The Mailroom Barber Co.

The Mailroom Barber Co, owned by Robert Watkins, a Master Barber from Florence, South Carolina, exists to spread awareness for human trafficking and battle issues in the manufacturing industry.

“I became a barber out of necessity, really. I was desperately seeking a barber that could cut my hair the way I wanted, but to no avail, so I decided to try cutting my own hair. After a few bad haircuts (from myself) I got the hang of it and started cutting friends hair as a favor. I managed to build a small client base and in January of 2014 I quit school and my job as a Barista at Starbucks to begin the process of becoming a licensed Master Barber. It was the best decision I could've made. The best part of barbering to me is that, with all of my clients, I get to form rich, genuine relationships that, more often than not, lead into lasting friendships.

In March of 2014, I was exposed to the reality of human trafficking and the role we all play in it through the consumption of products that are manufactured by underpaid, child, and slave laborers. As a way to reduce my impact in the growth of human trafficking and supply awareness and socially responsible products to an irresponsible market, I created the Classic Pomade with the help of a few friends.

Now, it brings me joy to say with confidence that The Mailroom Barber Co goods are handmade in small batches in the U.S.A., using only fair trade and ethically sourced ingredients and packaging. This brand is about so much more than pomade or grooming products; it's about social responsibility and the role we all can play in ending human trafficking.”

W H A T  D O E S  T H E  N A M E  R E P R E S E N T  - Mailroom Barber Co.?

“When I first started growing my barbering business through friends and word of mouth, I realized that I desperately needed a place to meet clients for haircuts that was more professional than my garage. Luckily, some good friends of mine business in downtown Florence and they were kind enough to let me use a semi-vacant "mail room" in the back of their shop while I was looking for barbershops that offered apprentice ships. I could not be more grateful to them and the guys who stayed loyal to me from the "Mail Room" all the way to wear I am now. Going forward with The Mail Room Barber Co brand, the name is such a steady reminder of how fortunate I was to stumble into barbering, surrounded with love, help, and support from dear friends and family.” – Robert Watkins