FROM GEARS TO SHEARS

By Louise May

When it comes to passion-fuelled purpose, Jake Hart lives and breathes it. From a career in earthmoving to becoming one of the Sunshine Coast’s most respected barbers, Jake’s journey is as raw and real as they come.

With over a decade behind the chair, he’s carved out not just a career but a culture—one that beats at the heart of his brand, Have Heart Barbershop.

Editor of Mocha Barber, Louise May, chats with Jake about where it all began, the vision behind his unique space, the brands that shaped his path, and why barbering isn’t just what he does—it’s who he is.

Tell us about you and your journey in the barbering industry and how did it all begin?

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 11 years since I made the leap into my barbering career, and it came at just the right time. I was wrapping up my time in the earthmoving industry, searching for something new, something real. A friend of mine was working at a salon that just happened to be looking for a first-year apprentice and at the moment he suggested I apply, and it all just clicked. From gears to shears, that was it, I was all in and it turned into my whole life, I’ve never looked back.

What inspired barbering as a career choice?

The inspiration was always there, barbering had always caught my eye as I was always so heavily involved in the tattoo industry, something about it just felt right. But it wasn’t until I actually started my apprenticeship that I realised this wasn’t just a curiosity, it was a way of life a calling if you’d say.

It didn’t take long before I knew, this is who I am, I’m a barber, first and foremost, It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and a part of my identity. Looking back, there was never really another path. Barbering was always in the picture, I’m just lucky I had the chance to chase

Can you tell us about your vision and creating Have Heart?

Over the years, I paid close attention to the shops I worked in, the people who sat in my chair, and the sense of community that naturally grew around it. I knew exactly what I wanted my own space to feel like. The challenge wasn’t the vision it was bringing it to life. At the time, I’d never seen a barbershop that matched what I had in mind. The art, the music, the atmosphere, the fashion it was all purely an extension of me and my take on what the barbering lifestyle truly is.

Have Heart isn’t just a barbershop It’s a reflection of the culture, the craft, and the connections that matter to me. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and honestly, there’s not a single day I don’t feel fired up to walk through those doors.

What makes Have Heart unique to other Barbershops in your area?

Have Heart brought something different to the Sunshine Coast a barbershop rooted in the rich traditions of barbering, but with a fresh energy and modern edge. From day one, we weren’t just another shop we were building a brand. What really set us apart was how we showcased our craft.

We created a space where the community could connect with our technical approach to cutting, and we made sure to put that on full display. We pushed hard on social media, showing our skills, our style, and what made us unique. We weren’t following trends we were setting our own standard. I poured everything I had into this shop heart, soul, and vision to build an atmosphere that feels completely different from anything else around. Have Heart isn’t just a barbershop. It’s a family.

What challenges have you been through during your business journey and how have you overcome them?

Have Heart opened during one of the wildest times imaginable right in the middle of COVID. Looking back, it was kind of insane. While everything was on pause, I was behind the scenes, grinding through lockdown. As soon as it lifted, we hit the ground running long days, late nights, fitting out the space and opening the doors just a week later. The hustle was real.

The first year brought its fair share of chaos. Construction was non-stop all around us, but we kept pushing. Despite the noise we stayed locked in and started building something real. We didn’t just open a shop we built a crew of like-minded barbers who shared the same passion and vision. That’s when Have Heart really started to take shape.

Can you tell us about your ambassador roles, why did you choose to work with these brands, and what does your role entail?

When it comes to this side of barbering, I honestly feel blessed. This one hits a little different for me I’m a bit sentimental about it. From early on, there were only two companies I ever truly dreamed of being associated with.

To me, they represent everything I believe barbering is and should be. I’ve always tried to keep things as real and authentic as possible, so the brands I align with have to mean something. These two absolutely do.

First up: Wahl Professional. I’ve been working with Wahl for three years now, and for the past 12 months, I’ve been part of their national education team. That still feels surreal. I remember my first ever education event, Wahl was launching the cordless Super Taper and now here I am, standing on the other side, representing the brand in that same way.

It’s humbling, and honestly, a full-circle moment I’ll never take for granted. And then there’s Reuzel, the kings of male grooming. One of my biggest inspirations in barbering is The Bloody Butcher. From the way he cuts to his overall style and finish, I’m all in. Right now, I’m deep in the Scumbassador journey, which is surreal to me, I’m really looking forward to getting out there and working with the best men’s hair product in the world.

Through both brands, I get to deliver education, look & learns, hands on sessions, and everything in between. It’s a platform I don’t take lightly. Being able to share what I know, what I love, with passionate like-minded barbers, that’s the dream.

Tell us about Jake outside of Barbering, who is he? What is he passionate about?

Outside the barbershop, life doesn’t slow down much, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve got two young daughters who are my absolute world. They’ve brought a whole new energy into my life got me outside more, back on a skateboard, and just embracing that youthful side again. My oldest has really taken to it, so now we’re out there skating together, which is pretty special.

If I’m not cutting hair or with the girls, you’ll probably find me drawing, painting, digging through records, or at a live show. Music’s a big part of my life listening to it, collecting it, and just living in it.

I feel lucky, honestly. My world’s shaped around the things I love most family, art, music, skateboarding and I get to stay inspired every day because of it.

What do you love about the industry?

Honestly, the energy in this industry is unmatched. I’ve never come across a community so full of genuinely good people, barbering has introduced me to some of the kindest, most inspiring individuals I’ve ever met. The culture is always evolving. There’s inspiration everywhere you look, different styles, techniques, and perspectives constantly pushing the craft forward. I’ve got nothing but respect for where the industry is at and where it’s heading. It’s all love from me.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

There isn’t a single thing I’d change about this industry. It’s grown in such a positive, powerful way, and the path it’s on only points upward. One of the great upcoming things, seeing more and more female barbers stepping up and making their mark. It’s adding fresh energy, perspectives, and pushing the culture forward like never before.

I’m proud to be part of something that’s evolving with so much heart and authenticity. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What’s on the agenda over the next 12 months for Have Heart and You?

The next 12 months are set to be huge for Have Heart. Our team is growing, and we’re constantly pushing forward, always learning, attending workshops, levelling up our skills and staying fired up in the industry to keep ourselves motivated to break new ground on what our shop can be.

My role is evolving too, and I’m ready to grow right alongside it. The road ahead is packed with education and travel, and I’m genuinely excited for every minute of it. There’s nothing better than getting out there, connecting with barbers, whether they’re fresh faces or longtime barbers and sharing the passion that drives me.

I’m proud of this community, and I can’t wait to keep representing it, inspiring it, and growing with it every step of the way.

@haveheartbarbershop