Don De Sanctis is an award-winning barber and successful business owner who is continuing to expand his footprint in the world of barbering.
Currently, Don owns 14 Barber Boys stores throughout Adelaide and is continuing to show his passion for barbering through multiple new projects. To learn about his impressive career and exciting new ventures, we asked Don @barberboysau a few questions.
What drew you to barbering?
It all started over two decades ago as I honed my craft as an apprentice under one of South Australia’s most renowned hairdressers, Oscar Trevisian from Norwood’s OV Hair Studio. I completed my apprenticeship with Oscar, learning everything I possibly could. From working at OV Hair Studio, I then moved to the barbering world where I worked at Mavericks Men’s Barbershop. I was not on the tools this time, I held the position of Operations Manager and State Manager for the chain.
How and when did your barbering career start?
I admired idols such as the king himself, Elvis Presley, James Dean and Marlon Brando with their iconic hair styles. They were famous for their careers but also idolised for their fashion and hairstyles. That is where I developed my passion for hair. It made me realise the power of hair and how it will always be a trend. A trend that would forever be evolving and changing.
Where are you at now?
I currently have 14 successful Barber Boys stores throughout Adelaide and have several exciting projects happening.
- The release of my very own product range ‘Razor Gang’ is set to debut in the next coming months. It has taken me several years in the making to create a tailored range specific to the male clientele.
- The launch of Barber Boys Xpress – Xpress cuts at Xpress prices! There are currently 3 Barber Boys Xpress stores in Adelaide so far and more to come.
- My new business adventure with Marcela Lastra (owner of Longko Salon) of ‘Mr & Ms’, a new concept salon tailored for both male and females. It is opening in the next coming months so stay tuned!
Proudest moment of your career so far?
There have been a number of proud moments throughout my career..
- Becoming ‘Scumbassador’ for Reuzel and Schorem. Where I travelled internationally, learning the Reuzel way of cutting-edge international trends and the modern movement of men’s hair fashion.
- Opening and operating with my wife Anna, the country’s first stand-alone barbering education institution and RTO: ‘Barbery – The Craft of a Barber Academy’
- Successfully winning AHIA Best Barber Business for 3 consecutive years
- Successfully winning AHIA Best Director of the year
- Barbery – The Craft of a Barber Academy winning Hair Expo Education Business of the year in 2019
- Currently having 14 successful Barber Boys stores throughout Adelaide
