Emmanuel Renaud is the man behind the well-known „Mister Kut ter“ barber shops. The Frenchman from the Loire valley began his career as a professional men‘s hairstylist in 1991. Today, he owns four barber shops with 16 employees and is about to open the „Kutter School Academy“.
Hello Emmanuel. Mister Kutter has become one of the heavyweights of the French barber scene. Where did you get the idea to open a barber shop?
For many years, I managed mixed salons and was mainly responsible for the male customers. In time, my customers became more and more demanding and it was clear that there was a demand for a salon just for men. My idea was to find a unique style that is exclusively dedicated to men. In 2014, I opened my first barber shop in Blois.
What can your customers expect when they enter a Mister Kutter barber shop?
Our customers expect and experience a moment of calm relaxation, care and advice. The human side of our business is essential. We do not provide a fast service. We take our time to do it right. I furnished our shops in a specific style I‘d call „neo retro“. It‘s a clever mix of tradition and innovation.
In some barber shops, women are not allowed. Can they come into your shop?
They are tolerated but can‘t say anything. Seriously though, this is a men‘s thing where women really don‘t have a place. If they have a sense of humor, talent and a great character, they are a welcome audience.
Do you shave your customers with forged straight razors or just with safety razors?
We usually work with both, depending on what we need.
You have always been a fan of our straight razors. Why is that?
I like the excellent craftsmanship, the quality of the materials, the handling and perfect aesthetics!
Do your various enterprises leave you time for other things?
In your spare time, what is important to you and what do you like? Professionally speaking, I‘ve developed a line of high-end cosmetics for men, focusing on beards. In my spare time, I love riding my motorbike, especially with friends. And music!
Thank you for the interview. It was a pleasure working with you!