A Rising Star - Kurt Land

By Kalib Monaei & Jayden Waaka – Not About Us Podcast

At just 16 years old, Kurt Land is turning heads across Brisbane’s barbering scene as one of the most exciting young artists in the industry today. Known for his sharp eye for detail, relentless pursuit of perfection, and a unique perspective on the artistry of hair, Kurt has developed a signature style all his own.

Many already consider him a “generational talent” a rare blend of skill, creativity, and drive. He stands as living proof that the future of barbering is in good hands, with stars like him lighting the path forward.

Raised in Brisbane’s outer-west, in the regional city of Ipswich, Kurt struggled to find his place within the structure of school life. Early on, he recognised that the traditional path wasn’t for him, his creative instincts were pulling him elsewhere. After leaving school in Grade 8, Kurt took a job at a local car wash, cutting hair on the side whenever he could. During this period, he found himself mixing with the wrong crowd, and watched many of his peers end up in juvenile detention.

That was his wake-up call. Kurt made the decision to commit fully to his passion and pursue barbering as a career. Now, just a few years later, Kurt is the proud owner of his own barber studio, located right next to the car wash where his journey began. With a loyal and growing clientele, and a crew made up of close mates turned employees, he’s created a business and lifestyle that once lived only in his imagination.

In this Q&A, we catch up with Kurt to explore the journey so far from cutting his dad’s beard in primary school to running his own barbershop as a teenager. We get an inside look at the mindset of this rising star and discover what drives the next generation of barbers to break barriers and build legacies.

Tell us about your barbering journey so far! How did you get into the industry, and what attracted you to the barbering scene?

It all started when I was still in primary school, just playing around with cheap clippers and trimmers, doing my dad’s beard for fun. Over time, I began doing my own line-ups, because the hairdressers I was going to couldn’t get it how I liked. That’s when I started taking more control over my look.

I’ve always been into art and drawing, and I’d definitely call myself a bit of a perfectionist. In Grade 7, I gave my first proper haircut, and all my mates started saying I looked like a barber. So, I just kept cutting their hair for fun, not knowing at the time how far it would take me. What started as a hobby slowly became something much bigger.

What do you love about barbering?

For me, barbering is another form of art, and I’ve always loved art. It’s a creative outlet that lets me express my style, especially when I’m doing tracks, designs, or freestyle work. It’s hard to explain, but when I’m cutting hair, I see things differently, shapes, colours, textures, it’s like I step into a different world, and that feeling just makes me happy.

Barbering also saved me from going down the wrong path. It taught me how to be a leader, not a follower. Beyond the cuts, I really value the connections I build. I love being able to create a space where clients feel comfortable opening up. It’s not just about the haircut, it’s about offering support, advice, and a safe place to just be real. That’s one of the biggest reasons I love what I do. It’s more than hair, it’s community, creativity, and connection.

Who inspires you?

One of the first barbers who really inspired me was Vic Blends. I was drawn to his content and how selfless he is with his craft. Watching him go out on the streets, offering free haircuts, having meaningful conversations with complete strangers, and blessing them with confidence, that really impacted me when I first started cutting. It showed me how barbering can be so much more than just a service.

Another big inspiration early on was Chop Lloyd. As a left-handed barber myself, it was huge for me to watch someone experienced and lefthanded showing how to properly hold clippers and scissors. Most of the people teaching me at the time were right-handed, so seeing someone who moved like me helped me develop my own technique and scissor control. That really boosted my confidence and helped me find my flow.

I’m also inspired by Sam Rascals, his lifestyle, creativity, and overall style have played a big role in how I’ve shaped my own barbershop setup. His approach to the craft and how he presents himself has definitely influenced the vibe and vision behind Link Atelier.

Why do you think networking is important in our industry?

Networking is massive. This past year, I’ve had the chance to attend events like Expo4Barbers and the Spasifik Cuts 20-Year Barber Battle, and being part of those experiences has really pushed me to elevate my craft. It’s inspired me to stay hungry and chase bigger goals, especially my dream of one day becoming an educator. Through networking, you’re able to learn from others, hear their stories, and apply those lessons to your own journey. It’s a chance to grow, both technically and mentally. For me, it’s also sparked a real passion for teaching. I love giving advice, helping my mates up-skill, and doing whatever I can to help them improve their craft.

In the end, networking isn’t just about getting your name out there, it’s about building community, sharing knowledge, and lifting each other up.

Tell us about Link Atelier?

When I first dropped out of school in 2023, I was just 13 years old, and all I really wanted to do was cut hair. But building a solid clientele at that age was tough, most of my clients were still in school themselves. So, I decided to work at the local car wash during the week to earn some money, while cutting hair on weekends. What I didn’t realise was that this decision would lead to a once-in-a-million opportunity that would kick off my barbering career for real.

Next to the car wash, there was an empty space that used to be a car detailing bay. One day, my boss mentioned that it would be cool to turn it into a barbershop. At the time, not many people knew I was even cutting hair, not even my boss. But I told him what I was doing on the weekends and how much I loved it.

He gave me a shot, and that’s when I stepped in and created Link Atelier. Now that I’ve officially qualified, I’ve opened the shop to my close mates, who I’ve brought on as part of the team. I’m helping them build their own clientele, develop their skills, and grow as barbers. The energy and vibe in the shop when we’re all on is something special, it’s electric. I’m forever grateful to the car wash owner for seeing something in me and giving me the chance to turn my passion into a business.

What’s some advice you’d give to young barbers in the industry?

Do barbering to be a barber and do it because you genuinely love it. I think one of the biggest mistakes some young barbers make today is getting into the craft for the wrong reasons. They’re chasing views, likes, and followers, trying to become influencers, instead of focusing on the art itself. I’ve always loved barbering, art, and being creative, and this industry allows me to express all three in my own way.

When you focus on what you truly love about the craft, everything else will follow naturally, the skills, the clients, and even the recognition. Barbering is more than content, it’s community, creativity, and consistency. Stay true to that, and you’ll go far.

What’s coming up for you in the next 12 months?

Over the next year, I’m really focused on continuing to grow my business and inspire growth within my team. I’ve been pushing the mindset, “Our Shop, Our Space, we build together.” It’s not just about my success; it’s about all of us rising together. I’m also excited about the possibility of traveling and learning more about barbering internationally.

I want to network with other barbers around the world, exchange ideas, and expand my knowledge of the craft. One of my biggest goals is to travel to Vietnam, which is part of my cultural background and offer free haircuts to the less fortunate. Vic Blends inspired me with how he gives back, and I want to do something similar in a place that means a lot to me personally.

Lastly, I hope to start educating, whether that’s mentoring others, running workshops, or sharing my journey to help the next generation. If the opportunity to teach and inspire other barbers comes up, I’ll be ready.

@kurtlandbarber @linkatelierbarber