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The secrets of one of Bristol’s most successful young entrepreneurs
Chris Parfitt is one of Bristol’s most successful young entrepreneurs, not only co-founding Jacob’s, a growing chain of barbershops, but also running a popular vintage fashion shop of the same name.
The 29-year-old also recently appeared in a promotional video for Bristol Bears, giving captain Fitz Harding a buzz cut to help launch the club’s new European shirt for the upcoming season.
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Chris’ business journey began 12 years ago when he left school in his home town of Cheddar and began his barber training.
“I loved it and just sort of fell in love with barbering,” Chris told Bristol24/7 when we met at Jacob’s on Gloucester Road.
It was during this time that Chris met future business partner Jacob Davey while they were both training as barbers.
Jacob opened the first eponymous business, Chris joined him after a year and six months after that, they had opened their first Jacob’s in Bristol on Park Street – sticking with the original name.
Jacob’s barbershops has three branches in Bristol on Perry Road, Gloucester Road and North Street – photo: Maugan Brown
Chris reiterated how the business is based off a love for both fashion and barbering, previously renting out one clothing rack to other major Bristol-based fashion stores like Don Majors in their first barbershop on Park Street which they opened in 2019 with a cafe on the floor above.
“We went from one rail to two rails to three rails, and then we took out the coffee shop and made a big clothing store up top,” Chris said.
“We just thought it was a really good combination… It was amazing and we only decided to split (the clothing store and the barbershop) about two years ago, because both industries were doing really well.”
The co-founders moved the barbers to nearby Perry Road in 2023 and dedicating the Park Street shop entirely to their vintage fashion business.
Jacob’s vintage clothing store is located within their former barbershop on Park Street – photo: Jacob Davey
Now, with more than 11,000 followers on his two businesses’ Instagram pages combined, Chris spends most of his time between Park Street and the newest Jacob’s barbershop on Gloucester Road.
The collaboration with Bristol Bears came about as some of the team are regular customers.
Chris said: “It was nice to meet Fitz Harding. He’s a cool guy. He’s the only one who came in because I think none of the other players wanted to get their head painted!”
Bristol Bears captain Fitz Harding went above and beyond by getting his hair buzz cut, bleached, and coloured to match the new European kit – photo: Bristol Bears
Jacob’s have also recently collaborating with Bristol-based mental health charity, Talk Club.
“We’re really happy to be working alongside Talk Club and have created a safe space in our shops for our customers to talk about their mental health,” Chris said.
Chris admits he has made mistakes along his business journey becoming a successful business owner, which he says requires getting back up after those missteps.
“I know it sounds cliché but you need to fail to learn. We failed loads of times but as long as you’re learning, then it’s going to go well.
“We threw ourselves straight into the deep end and it worked out. It’s all about hard work.”
Main photo: Meadow Wattret
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