Adib Noor
Fakhrul, better known as ‘Cruel the Barber’ has been cutting hair since 2016 at his humble home-based barbershop. In those years, he says he’s created strong bonds with clients who have sat on his chair and turned to him to talk just about anything.
“It is where I not only cater to men’s needs in terms of appearance, but a haven and a space where people can come and converse, while getting their haircut.. discussing and talking about anything and be themselves, and just vent,” he told the Bulletin in an interview recently.
“I have always been a survivor and strived to find ways to make money,” said Fakhrul.
As one of the few talented and young local barbers, Fakhrul recalled his younger days of making mix tapes featuring a compilation of his favorite songs. Now, with clippers in hand, Fakhrul is a proud business owner of Hoodchops which has been in business since 2016.
Describing himself as a “hustler”, he sees himself as someone who can stand up on his own, always finding ways to earn a living. He attributed his drive and motivation to keep in mind that he wants to be financially independent.
Through many trials and tribulations, come the lessons. He said that being his own boss forced him to learn about managing a business, the importance of having a structure and becoming a critical thinker on every single decision that would affect his business.
“If a person believes in their product or service, they should carry on with it. If they believe they can make income out of it, they should stick to it and be their own boss, instead of depending on somebody else,” he said when asked about the best advice that he could give.
On his proud achievement of opening his own barbershop, he said the shop is an “extension of Cruel the Barber,” which represents who he is.
Watch the interview on TikTok
