7 minute read
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
By Louise May
In 2020, at just 24 years old, Damian Lai made the bold decision to open a barbershop, without any experience in barbering or business. Motivated by the promise of financial freedom and a belief that the industry could offer flexibility and security, he went all in. “I thought running a barbershop business would be a piece of cake and that it would allow me to work from anywhere in the world—oh how I was wrong!”
After six years making 50+ calls a day selling health insurance, discussing dental limits and Specsavers claims, he knew he wanted more. Amid the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, Damian asked himself a simple but powerful question: what is something people will always need, regardless of what the world is going through? The answer led to the birth of Empire Barbershop.
Fast forward to today, and Empire has been named the 2025 AMBA Modern Barber Business of the Year, with Damian also crowned 2025 AMBA Best Barber Educator of the Year (Individual)—a testament to the vision, hustle, and heart behind the brand.
Louise May chats with Damian about barbering, business, and building a legacy.
What was it about cutting hair that made you fall in love with the craft once you began learning it yourself?
I never thought it would be a trade I would have fallen in love with. I was never artistic or creative, I could draw stick figures at best, so I never thought I’d be good at it. But once I started learning, I realised barbering was far beyond just cutting hair. It’s about shared experiences with clients and colleagues. It’s about serving a purpose greater than yourself.
Being a barber helped me mature mentally and brought out a creative side I never knew I had. I loved it so much I started investing heavily in both my skills and the business side of barbering, learning from some of the best in the world.
Why do you believe it’s so important to focus on the human element of barbering, not just the technical side?
While technical ability and fundamentals are essential, the human element plays the most crucial role, more than 80%, I’d say. Let’s face it, 99% of people don’t have the “barber’s eye”. The detail work is mostly noticed by other barbers. What the general public values is meaningful connection. Trust, a safe space, and genuine conversation— that’s what keeps people coming back.
It’s those relationships that build loyalty and long-term success. People don’t return just for a haircut—they return for how they felt walking out of your chair. A barbershop chair is where burdens get lighter, minds get clearer, and people walk out feeling brand new.
What motivates you every day to keep pushing boundaries in both your barbershop and School of Barbers?
My motivation comes from purpose and mission. I want to create a legacy—something impactful enough to shift the industry. Not just for my students, but for anyone who’s ever felt lost or stuck.
In my first year running Empire, I had nothing. I had to live in the shop because I couldn’t afford rent or food. I’d collect coins dropped by customers to buy frozen lasagne. But I kept showing up. That pain and struggle became my motivation.
I didn’t have a guide or a handout. I built this from the dirt. Now, I want to show others that they can do the same—no matter how dark it gets.
You’ve created a global education platform. What gaps in barbering education were you trying to fill when you launched School of Barbers?
My co-founder Luisa Landolfo and I created School of Barbers after we struggled to find barbers with the fundamentals we needed for Empire. We interviewed hundreds—many had completed barbering schools, yet couldn’t do a fade!
We couldn’t understand why students spent 12–18 months in training and still lacked basic skills. Turns out, fading wasn’t even in the curriculum as a core or elective unit. So, we decided: if we couldn’t find the barbers we needed, we’d create them.
If there was one thing you could change about the barbering industry today, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing in Australia’s barbering scene, it would be the mentality and divide in the community. Overseas, I’ve seen real camaraderie. Barbers openly share knowledge and support one another.
Here, ego gets in the way. Too many barbers think they already know everything. That mindset causes stagnation. They blame customers instead of adapting. If we could foster more humility and collaboration, we’d all grow together.
How do you define success as an educator, and how do your students’ outcomes reflect that?
For me, success isn’t just about teaching someone how to cut hair. It’s about transformation. We aim to develop humility, discipline, and consistency. Traits that go beyond barbering, these are life skills. I see it in my students: those who lacked confidence are now shop leaders. Those who once doubted themselves are now mentoring others. That’s what success looks like raising the bar not just in skills, but in self-belief.
What role do empathy and community play in shaping the next generation of barbers?
Empathy and community are pillars for a lasting industry. Anyone can learn to fade, but not everyone can sit with a client and truly understand them. That’s the difference.
Mental health is a huge issue, especially for men. Barbers often become the first point of contact for someone struggling silently. A simple “How’s your week been?” can be a lifeline. That’s why we need to build barbers who listen and care. We’re not just grooming hair; we’re holding space for human connection.
You’ve worked with barbers at every level—from newcomers to veterans. What’s one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most often?
“Your fade isn’t what’s holding you back—your ego is.”
It’s not about technique, it’s about mindset. The moment you think you’ve got nothing left to learn, you start falling behind.
I’ve seen barbers with 10+ years’ experience who won’t take feedback. That’s ego in disguise. On the other hand, I’ve seen complete beginners grow rapidly because they stay open, curious, and coachable.
The best barbers never stop learning.
What’s your personal “why”—the deeper reason you continue to teach, lead, and contribute so much to the industry?
My vision has always been to influence. Whether through barbering or something else, I’ve always wanted to inspire change—like Tony Robbins or Gary Vee.
Barbering became the vehicle for that. It gave me a platform to lead and create real impact.
Since I was 18, I’ve donated to communities in Kenya every year, supporting youth education, clean water, and health care.
We’ve also raised over $7,000 for mental health through charity days at Empire.
This isn’t about recognition. It’s about being who I said I wanted to be—and helping others do the same.
What is on the agenda for the next 12 months?
At School of Barbers, we’re expanding our education reach across multiple locations in Australia. We’re building a movement that delivers real results with real purpose—something most schools can’t offer.
At Empire Barbershop, we’re scaling with intent. Our vision is to become a national brand, recognised for our skill, service, culture, and leadership. Whether we have one location or ten, our standards won’t change.
We’re creating a place where barbers want to work—and where clients want to return.
@empirebarbershopau @schoolofbarbersau
