CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A Charlottetown man who specializes in cutting Black people’s hair says his new business is all about coffee, conversation and cuts.
Luke Ignace opens the doors Saturday at Breaking Barber on Victoria Row, but he says this is much more than just a simple barber shop.
“I want to help create paths for people to be able to get into music or whatever else through these different organizations I’m affiliated with," Ignace said Friday, referring to This Town Is Small and the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival. “It’s about the community; it’s about love."
Receiver Coffee, located just downstairs from the barber shop at 126 Richmond St., has jumped on board to help, offering the first 100 customers a free coffee. Ignace said it’s about creating a coffee shop-like atmosphere.
He calls the shop Breaking Barber because, as an artist, breakdancing was the first style of art he learned growing up in the Bahamas.
“That opened doors for me, so I’m the breaking barber. (For my customers) I want to break what in their way, things that hold people back from being themselves. Stop hesitating. Be who you are. Do what you want to do. If you have a passion, you need to pursue that. I’m focused on liberating (Black) people mentally. They need to feel like they’re welcome (on P.E.I.). They need to feel accepted. They need to work with pride and confidence."
At a glance
Here's a look at Luke Ignace’s resume:
- Has cut hair for the Holland College basketball team.
- Worked at event co-ordinator with the Startup Zone learning about creating an incubation system for a business.
- Worked as a banker.
- Served as treasurer of the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival, helping to create events and platforms for the Black community.
- Now serves as the community and engagement event officer for the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival.
- Did theatre on full scholarship in New York City.
- Worked as a barber and did theatre in the Bahamas.
- Studied theatre at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts in Charlottetown.
- Did two years of business at Holland College.
- Currently studying management at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Ignace has been cutting hair for years, but he has also worked with the Startup Zone as its event co-ordinator, worked in banking and currently serves on the board of directors with This Town Is Small and the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival. He has also done theatre in the Bahamas and New York City, studied theatre for two years in Charlottetown, studied business at Holland College on a scholarship and is studying management at Mount Saint Vincent University.
He aims to use all of that experience to help his customers, especially the Black community.
Ignace chose barbering for two reasons. First, he says, there are limited hairdressing options for those in the Black community.
“And because barbering brings people to you. It brings them to a seat where there is an understanding that I’m going to be here. We’re going to have a conversation. Those conversations are going to transform into opportunities, possibly for bigger events or collaborations."
His friends can’t wait to see the business open up.
“I’ve known Luke for four years and he is an artistic genius," said Daniel Ohhebu. “For me, creating this space is not just for Black folks, but it will be a very inclusive space to help so many people. It’s not just about a haircut; it’s about the community; it’s about his passion for arts; about giving people a place to come; chill; have a good time and express themselves."
“We don’t have a lot of Black barbershops in Charlottetown," said Jean-Grace. “I came from Vancouver and it was really hard finding a barbershop. When I met Luke, I was amazed. His personality is so welcoming."
Nathaniel Ing met Ignace at the Confederation Centre and was immediately impressed.
“I always felt his passion and his inspiration to do what is best for the community in terms of this space and in terms of music. And, he can cut white boy hair, too," Ing, who is white, laughed.
Ignace said as a barber he can facilitate paths and is adamant that his shop is not just for Black people.
“This space is for everybody," Ignace said. “I’m just filling a niche for Black people. I will have primarily Black customers, but everyone is welcome."
Ignace is planning a grand opening next week. Details will be available on his website at breakingbarber.com and on the business’ Facebook page.
