Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Birch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

My grandpa, Larry Birch, started a company while my dad was growing up where he built custom boats.
My grandpa wanted to use our family last name “Birch” in the title of his business, but didn’t want to just call it “Birch Boats”. It was with my grandmas help where they named his company “Birch Craft Boats”. My grandpa passed away when I was 14 from a sudden heart attack.
When I was 19 I decided to go to hair school. After I graduated, I decided I wanted to pursue barbering only and worked 4 1/2 years in the industry before fate lead me to open my own shop. I had no intention or desire when I first joined the industry to have my own shop. It turns out it was meant for me and I’m so grateful for it. When I knew I was starting my own shop I sat there thinking about what to call it and realized it was already right in front of me. My barbershop is called “Birch Craft Barbering”. Also, my little brother started a custom hotrod shop as well and his business is “Birchcraft Customs”.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

The Journey to Birch Craft Barbering

Hi there! I’m Sarah Jane Birch, the proud owner of Birch Craft Barbering. My journey to opening my barbershop. Dreams, determination, and unexpected turns.

It all began with a different dream—my passion for music. Since I was young, I dreamed of pursuing a career in music. At 16, I started taking it seriously, pouring my heart into singing/music. After graduating high school, I took on a job to support my musical aspirations. However, that job didn’t pan out, leaving me in quite a conundrum. It was a wake-up call; I realized I needed a skill that would ensure I’d never again feel lost on how to make a living.

I didn’t want to give up on my music dream, so I thought it would be the smartest move to learn a skill. I had always been interested in cosmetology, and the more I thought about it, the clearer it became. I wanted a skill I could take anywhere, one that would allow me to create my own schedule and ensure financial stability. The very next day, I signed up for cosmetology school, starting that journey in August 2018.

After graduating, I worked part-time at a salon and a barbershop. However, as I spent time in both places, I found myself drawn more to barbering. It felt like my true calling, so I started to work full-time at the barbershop. For nearly 4 years, I worked at a couple other shops in my city, as time went on, I felt the need to step out on my own.

I searched for a barbershop in my area that aligned with my vision and standards, but nothing felt right. Initially, I considered renting a studio for myself, but those plans fell through. Fate intervened when I began working alongside an older gentleman who was preparing for retirement. After a month of working together, he approached me with an unexpected offer: would I be interested in buying his business?

I ran the numbers and mapped out what my business would look like in that location. Ultimately, I realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. However, I refused to let go of my dream. One evening, after work, I drove around and stumbled upon a building with a “For Lease” sign. It was around six or seven o’clock at night, and I thought I would at least leave a voicemail for the landlord. To my surprise, he answered the phone, and we had a great conversation.

After four months of deliberation and planning, I became the chosen tenant for that location. I renovated the building in under a month, and on June 1, 2023, Birch Craft Barbering officially opened its doors. As I approach the two-year anniversary of my barbershop, I can hardly believe how far I’ve come.

The beginning was incredibly challenging. There were moments of self-doubt when I considered giving up. I’m so grateful I persevered. Owning a business has shaped me into the person I’ve always aspired to be. I’ve come to understand that the journey, with all its ups and downs, was essential to my growth.

Today, I stand proud of Birch Craft Barbering, and all the barbers that work at my shop. I’m so grateful to all of them, my manager Connor Taylor, my supportive family, friends and clients. We’re excited to welcome clients and share our passion for barbering. I’m excited for what the future holds and thankful for every challenge that led me here.

Any advice for managing a team?

I picked this question to answer because this was one of my hardest challenges in running my business, I realize that it stems from my initial assumption that my strong interpersonal skills and leadership abilities would make managing a team easy. To my surprise, this turned out to be one of the most challenging aspects of my journey in owning a business. However, I am grateful for this experience because it has taught me valuable lessons about true leadership.

One piece of advice that may sound a bit odd/unconventional at first is that not everyone is meant to be part of your team/business. Each individual has their own vision, standards, and work ethic, and it’s essential to trust the natural flow of employees coming and going, especially in the early stages of a business. It reminds me of the saying “green on green” in the equine world, which refers to a new horse paired with a new rider—often a recipe for disaster.

When you start a new business, you are still defining its culture, standards, and vibe. If you hire individuals who are also new to the industry, there’s a good chance that some will not align with your vision as you establish what you want your business to be. It’s important to accept that losing people who aren’t willing to meet your standards isn’t a reflection of your capabilities as a leader; rather, it’s simply a matter of differing levels of commitment and readiness.

Maintaining high standards and morale in the workplace can be challenging, but over time, you will build a team that embodies your vision. This requires you to set clear expectations and hold yourself accountable to those same standards. As the leader, you are the heartbeat of your business. If you remain steady and consistent in your example, your team will follow suit.

I often liken this process to navigating a large cruise ship. When making changes, it’s crucial to steer slowly and deliberately to avoid tipping everyone over. This brings to mind another saying my dad taught me: “slow is fast, and fast is slow.” By being steady and firm, while setting a clear example of what you believe in, you will create an environment where the right people will thrive, and those who aren’t meant to be there will naturally move on. Trust in this process, and you will find the team that aligns with your vision.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

This is an interesting question, and I really appreciate the opportunity to reflect on my journey. From the very beginning I faced quite a handful of hardships- but I don’t see them like that anymore. “Life, and all its happenings is FOR you.” I’m grateful I’ve had a mindset shift that allows me to view my experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. Looking back at my journey in opening my business, I see that each challenge was meant to serve into a greater picture I couldn’t see at the time pushing me to become more than I ever thought possible.

It often feels like I’ve been put through a pressure cooker, or as if I were a rock tumbled down a river, emerging polished and refined through the trials I faced. I believed that my path would lead me to music sooner in life, and I’m grateful it didn’t happen that way. The experiences I’ve had have shaped me into who I am today, preparing me for whatever comes next.

I thought I would be a cosmetologist, not a barber, and I never imagined I would own a barbershop. My goal was simply to work as a barber in someone else’s shop. I didn’t want the responsibilities, stress, or burdens of managing a brick-and-mortar business, including branding, employee management, utilities, repairs, and all the other expenses that come with it. My focus was on music, not on running a business.

However, life had different plans for me. Working solely as a barber was not in the cards, and I found myself navigating the complexities of business ownership. I initially aimed to take over a shop that was offered to me, but that I realized wasn’t the right move. Eventually, I discovered the shop I currently own, but the process of getting approved as the tenant was incredibly challenging.

I faced the ongoing struggle of hiring and losing barbers, which made it difficult to establish a stable team. There were times when I felt like I was barely breaking even, often having to dip into my own savings to cover utilities and rent. I really wondered why I had taken on this endeavor, especially since my passion and dream was music.

Ultimately, I realized that this journey was my destiny, whether I wanted it to be or not. Now, I’m genuinely grateful for the path I’ve taken. It has shaped me into the person I am today, and that personal growth is the most valuable outcome of this experience. I’ve been able to create a business that not only supports me but also provides jobs for others.

I believe in the power of self-confidence and its impact on people’s lives. When clients feel good about their appearance, it can open doors for them—whether it’s landing a job or going on a date. You never know how the small differences you make in someone’s life can lead to significant changes.

I’m thankful for all the challenges and experiences that have contributed to my story. It’s rewarding to share this journey now, and I look forward to what the future holds.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @birchcraftbarbering
• Facebook: Birch Craft Barbering
• Other: If people are interested in me personally my IG is @its.sarahjaneee and my bands page (since I’ve talked about it so dang much haha is @no__proof)