Going to the hairdresser can be a daunting experience for many people. From selecting a perfect cut, choosing the right color, and even maintaining a conversation with the person using the tools, there is a lot to consider before and during the appointment. In this article, we teamed up with Square to talk to Rhia Rebel, the owner of Little Rebel Barbershop, who is breaking rules and pushing boundaries in the barbering business.
Rhia Rebel is the founder, owner, and operator of Little Rebel Barbershop. The business started in 2014, and within three years, it had evolved into Little Rebel. The inspiration behind the business is Rhia’s inner child. The hair and beauty industry is traditionally structured around the gender binary, with binary gender norms being taught as part of the apprentice curriculum and still being practiced today in many workplaces.
As a non-binary queer person navigating through life in a gender-binary world, Rhia found it challenging to feel accepted and fit in. She, therefore, opened Little Rebel to support equality and demand change, hoping to create a positive impact on the lives of people and future generations.
Running a business can be very demanding, and Rhia admits that there were moments when she almost gave up. The forced COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, which were the longest in the world, were particularly challenging. The uncertainty surrounding the reopening dates left her uncertain, with business and home rates/bills to be paid. Two months after Melbourne salons reopened, Rhia had a major health scare, which led to a quarter of her upper body being completely paralyzed, and she was later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. However, what kept her going was her community. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, Little Rebel became a home for Rhia, and her team and clientele became her family.
Interestingly, Rhia had never planned on building a business, but her career aspirations evolved over time through hard work and dedication in making a change in the world. Being the boss of Little Rebel Barbershop gives Rhia creative freedom, the ability to be herself, and seeing the joy it brings to others. Her advice to anyone who is thinking of starting their own business is to follow their heart and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.
Rhia uses different apps to assist in running her business, from rosters to daily sales reports and invoices. Square helps her run the business by allowing her to log in from multiple devices to access previous sales transactions. When asked about what other small businesses inspire her, she admits that she finds inspiration from small businesses that support and work with minority groups.
Rhia has learned a lot of business lessons along the way. However, the one that stays with her is trying to do everything herself. Rhia now knows that it eventually takes a toll on one’s health. In the next few years, Rhia hopes that Little Rebel will continue to inspire others, collaborate with like-minded people, and continue to take risks through fashion statements, with a goal of breaking down the gender binaries that make the world and workplace more equal and balanced.
Being a cool and inclusive boss for Rhia means keeping up with Dad jokes and being self-aware. Mutual respect and personal boundaries are also essential for any professional and personal relationships. For customers visiting the salon, Rhia says if they can be themselves and are naturally great, then that’s a perk. Little Rebel Barbershop welcomes communication with clients about anything that may make their trip to the salon more comfortable. They love to gossip and chat but are always respectful of their clients’ wishes.
Finally, Rhia’s top three tips for finding a great haircut and style are to Google, check Instagram, and avoid getting lost in the capitalist rabbit hole of no return. Cutouts from waiting room magazines can also help. In conclusion, Rhia Rebel is passionate about breaking down gender binaries and making the world a more inclusive and equitable place. Little Rebel Barbershop is an embodiment of her beliefs, and she hopes to inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
