From a Craigslist Shop to Full Barbershop: How Ali Srour Built His Barbershop from the Ground Up

Most people dream about owning their own business. Ali Srour built his — from a Craigslist post, a two-year grind, and a relentless vision.

At just 26 years old, Ali is the owner of Ali’s Barbershop, a creative and cultural landmark in South Philly. But this wasn’t some hand-me-down franchise. There were no investors. No shortcuts. Just hustle, heart, and a deep respect for his craft.

In this episode of Beyond the Brand, we sat down to talk about what it really takes to go from working behind the chair to owning the shop, and the mindset that kept him pushing when most people would’ve tapped out.

From Drawing Portraits to Cutting Fades

Ali didn’t come from business school — he came from art.

Growing up, he was the kid always sketching, observing, and creating. That same precision he used to draw faces? He transferred it into cutting them — perfectly blended fades, sharp lines, intentional details.

Barbering became his outlet. His art. His path.

But as his client base grew, so did the vision.

“I wanted to build a space that felt like more than a barbershop. A place that represented creativity, culture, and community.”

Stacking Every Dollar: Saving $30K the Hard Way

Before the barbershop ever had a logo or location, Ali made a commitment: work nonstop and save everything.

He worked 7 days a week, cutting hair wherever he could. Every dollar he made, he put toward the dream. Two years later, he had saved $30,000 — enough to sign the lease on a Craigslist storefront and start building it out.

“I didn’t know how to open a business, but I knew how to work. That had to be enough.”

The early days were chaos — no front desk, missing tools, no help. But the doors were open, and he refused to close them.

Marketing Before the Followers

Ali didn’t go viral. He went physical.

He printed 3,000 business cards and hit the streets — handing them out at events, corner stores, in passing conversations. The goal wasn’t clout — it was community.

Every cut was an opportunity. Every client a connection. Over time, the chairs stayed full.

“If I’m not consistent, I don’t eat. That’s the reality when you’re self-made.”

The Struggle to Find Licensed Barbers

Now, Ali wants to expand — but there’s a problem.

Barbering has become trendy, but licensing and commitment have lagged. He’s had barbers ghost him, people show up untrained, and others disappear mid-week.

That’s why he’s pushing for more mentorship, structure, and standards in the game — especially for young barbers coming up.

“If you’re not disciplined, this isn’t going to work. Period.”

Burnout, Balance, and Real Talk

Ali also keeps it real about the parts people don’t see: the burnout, the self-doubt, the mental grind of being both the talent and the owner.

When your name is on the door, everything is on your back — from making rent to setting the tone to figuring out next steps.

Sometimes, he has to stop. Reset. Remind himself of why he started.

Lessons From the Chair: What Ali Teaches Without Saying a Word

Sit in Ali’s chair, and you’ll notice something: the cuts are clean, but so is the energy.

He listens. He moves with intention. He talks about life. Money. Growth. Creativity. Discipline. The shop becomes a classroom, especially for younger clients who’ve never seen someone run their own thing with that kind of purpose.

“I just want people to know you can do something real with your hands, your mind, and your own name.”

What’s Next for Ali Shore?

He’s still cutting. Still creating. Still mentoring.

Ali wants to keep building his art brand (you can find his prints on Redbubble), expand the shop, and help the next generation of barbers see themselves as more than clippers — as creators, business owners, and culture leaders.

Final Word: You Don’t Need a Blueprint. You Just Need to Start.

Ali Shore didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He got to work. He learned as he went. And now, his barbershop stands as proof that you can build something beautiful from the ground up — even if all you have is a Craigslist listing and a vision.

“You’ll never be fully ready. But if you stay consistent, you’ll get where you’re going.”

Connect with Ali Shore:

• Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_artncutz/

• Book a cut at Ali’s Barbershop — South Street, Philadelphia https://www.alis-barbershop.com/

  
  

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