Every entrepreneur starts somewhere. For Sheldon Tatchell, it was a stoep in Eldorado Park at age 14 – with one chair, a set of clippers and a notebook. Today, he’s the founder and CEO of Legends Barber, a brand with 78 stores across five countries, a product range in national retailers, and a purpose that extends far beyond haircuts.
Speaking to our Partner Elite entrepreneurs, Sheldon shared how his journey began with free haircuts for friends and community members so he could practise his craft. But even then, it wasn’t just about the cut – it was about the connection. What set him apart and kept people coming back was his notebook: after each cut, he’d jot down details about his customers to remember next time. “A haircut only lasts a few days,” he said, “but the way you make someone feel lasts much longer.”
That mindset shaped everything that followed. From building his client base on a scooter, to launching a fully kitted-out mobile barber bus, and eventually opening his first official store in 2018, Sheldon’s story is one of consistently turning ideas into action.
But Legends is more than just a barber brand – it’s an ecosystem. Through the Legends Training and Development Academy, young people receive free professional barber training along with soft skills and mentoring. The business also supports local barbers in struggling communities by equipping them with the tools they need to grow, creating opportunities where there were none.
Barbers may be everywhere, but people keep coming back to Legends. Why? Sheldon says it’s not just the sharp fades, clean shaves or quality service. It’s the culture. The purpose. The way they do business. As he puts it, “People aren’t just buying your service or your product anymore. They’re buying with their hearts.”
