Our Story
Jaymz, the founder of Silk Barbershop Carnegie, has weathered life's storms and emerged stronger - a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a dream. His journey is a reflection of our mission to elevate individuals through style, and our values of personal transformation, connection, and excellence.
Growing up in a chaotic household, Jaymz was drawn into a troubled path. As an adult, he found himself homeless, a circumstance that felt completely out of his control. The experience was devastating, leaving him feeling hopeless and isolated. Determined to break free from his past, Jaymz turned to commission-only sales jobs, hustling from door to door to make ends meet.
Despite facing rejection from multiple barbershops due to his physical limitations, Jaymz refused to give up. He accepted working opportunities at salons that paid him nothing or $10 per hour, and leveraged his door-to-door sales and networking skills to attract clients and gain experience.
Although his unfocused skillset made finding stable work a daunting task, Jaymz found solace in working multiple jobs. Finding employment in a factory seemed promising as income was guaranteed. However, a tragic work accident in 2016 left him with chronic shoulder pain - a debilitating condition that further hindered his career prospects. The mental toll was immense, and his mental health suffered.
With the support of his wife, Jaymz found the strength to reinvent himself. Inspired by her words of encouragement, he decided to pursue his newfound passion for barbering.
Enrolling in barber school, Jaymz faced numerous obstacles. His injured shoulders made it difficult to hold the clippers for long hours, holding a pen during class made the pain worse, and he had to skip classes to attend physical rehabilitation sessions. Yet, fuelled by his determination, he persevered, spending countless hours practicing on mannequin heads to keep up with his assessments.
In 2018, Jaymz opened his first barbershop, a small establishment in Malvern. Managing chronic pain, mental health, and a new business served many harsh lessons.
Jaymz' graduation from barber school in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in his life and career. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of his progress and fuelled his determination to overcome the challenges and risks associated with starting his own business.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges in 2020, forcing him to close his shop, find a new home, and adapt to the changing landscape. Undeterred, Jaymz found a small studio space in Bentleigh East and continued to serve his clients.
As his family grew, Jaymz realised that his current space was no longer sufficient to accommodate his vision. In 2024, he took a significant leap and relocated Silk Barbers to Carnegie. This new barbershop not only provides a comfortable and stylish environment for clients but also serves as a platform to help other barbers take control of their own careers, aligning with our value of building valuable connections for mutual growth.
One of the defining moments in Jaymz's journey was his decision to be open about his chronic pain. Initially, he was hesitant to disclose his condition, fearing judgment and rejection. However, he eventually realised that honesty was essential for building trust with his clients and colleagues. By sharing his story, Jaymz hopes to inspire others to overcome adversity and embrace their unique challenges.
Jaymz' journey from homelessness to barbershop owner is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the human spirit. It's a story that embodies our mission to elevate individuals through style and our values of personal transformation, connection, and excellence.
At Silk Barbershop Carnegie, we are more than just a place to get a haircut. We are a community that values quality, craftsmanship, and personal connection, and we believe that every individual has the potential to transform their lives with style.