Today we’d like to introduce you to TIM DURANT.
Hi TIM, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t start Scruff’s to cut hair.
I started it to build a place where people feel seen.
I grew up in South Texas in the country, where life moved slower and community meant something. From early on I understood that hair was more than just appearance — it was identity. It was confidence. It was how someone carried themselves into the world.
That understanding eventually led me to Los Angeles, where I worked in television and film, on editorial shoots, campaign work, and brand education events across the country. Being in those environments exposed me to the power of style and storytelling — how the details of grooming, fashion, and image help shape the way people present themselves.
Over time, I realized something deeper though. Behind every great look is a human moment. People don’t just sit in your chair for a fade or color service — they come to be heard.
When I eventually planted roots in Austin, I wanted to create a space that blended everything I had learned along the way. Scruff’s became a hybrid between barbershop and salon because I believe hair has no gender and self-expression shouldn’t have rules. We lean into fashion, detail, and elevated service — but we keep it human. Approachable luxury.
Austin is creative, expressive, layered — and I wanted our space to reflect that. Country roots meets high fashion. A place where a construction worker, a creative director, and a musician can all sit next to each other and feel equally at home.
For me, success isn’t about the number of chairs or revenue targets. It’s about building community in pursuit of something meaningful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges in my journey has been learning that growth isn’t always linear.
Opening a second location was exciting, but it also pushed me into a completely different level of leadership. Suddenly it wasn’t just about being great behind the chair — it was about building systems, developing people, protecting culture, and navigating the realities of running a growing business.
There were moments where the weight of responsibility felt very real. When you’re responsible for a team, payroll, and the vision of something you care deeply about, you learn quickly that leadership requires both resilience and humility.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people want to be seen and heard where they are — not where you think they should be. That perspective has changed the way I lead, the way I communicate, and the way I build our team culture.
Challenges don’t necessarily mean something is going wrong. Often they’re the moments that refine your vision and force you to grow into the kind of leader your business actually needs.
Austin is creative, expressive, layered — and I wanted our space to reflect that. Country roots meets high fashion. A place where a construction worker, a creative director, and a musician can all sit next to each other and feel equally at home.
For me, success isn’t about the number of chairs or revenue targets. It’s about building community in pursuit of something meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Scruff’s Barbershop is a hybrid salon and barbershop based in Austin, built around the belief that grooming is personal identity work. We specialize in detail-driven cuts, modern color, and curated beard care — but what really defines us is the experience.
I wanted to create a space where people feel seen the moment they walk in. No gender rules, no intimidation, no ego — just thoughtful service, elevated style, and genuine connection. We lean fashion-forward but stay grounded in approachability.
At its core, Scruff’s isn’t just about hair. It’s about confidence, community, and building something meaningful in the city we love.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Entrepreneurship is essentially a series of decisions to bet on yourself.
Opening Scruff’s was a risk in itself. Creating a hybrid space that blends barbershop culture with salon artistry isn’t the traditional path, especially in Texas. But I believed there was room for a more inclusive and fashion-forward approach to grooming.
Expanding the business, launching our own product line, and continuing to evolve the brand have all required taking calculated risks along the way.
What I’ve learned is that risk doesn’t mean being reckless — it means being willing to step into uncertainty with intention. If you wait until everything feels completely safe, you’ll never move forward.
Some of the most meaningful things I’ve built came from trusting my instincts and being willing to take the next step before I had every answer.
At Scruff’s, we’ve learned that the biggest growth happens when you’re willing to take thoughtful risks and evolve along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scruffsbarbershop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scruffsbarbershop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScruffsBarbershop
