Grand Openings

For two years while working as a grip in the film and television industry Paul researched and planned the opening of Mankind, a male only salon which invites everyone to come and experience what treatments are all about.

Paul’s decision to open Mankind was combination of things, a lifestyle change, to work in such a giving industry and to be able to provide a space where men could come in as themselves in their shorts and thongs and not be looked down upon, something he experienced in his former life.

Since opening Mankind, Paul has loosened the ‘mens only’ tag to allow women to indulge from Monday to Thursday, allowing men to be pampered in peace over the weekend. He decided to allow women to come in during the week due to the overwhelming demand from clients wanting to enjoy their treatments with their wives and partners, not to mention their desire to check out this ‘male only’ salon.

Mankind has become a haven for men in Sydney, it is quiet, with soundproofing in all treatment rooms, no children nor women gossiping, when clients walk through the front door they are greeted by a man all adding to the Mankind experience.

Mankind is warm, contemporary, generous and not overtly masculine; you won’t see any boxing gloves hanging up when you walk in the door. The space is earthy with
polished concrete floors, neutral tones and nothing to say you can’t come in or you don’t belong here.

With a desire to change opinions of men and indulgence, Mankind has many salon first timers shuffle through the door head to the ground saying “I was sent by my wife/girlfriend, I have never had anything done before” to have them leave with their next treatment booked for six weeks saying “that was amazing, I cant believe it has taken me this long to come”.

For Paul the salon is a dream, it provides a lifestyle for him and his wife Catherine, who also works in the television industry, a set routine, the ability to please people and time for this wife and family. “ Catherine has been amazing, she pushes me forward and has been nothing but supportive” said Paul.

And Shortcuts in the salon... “Its great software, I have recommended it to friends. SMS confirmation is fantastic as you aren’t being obtrusive.

“With Shortcuts everything connects together, the Point of Sale and Appointment Book, it’s so easy to use and to go between the different features as well as being visually appealing” said Paul.

And yes this avid fan of the North Melbourne Kangaroos does practice what he preaches and every four to six weeks has face treatments and a manicure and pedicure.

When asked what’s in store for the future it is up for suggestion, who knows maybe a chain of Mankind’s all over Australia helping to change the image behind men and so-called women’s beauty.