Highlighter SeriesFebruary 27, 2026

Stanley Smith Is Redefining the Barber Experience Through Intention and Exclusivity

Local Stories

For Stanley Smith, moving to an appointment‑only model wasn’t about limiting access — it was about respecting time, energy, and quality. By designing a private, personalized experience backed by his own booking app, loyalty rewards, and one‑on‑one attention, Stanley has built a brand rooted in consistency, trust, and care. As he looks ahead to launching a client‑first product line and educating the next generation of barbers, his focus remains the same: elevating the experience without losing the personal connection that keeps clients coming back.

Hi Stanley, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and insights with our readers. You’ve built your business around offering a more personal, elevated experience for clients. What inspired you to move away from the traditional walk-in model and create a more exclusive, appointment-based approach?
I value my clients time, and I believe walk-ins are convenient for clients with more flexibility in their day. The majority of my clientele are professionals with busy schedules trying to juggle their daily life and demanding workloads. Once I implemented the appointment-based approach I have seen an increase in rebookings and a lot more referrals.

You’ve developed your own personalized app so clients can book directly and see real-time availability without third-party platforms. What motivated you to build your own system, and how has that changed the way you connect with and serve your clients?
Third party booking platforms are effective for online scheduling. I have used them myself in the past, those sites contain a lot of other businesses on one platform; this can cause client confusion. Sometimes there is a lack of control over branding, limited customization and some sites collect and keep your clients’ data (emails, numbers, etc.) and may even market other professionals to them.

Creating a relaxing, private environment seems central to your brand. How do you design the overall experience—from booking to the actual service—to make clients feel cared for and valued?
Once my clients scheduled their appointment, I began preparing for them prior to their arrival. If they are including additional services to their haircuts such as a facial or enhancements; I make sure I have those supplies ready. Once they are at the suite I confirm what style they would like and adjust the music and television according to their personality. During this time, they have my full attention and if any other clients arrive early there is seating outside of my suite that those clients can relax until their scheduled time.

Your loyalty points program adds another layer of appreciation for repeat clients. How important is long-term relationship-building in your business, and what have you noticed about the impact of rewarding customer loyalty?
Long-term relationship building is extremely important for my business. I have met so many amazing people during my time as their barber. A lot of my clients have referred their family, friends and coworkers for my services. My loyalty points reward system is a way for me to give back to so many great clients and show my appreciation for them.

In a crowded service industry where convenience often trumps quality, what do you think truly sets your business apart and keeps clients coming back?
I believe consistency keeps my clients coming back. They know when they book with me they will be getting a professional cut in a clean environment, with a barber that is going to listen to what they want and has affordable services.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you and your brand, and how do you hope to continue elevating the client experience even further?
I am excited for where my brand is going. I am constantly looking for new ways to enhance my clients overall experience and stay knowledgeable with the latest industry trends and standards. I am currently working on a product line that will be exclusively available to my clients first. I have also started a YouTube channel (TopNotchBarbers1) to help educate new barbers in the industry.

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