#MadeInCapeTown is a docu-style video series, created exclusively by Cape {Town} Etc with one goal and one goal alone: showcase local talent.
“I wanted to use this incredible platform to maximise the ‘Etc’ that we promise our audience. This space is raw, unfiltered, pure people of Cape Town.”
– Robyn Simpson, Editor.
EPISODE TWO: A fresh cut with Blvck Sheep Barber
PROFILE:
- Name: Thafier Richards
- Age: 37
- Origin: Athlone
- Craft: Barber
WATCH:
THE DETAILS:
The path to passion is not always smooth and straight. Sometimes, finding what makes you come alive takes a close shave with death first. That’s exactly what happened to Thafier Richards, a mechanical engineer by qualification, and barber by chosen profession.
At 24, Thafier fell ill, flatlining twice before his road to recovery began. He had to learn to walk again — literally. A wayward child trying to do the most practical thing. A square plug in a round hole. The perfect concoction for depression, which hit Thafier hard.
Growing up in Athlone meant creating one reality to escape another. However, “graffiti, gangsters, and guns” left little room for the creative. And so, Thafier turned his attention to what seemed like the most practical decision — going to school, becoming an engineer, “just making things work.”
At his lowest, Mr Richards visited a barber. A life-saving encounter.
“I needed to get my mind off my feelings. I went to a barber because my beard and hair was hella long.
“I got cleaned up. He listened to me and took me for a coffee after he was done cutting [my hair]. After that I went home and jumped onto YouTube and just went wild. And that became my passion.”
The Coronavirus pandemic saw much devastation, but for Thafier, it was the “best thing that could have happened.” He was retrenched from his full-time job in 2020. Blvck Sheep Barber was opened a month later.
Why “Bvlck [Black] Sheep”? Classic middle-child syndrome.
“I was always the naughty one. Hence ‘Blvck Sheep’.”
Thafier oozes passion and pride. He also has a huge heart for the community, which is reflected in the shop itself. COVID-19, coupled with the spirit of cape town, created a unique opportunity for creative collaboration.
“Right now it’s about helping each other.”
The shop is home to the works of local artists who have made the space trendy as can be. As well as this, you’ll never leave Bvack Sheep with an empty stomach. Cue Silver Horn Foods…
Thafier’s cousins, Ahmad Omar and Quanita Barmaniais run a rad kitchen, making the most delicious burgers for clients. It’s a whole operation — you have to experience it.
Thafier is so much more than just a businessman. For him, it’s all about the people.
“People make me passionate about my job. The people themselves are the passion. It’s not just the haircuts, you learn from everybody every day.
“There’s never a typical day. The mood of the space shifts with each client. It can become a very moody place or a very happy place very quickly. Moody client? I try make them happy. If it’s happy, keep on going!”
According to this barber, you never stop learning and nothing is impossible.
“Can’t live your dreams? LIES! All lies. Everything can be learned. You’ve just got to go for it.”
For the best fade on the market, book your chop via Booksy.
Instagram: @blvcksheepbarber
Facebook: @blvcksheepbarber