34 - Nick Ossais

Regulars at the taproom have probably seen our host Nick and his glorious beard before, and this episode we talk to the man responsible for it! Nick Ossais, owner of Marda Loop Barbershop, tells us how cutting hair is in his genetics in this interview recorded live back before social distancing guidelines made the taproom pick-up only.

Nick Ossais has been spending time in barbershops since he was just a kid, helping out sweeping floors and pricing product in his dad’s barbershop. A few years later while attending university and feeling lacklustre about the direction he was heading he got asked to make the trip from Calgary up to Spruce Grove to help his dad out at what was then a massive shop with 27 chairs and close to 50 employees.

During the two years he spent helping out in his dad’s shop he started to miss all his friends and family in Calgary so he packed up and headed back down, discovering once he arrived that the Marda Loop Barbershop was up for sale. He scooped it up, starting out small with only 3 chairs - one for himself, and two for storing extra product he couldn’t fit in the back. He had big ambitions though, hoping one day to have a shop as big as his father’s, and before long his brothers would join in to help him out.

The Ossais brothers have made a big impression on the community and their clients, growing to 12 chairs and the biggest shop in southwest Calgary in just 4 years. In that time they’ve cut hair for some big names including a number of the Calgary Flames! Nick O credits their success to taking a highly personal approach, making sure their clients always feel comfortable and welcome in their space.

After the break the boys get some timely advice from Mama T. We were grateful to conduct this interview before we were all confined to our homes, because T has some great tips on how to keep yourself sharp if you’re stuck at home! She also gives us some insight on which mythical creatures get a bad rap, and which ones would improve the world if they actually existed.

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Have a question for Mama T? A story from the bottom of a beer can? Send it in and we’ll read it anonymously on-air! DM us on instagram @wildrosebrewery or email it to Nick - [email protected]

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Nick Ossais - Marda Loop Barber Shop: website | instagram | facebook