicted can be averted.

Mr. M
Founder/Editor

“Life Comes Full Circle” Barber Shop Film Release!

Posted on October 16, 2016 by admin

EXCLUSIVE interview with barber icon Eric Webb. Eric is one of two men who set the pace for the Traditional Barber Revival in Southern California that has now spread around the globe.

Eric and Phil Hernandez have created an amazing shop in Orange, California that is only a few steps away from the founder of the traditional tattooed barbering movement, Jake Bricks, original shop. Although, Eric does not seek fame or prestige and his humility in the profession of barbering is a rarity.

To watch the full 40 min film and trailer click here
Use Promo code: JakeBricks15
for 15% off

Barbers Terrorize The Public!

Posted on August 30, 2016 by admin

Exactly 137 years ago this article was published in the New York Times. It was believed that barbers use their position of influence over a patron to gain his favor and get whatever they want. It could be getting a job for a friend or influencing social policy. The barber had power and the power was persuasion over the patron that sat in their chair. In the writers mind this was, “terrorism”.

According to the article 78% of the insane asylum patients were in the habit of being shaved by barbers before they became insane and “if this does not mean that to be shaved by a barber is to incur the risk of being talked into madness statistics have no meaning .”

The article concludes by stating that a barber uses his power of persuasion and gift of gab to sell grooming products and that he is able to break a man in order for him to purchase the product “the sale of tonic in the city alone during the period from 1864-1875 was so great that no man who wishes to maintain a reputation for veracity dared mention the number of bottles.”

In 1879 it was recognized that barbers had a place of influence in society but some people viewed it negatively and took it to an exaggerated extend by claiming that barbers were placing people into insane asylum’s because they were talking their ear off and driving them mad with conversation and constant manipulation.

I believe the article reinforces the authentic and special place a barber shop holds in society. The barbers responsibility is not only to groom the patron but also establish a friendship and a friendship that is not manipulative but honest and sincere (for those that want to have a friendship). It’s been said “they walk in as patrons and leave as friends” according to Danny Becerra from Gentlemen’s Parlor Barber Shop in San Jacinto, CA.

I hope that 137 years from now someone will read an article that I published about barbers and conclude that the barbering revival occurred worldwide and the great tradition did not die out and was upheld by professionals who stayed true to barbering.

May we all avoid the pitfalls of history.

Your Friend,
Mr. M
Ephesians 3:12

GENTLEMEN'S AVENUE

Modern Men of Tradition and Distinction

Category Archives: Grooming