ROMAIN -Headquarters- Est 2014
The Birth of ROMAIN: How It All Started
A Nurse’s Leap into Barbering
In 2014, Stijn De Sutter was still working as a nurse when he decided it was time to make a bold career change. With a deep-rooted passion for taking care of people and making them feel good, he knew it was time to follow a different path. But he didn’t dive in headfirst. Instead, he started small—very small—in the storage room of his apartment in Ghent. Friends came over, and that’s where the magic began. Little by little, Stijn discovered the love for barbering. A space for men to unwind, chat, and relax with a barber who wasn’t just cutting hair, but offering something deeper—a listening ear and a good conversation.
The First Shop: A Garage Transformed
In 2016, Stijn set his sights on something bigger: his first location. It wasn’t much to begin with—just a garage. But Stijn saw potential. He didn’t want a place to park cars; he wanted to create something special. The space was stripped down, rebuilt, and in 2017, a small shop was born. White walls, two chairs, and an atmosphere of quality service. On February 1st, 2017, the doors opened, and people came flocking in. They were drawn to the unique vibe of ROMAIN—quality service and a genuine passion for barbering.
Expanding the Team and Space
By 2018, the shop was already too small to handle the growing number of customers. The demand was so high that Stijn expanded the space, adding a third barber chair and growing the team. The ROMAIN experience was expanding, and customers continued to return for the exceptional service.
Adapting During the Pandemic: A New Era for ROMAIN
In 2020, the pandemic changed everything. But Stijn wasn’t one to sit idly by. The shop underwent a major transformation. No more disposable razors—vintage straight razors took their place. The white walls were replaced with sleek black, giving the shop a more sophisticated and refined feel. But it wasn’t just about the looks. Stijn introduced cigars, drinks, and even international barbering lessons. It was a new chapter for ROMAIN, offering an experience that was more than just a haircut.
ROMAIN Grows: From One Shop to Two
As ROMAIN continued to grow, it became clear that the original location wasn’t going to be enough. Just around the corner, a new space opened up, and it was perfect for the next step. This new shop, named *Yvonne* after Romain Deconinck’s wife, gave the team the space they needed to expand further. With more room for cigars, two additional barber chairs, and ample space for the things that truly represented ROMAIN’s passion, *Yvonne* was born. The shop was more than just a space—it became a place where the love for fine cigars and exceptional barbering met in perfect harmony.
The Meaning Behind ROMAIN: More Than Just a Name
The name ROMAIN isn’t just another brand name. It’s a tribute to the late Romain Deconinck, a well-known Ghent actor and playwright. But for Stijn, the name represents something deeper. He didn’t want to be just another barber with his name on the door. ROMAIN was about building something bigger—a collective of like-minded barbers, united in their dedication to excellence, service, and professionalism. Stijn was creating a movement, pushing the barbering profession in a new direction, combining the traditional skills of the past with the efficiency and precision of the future.
A Lean Approach: Efficiency Meets Professionalism
Stijn’s background in nursing and his education in Lean Management played a key role in shaping the way ROMAIN operates. Every movement in the shop is purposeful, every step well thought out. There’s no room for chaos. ROMAIN’s operation is designed with precision, ensuring that every customer feels the same level of care and professionalism from the moment they walk through the door. Cleanliness, order, and a focus on professionalism are the backbone of what makes ROMAIN stand out from other barbershops.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere: A Serene Experience
When you step into ROMAIN, you feel it. The atmosphere. The serenity. The vibe that makes you feel like you’re in the right place. It’s a blend of true Ghent barbers with a friendly yet professional attitude. Every detail has been designed with the customer in mind. And with a wheelchair-friendly shop, ROMAIN is a space where everyone can enjoy the experience, a nod to Stijn’s nursing background.
The Unique Look and Feel of ROMAIN -Headquarters- Est. 2017
At ROMAIN , every detail is carefully considered, from the tiles to the tools, to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically distinct. Inspired by London’s classic barbershops, the white metro tiles create a clean, fresh ambiance, while serving a practical purpose. Stijn wanted a work surface that was efficient and easy to clean, and that vision gave birth to our custom workbench—crafted from 1930s birch wood beams salvaged from the building itself.
A nod to Middle Eastern barbering traditions, the front wash area allows for a clean shave experience with a wash before the cut. Nothing feels worse than finishing a fresh trim only to find leftover hairs lingering in your new style. After the cut, the neck is shaved with warm shaving soap using a traditional straight razor, ensuring a thorough and precise finish.
The interior of ROMAIN Barbershop is sleek and modern, yet authentic—blending classic design with unique elements not seen anywhere else in the world. In fact, our setup is patented, offering a one-of-a-kind barbering experience that sets ROMAIN apart from the rest.
ROMAIN’s Legacy: A Small Shop with a Big Heart
ROMAIN’s original shop may be small, but it’s filled with big energy. It’s the heart of the brand, where everything started. Every service is by appointment only, ensuring that each client receives the attention they deserve. This is where the journey began, and the legacy of ROMAIN continues to grow. Book an appointment in this shop to experience the craftmenship.
