Twenty years ago, I took a leap of faith. I stepped into the unknown, purchasing a barbershop with over a century of history, armed with nothing but a passion for the craft, an obsession with excellence, and an unwavering belief that I could build something extraordinary.

I started barbering at 12 years old, sweeping floors and making tea in my hometown barbershop. By 15, I had left school, unable to read or write properly, but determined to master a trade. I poured my energy into learning, competing, pushing myself beyond limits, winning championships, and honing my skills among the best.

At 21, I moved to London, cutting hair in Mayfair, just off Savile Row. The clientele was different, the expectations higher, but I thrived under pressure. I built a reputation, sharpened my craft, and earned the trust of discerning gentlemen.

Then, at 29, I made the biggest decision of my life—I bought a rundown barbershop in Pall Mall. While renovating, I discovered an old business card hidden in the walls. It dates the shop back to 1896.

I had unknowingly purchased one of the oldest barbershops in the world.

I renamed it Pall Mall Barbers—and the journey began. – Richard Marshall

From One Barbershop to an International Brand

Over the past two decades, Pall Mall Barbers has grown from a single location to an internationally recognized name in men’s grooming:

• From 1 shop to 7 in iconic London locations
• Expanding internationally to New York City, with a flagship store in the world-famous Rockefeller Center on 5th Avenue
• Thousands of haircuts, beard trims, and shaves are delivered each year
• A multi-award-winning men’s grooming product line
• A team of world-class barbers dedicated to their craft

Lessons from 20 Years in Business, and 38 Years of Being a Barber

Dreams Mean Nothing Without Action

Talent alone doesn’t build success; relentless work does. Hard work, discipline, and consistency separate those who wish from those who achieve. The greatest ideas in the world will never come to life without the dedication and effort required to bring them into reality. Success is built on action—taking bold steps, learning from setbacks, and pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Each day presents a new opportunity to move closer to your goals, and the only way to achieve greatness is to take action, persevere, and refuse to settle for anything less. Richard Marshall

Your Past Does Not Define Your Future

I started with nothing, yet built something incredible. Your circumstances don’t dictate your destiny—your decisions do. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what obstacles stand in your way; what matters is the choices you make. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and every challenge is a stepping stone. Growth comes from embracing adversity, from turning failures into lessons, and from never allowing the past to limit what is possible in the future.

Success is about adapting, evolving, and proving to yourself that change is within your control. It requires resilience, determination, and a mindset that welcomes progress. Instead of being held back by history, use it as fuel to propel forward. Push beyond limitations, break barriers, and carve out the path that leads to your own success. Believe in yourself, trust in your vision, and take control of your future with confidence and conviction.

Excellence is a Daily Habit

It’s not about being the best once; it’s about showing up and delivering at the highest level, every single day. Excellence isn’t a one-time act but a lifelong commitment. It requires discipline, consistency, and the drive to continually improve. Strive to be better today than you were yesterday, and never settle for mediocrity.

True excellence is built through habits—small, intentional actions repeated daily that lead to mastery. It is about setting high standards and holding yourself accountable to them, even when no one is watching. Success is not an accident; it is the result of focus, hard work, and an unrelenting pursuit of bettering oneself. Excellence requires continuous learning, adapting to change, and embracing feedback as a tool for growth.

When challenges arise, true excellence demands perseverance. It’s about rising every time you fall, refining your skills, and pushing beyond limitations. Those who achieve greatness don’t do so by chance; they commit themselves to being better, day after day. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and make excellence a way of life. Richard Marshall

Resilience is the Difference Between Success and Failure

The journey is never easy, but persistence turns struggles into stepping stones. Challenges and failures are inevitable, but they don’t have to be roadblocks. Instead, they should be seen as lessons and opportunities to grow. The ability to push through adversity, to adapt, and to keep going even when things are tough is what defines true success.

Resilience is about developing mental toughness and unwavering determination. It means rising every time you fall, learning from setbacks, and using them as fuel to propel yourself forward. Those who succeed are not those who never fail but those who refuse to let failure define them.

Success is built on grit and a relentless commitment to progress. When doors close, resilience finds another way through. When challenges seem insurmountable, resilience breaks them down into manageable steps. It’s about adjusting, evolving, and believing in the journey even when the results aren’t immediate.

No great achievement comes without moments of doubt, difficulty, and struggle. What separates those who thrive from those who falter is the mindset of resilience—the unshakable belief that no matter what happens, you will push through, overcome, and emerge stronger than before. Richard Marshall

Growth is Uncomfortable but Necessary

The best things in life come from stepping outside your comfort zone. If you want to grow, you must embrace discomfort. Every great achievement requires risk, effort, and the willingness to face uncertainty. Growth is not a smooth, linear process—it is filled with moments of doubt, setbacks, and trials that test your resilience.

True progress comes from pushing beyond the boundaries of what feels safe and familiar. Change can be intimidating, but it is the catalyst for transformation. The most successful individuals are those who lean into discomfort, taking on new challenges with curiosity and determination.

The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more you expand your potential. Whether it’s developing a new skill, taking on a leadership role, or making bold decisions, every challenge faced head-on strengthens your confidence and capabilities. Seek out challenges, embrace new opportunities, learn from every experience, and never stop evolving—because the greatest version of yourself lies beyond your comfort zone. Richard Marshall

20 Years In, and We’re Just Getting Started

To the barbers, my team, my clients, and everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you.

Your trust, support, and passion have made this possible.

Here’s to the next chapter, the next challenge, and the next 20 years of excellence.

Stay sharp. Keep growing.

– Richard Marshall

Stay Connected with Richard Marshall| CEO and Founder of Pall Mall Barbers

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