What does community mean to you?
Michael | Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Michael Petrie, owner of Cuba Barbers, reflects on creating an all-inclusive space where clients feel safe and welcome and what they have taught him in return.
“We’re doing well. The environment in Wellington at the moment is pretty tough. I think it’s tough everywhere. Retail is not in a great space. Wellington’s not in a great space. But we’ll come out of this. I couldn’t do it without the people that I’m working with.
I’m Michael Petrie, born and raised in Wellington, I’m 57 years old, business owner at Cuba Barbers. I’ve been operating this business since 2011.
I think what’s so amazing about Wellington is its diversity. And I think the community has had a massive effect on me in the last ten years than ever before. Cuba Barbers is a barber shop but not in the old sense of the word. It’s a 21st century all-inclusive, unisex, environment where people feel safe and welcome.
They can enjoy being here, they look forward to coming in here. And the person generally can come in not feeling great and walk out the door feeling really good on a different path. Having come in not in a great space and leaving on a very, very good one or having helped them and help you too, because it helps you. Your sharing with someone and helping them, helps you.
To me it’s very empowering. I feel at home and I feel like I’m making a contribution to their lives.
They’re contributing to mine because we have a business that relies on that connection. It’s just very diverse in that regard. From a mum and a two year old or a ten year old to someone that’s at school or university… and then you’ve got corporates, you’ve got hospitality, you’ve got creatives, artists, then you’ve got seniors and you’ve got people that are coming from quite a long way out of town to come see us here. It’s because they just love the experience and look forward to visiting.
I think it’s taught me to be a lot more open-minded and stay open-minded. I remember seeing a quote that ‘to try and keep that young essence about yourself, you have to look at the curious side of things and have an open mind towards things.’ And that’s where you never stop learning or being inspired by people.
It’s wonderful to be on Cuba Street, to be a part of an amazing community on Cuba Street. There are so many cool businesses, and I know a lot of the owners in the street.”
