Within minutes of meeting Robert Isakov, owner of Barber on Pearl in Dumbo, you know he’s a social man whose mission is to provide complete satisfaction for his clients. No, he did not make me write the above statement. However, I was offered drinks, food, and he’s planning community events and was kind enough to provide a special offer for DumboNYC readers. We stopped by his barber shop and asked a few questions.

Why did you open a store in Dumbo?

I own another barber shop in Brooklyn Heights, Clinton Street Barber Shop, and several regular customers are from Dumbo or moved to Dumbo recently. A few years ago, I was curious to find out what Dumbo was about and really like the atmosphere, views, and of course the community in Dumbo. So I decided to walk around after hours, on the weekends, and in the morning to look for space to open a second location. When a location became available on Pearl Street, I signed a lease. I decided to open on Pearl Street because the landlord allowed a 5 year lease with the option to renew for another 5.

Who are your customers? And has the customer base changed over the years?

I opened my shop in Brooklyn Heights over four years ago, where most of them are local residents. I make sure they are happy with their cut/shave. If they aren’t, I will do everything I can to provide 100% satisfaction. So I have a dedicated customer base who return. Not much change in the customers, but they bring back their children for cuts. Some of my Dumbo customers are my customers from the Brooklyn Heights location.

You do children’s haircuts too?

Absolutely, I am great with boys and girls as young as 3. I have many tricks to keep them sitting still to get the best cut possible. Men are associated with barber shops, but I also have women customers who are very happy with our cuts.

You mention that you want to be involved with the community. How will you do that?

I want to host parties, gathering, and sponsor events. I see lots of events in Dumbo and would love to sponsor events by providing food, drinks, discounted haircuts. (side note: If you are looking for an event sponsor, Robert is open to discussion. Contact info below). We see lots of young professionals and families in the neighborhood and want to talk to everyone about how to make the community one happy family.

You’re offering a special for DumboNYC readers. What do they need to do?

Yes, for people who mention they saw this interview, bring in your kids and I can provide a 20% discount for your child if you get a haircut. Our cuts are $15, and we keep the prices as low as possible, but we love Dumbo and want to see more regulars come by.

Thanks to Robert for the special. Stop by and tell them you saw us here. Looking forward to seeing you around.

Clinton Street Barber Shop (Yelp review)
104 Clinton Street (between Joralemon St & Remsen St)
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Barber on Pearl (aka Pearl Street Barber) (Yelp Review)
57 Pearl Street (between Plymouth St and Anchorage Pl)
Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Shop hours:
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm
Sat 9am-6pm
Sun 10am-5pm
Phone: 718-855-3090

Previously:
{Barber on Pearl Now Open, 27Jul2010}
{Barber Shop “Coming Soon” to Dumbo, 02Jul2010}