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MEKK wasn’t designed to be just another barbershop in Manchester. We wanted to create a different barbering environment, built from our own experience as barbers to serve the people of Manchester. We’re really proud of the way MEKK has grown, the community we’ve built and the reputation we’ve earned as a Manchester barbershop. We thought we’d take the time to share our story of how we built our barbershop and why.
Why We Started MEKK
Before opening MEKK Barbershop Manchester, our team had worked in barbershops across the city. We experienced different ways of working, different environments and different approaches to customer service. While we learnt something from each of them, we also realised there was an opportunity to create something that reflected our own values as barbers. Those valuesbecame the foundation of MEKK.
We wanted to build a barbershop that reflected the kind of experience we believed clients deserved. Throughout our career, we’d all seen how much of a difference the right environment could make. A great haircut is important, but so is feeling comfortable, being listened to and leaving the chair feeling genuinely confident. We wanted to create a place where quality barbering, great customer service and a welcoming atmosphere weren’t separate goals. They would all be equally important.
Each member of the team brings different strengths and personalities, but we’re all united by the same standards. That gave us the confidence to take the risk, support one another and build something that genuinely represented us and the type of barbershop in Manchester we wanted to create.
Building MEKK From the Ground Up
Starting the barbershop wasn’t smooth sailing. Like any new business, it involved uncertainty, long hours and a willingness to take risks. We knew there would never be a perfect time to start. At some point, we simply had to believe in the vision we’d created together and commit to making it happen.
Every decision, from designing the space to building our client base, was made with the same goal in mind - creating a barbershop we’d be proud to call our own. We spent many long days in our unit, designing and hand-building the interior, choosing artwork from local Manchester artists and making the space feel relaxed and welcoming.
If you’re someone who’s thinking about how to start your own barbershop one day, we hope our journey reminds you that every successful barbershop starts with an idea and the courage to take the first step. Building something meaningful takes time, but surrounding yourself with people who share your values makes the journey far more rewarding.
As we’ve continued to grow, we’ve also become passionate about helping other barbers develop their own careers. Through our barber education, workshops and Barber Success Blueprint, we enjoy sharing the knowledge we’ve gained in the hope that it helps others build successful barbershops of their own.
The Values That Shape Everything We Do
The real point of starting MEKK was to create a barbershop with the atmosphere and vibe we felt Manchester needed . We started by talking about the kind of barbershop we wanted to build and how we wanted people to feel during their appointments. We wanted to create an environment where people could switch off for a while, have a laugh, enjoy good conversation and feel completely comfortable being themselves. Whether someone wants to chat throughout their appointment or take some time for themselves to unwind, we believe everyone should feel welcome from the moment they walk into our Manchester barbershop.
We wanted every client to feel like they were the only person that mattered during their appointment, never rushed and never afraid to speak up if they wanted something changing. We believe customers shouldn’t have to choose between a great haircut and a great experience. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality to enjoy the atmosphere, and you shouldn’t have to put up with poor service to receive a great haircut. For us, those two things have always gone hand in hand. That’s why every appointment starts with a conversation, why we encourage clients to tell us exactly what they want, and why we’re always happy to make adjustments until they’re completely satisfied.
The atmosphere in the shop is relaxed and friendly. We respect our clients’ time by keeping waits to a minimum, we take pride in every haircut that leaves the shop, and we hold ourselves accountable if something isn’t right. Those values don’t just shape how we cut hair - they shape how we work together as a team, how we treat every client who walks through the door and the reputation we want MEKK to have throughout Manchester.
MEKK Social Circle
Most of our barbers aren’t originally from Manchester, and many of our clients found us when they were looking for a barbershop after moving to the city. We understand how important it is to have a community and wanted to build one with our clients and friends.
That’s why we started the MEKK Social Circle, where we host events such as BBQ’s, run clubs, boxing sessions with Fight Factory and other social events. Our community is growing, and we’d love to see you at our next event.
Manchester supported us when we started MEKK, and we want to give something back to the city by growing the MEKK Social Circle and hosting charity events that bring people together.
Join The MEKK Community
Although MEKK has grown over the past two years, the reason we started hasn’t changed.
We’re still committed to delivering quality barbering, creating a welcoming environment and helping every client leave feeling confident in both their haircut and their experience.
If you’re looking for a barbershop in Manchester City Centre that values quality, community and genuine client care, you’ll find us in Ancoats, just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station and the Northern Quarter.
Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we’re grateful for every one of our clients and look forward to continuing to grow our community.
