The barber opened his own shop in Old Town in November last year and says the business has continued to grow through customer recommendations and repeat visits.
Originally from Iraq, Botan has been barbering for more than 12 years. His career has taken him through Greece, Turkey and Nottingham before he decided to establish his own business in Swindon.
“Thanks to God, it’s always going well,” he said. “Every day we’re getting new clients.”
He believes Old Town was the ideal location to open his shop, as he now locates R&A Barbers at 62 Devizes Road.
“I would say it’s the best area in Swindon. It might be one of the best places in the town.”
Barbering wasn’t Botan’s original career ambition. He had hoped to become an engineer, but after his school grades weren’t high enough to study engineering, he decided to pursue barbering instead. After completing a barbering course in Iraq, he continued developing his skills.
“I learned from lots of teachers, videos on YouTube and practised as much as I could. I think there’s a natural talent there as well.”
Botan says one of the biggest differences between his business and many modern barbershops is the emphasis placed on customer service. Rather than trying to complete appointments as quickly as possible, he allocates every client a 30-minute booking.
“I can finish in 10 or 15 minutes, but I prefer to give everyone half an hour. I don’t want customers to feel rushed.”
His shop almost uniquely to Swindon, offers traditional hot towel shaves and a relaxed atmosphere where customers are encouraged to stay and chat.
“Some barbers just want people in and out,” he said. “They don’t really care how the customer feels. I try my best to make every customer happy.”
One customer sat waiting for a haircut, who overheard the interview said:
“He always offers me complimentary drinks and takes care of me.”
That approach appears to be paying off, with Botan saying many new customers visit after hearing recommendations from friends or after disappointing experiences elsewhere.
“I get people coming to me because they weren’t happy with previous haircuts and they ask me to fix them.”
Before moving to Swindon, Botan worked in Nottingham, but says running a business here has been a very different experience.
“Nottingham is a much bigger city with so much competition but Swindon is smaller and nearly everybody knows each other.
Botan now lives in Swindon with his wife and young son, who was born in the town. While work leaves him with little spare time, he says his family has settled well, with his wife and son regularly attending activities at the local library. He also feels his business has become part of the wider community.
“It’s not only about making money. I pay my taxes, we love the community in Swindon and want to grow the business here whilst we’re helping people feel better about themselves.”
Away from the barbershop, Botan enjoys swimming, football, shopping at Swindon Designer Outlet and spending time with his family in local parks. He also recommends Yak The Himalayan kitchen, and several local shawarma restaurants on Manchester Road as some of his favourite places to eat in the town.
After travelling across several countries during his career, Botan says Swindon has given him the opportunity to build not only a successful business, but lasting relationships with customers.
“If you’re good at what you do, your name spreads quickly.”
