Going to the hairdresser can be a daunting experience for some, especially when it comes to making decisions on the perfect cut or color, and having to maintain a conversation with your hair stylist. However, Rhia Rebel, the owner of Little Rebel Barbershop, has taken a unique and trailblazing approach to the traditional barbering business model. In this exclusive interview with Square, Rhia shares the inspiration behind their business and how they’ve managed to make a positive impact on their community, despite facing numerous challenges.
Rhia Rebel, the founder, owner, and operator of Little Rebel, has been running their business since 2014. It grew into Little Rebel by 2017, and they continue to blaze their trail in the barbering industry. Rhia’s inspiration for their business is rooted in their inner child, who had difficulties feeling accepted in a gender-binary world. As a non-binary queer person, Rhia experienced exclusion and discrimination, and they wanted to create a place where others like them could feel safe and included.
Running a business can be demanding, and Rhia experienced their fair share of struggles, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty of reopening dates and the struggle to make ends meet put a lot of pressure on Rhia. Additionally, they had a major health scare, which was later diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis. However, Rhia found the motivation to push forward from their community of like-minded individuals they created through their business.
Rhia didn’t always have aspirations of running a business, but they fell into becoming a hairstylist while studying fine art, sculpture, fashion history, and music performance. They opened Little Rebel in support of equality and a demand for change. Rhia’s favorite thing about running Little Rebel is the creative freedom they have, the ability to be their true self, and seeing the joy that it brings others.
When it comes to advice for starting your own business, Rhia advises thinking with your heart, listening to your inner guidance, and enjoying the rollercoaster ride. They also point to the importance of using tools like Square to help manage tasks such as rosters, daily sales reports, and invoices.
Rhia draws inspiration from small businesses that support and work with minority groups. They also emphasize the importance of mutual respect and personal boundaries in any relationship, both personal and professional. As for being a great customer at a hair salon, Rhia encourages clients to be themselves and communicate with their hairstylists to make their trip to the salon comfortable. When it comes to finding the perfect haircut and style, Rhia emphasizes the importance of using Google and Instagram for inspiration and browsing cutouts from waiting room magazines.
In the next few years, Rhia hopes to continue inspiring others, collaborating with like-minded people, and breaking down gender binaries in the workplace. They aim to make Little Rebel a place where people can feel safe, seen, and heard, and will continue to take risks through their fashion statements.
In conclusion, Rhia Rebel’s interview with Square sheds light on the importance of inclusivity in business and creating a space where individuals from all walks of life can feel safe and welcomed. Running a business can be challenging, but with the right tools, mindset, and community, anyone can make a positive impact on their customers and society as a whole.
