Stylist to the stars opens barbershop in Nambour

Carl Reeves, left, has gone into business with Brendan “Rusty” Brooke in the Nambour barbershop Rusty Reeves.

by Janine Hill

DOWNTOWN Nambour is not where you would normally find someone who has coiffed the hair of Ed Sheeran, Pink or Kate Moss. Until now.

Having opted out of glamour jobs and travel for family life, Carl Reeves has gone into business with a friend, Brendan “Rusty” Brooke in a Nambour barbershop.

Rusty Reeves, a combination of both their names, opened six weeks ago in Currie Street, between McDonald’s and Price Street.

Carl said both he and Rusty had been keen to do their own thing after being part of larger business operations.

Having clocked up 30 years in the industry, Carl has worked for renowned hair brands, including as global art director for hair product name Kevin Murphy, and as a session stylist across fashion, music, TV and magazines. 

Carl met Rusty after joining HMB Barbers to oversee 16 stores and spend more time with his family and less travelling.

“He was one of the barbers that was working there. For me and him, it’s a dirty big industry,” Carl said. 

“There’s a lot of young barbers coming through that want to earn big money without doing a lot of work,” he said.

“A lot of barbershops are owned by people who aren’t barbers. They have barbers working for them and they last about eight months and they’re gone. You go for a haircut and you never know who you’re going to get.”

Carl said he and Rusty wanted to build a family atmosphere and get to know their customers.

They have already enjoyed the creative freedom of having their own business and designing a shop. 

Carl drew the character Rusty Reeves, a sailor. The barbershop also has an “old salt” or maritime feel with a boat and timber on the wall, pictures of ships, and even a wheel as décor.

Customers can partake of a beer by Terrella Brewing, near Yandina, while they wait for clips from Carl or Rusty. 

An old-style arcade game is also available to keep the younger ones, or sometimes the older ones, amused.