Indie Exeter: Cut the Punx Barber (by Amelie Foster)
Our Indie Exeter expert Amelie Foster, gets the lowdown on local pop-up barber PJ at Cut the punx.
Meet PJ , he is no ordinary barber he is an extraordinary barber. What makes PJ extraordinary isn’t just his skill and expertise in cutting, styling and managing hair and beards it is his attitude, his forward thinking approach to life, his passion and compassion for things and people.
British born, PJ was raised in Switzerland, but his love of punk music and a good woman brought him back to the UK. He landed in London where he made many friends and embraced London life: finding family in the punk scene, playing in bands, and eating food from around the world. After playing in a touring band for just over 5 years, PJ decided to learn a new skill and enrolled at Gents of London Barber Academy in Islington.

Cut the Punx Barber by Tempo Media
The move to Exeter came with change. The bubble of being completely surrounded by people with common interests and values burst. PJ embraced this with his natural ability to share his wisdom and knowledge through the job that had become his passion. Not one for small talk, he has toured the world and is brimming with enthusiasm and big stories. He is so articulate and precise you go away thinking; ‘I must listen to that band PJ recommended…’ PJ himself says he has been shaped by the punk scene: Music with a message, stamped with vigour, enthusiasm and conviction.

Cut the Punx Barber by Tempo Media
“Opportunities in a city so much smaller than London become more valued, and the best thing is that everything is pretty much on your front doorstep!”
Although PJ has spent time in Exeter working in a barber’s shop, he has taken the show on the road – so to speak – and is currently working as a pop up. Being a pop up isn’t a new thing for PJ, between jobs after qualifying as a barber, PJ’s partner struck upon the idea of a pop up at a punk festival. Seeing a barber in an unusual context was a great success. PJ discovered that pop ups offered easy access, freedom and damn fine cuts – all in the setting of a great events such as film screenings, coffee shops and festivals.

Cut the Punx Barber by Tempo Media
PJ’s pops up are his first step towards this, his ‘pay what you feel’ pricing and events, which have so far included The Glorious Art House, Exeter Central Library and current location at Camper coffee are revolutionising the barber scene in Exeter.

Cut the Punx Barber by Tempo Media
PJ will be popping up at the following places:
Compassion at the Castle – Exeter Vegan Festival in aid of Animal Aid, this is the grand finale of the The Vegan Festival of Britain at Exeter Castle – Saturday 10th June ( Pj will be donating 50% to the charity)
Camper Coffee – McCoy’s Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter 18,19,26th June
Guildhall Exeter ( by foodMarket ) – Friday 16th June
Cavern Exeter DIY fair – Saturday 2nd July
Check out PJ at cutthepunx on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You can also book appointment by emailing cutthepunx@gmail.com.
About the author: Hailing from Brighton originally, Amelie Foster grew up in Exeter and embraces the city life especially it’s indie culture. Amelie worked as a youth worker and currently runs a help group for Mums who have suffered PND, she is colourful, creative, compassionate and is very active in the local community.

pic by Tempo Media
1 comment for Indie Exeter: Cut the Punx Barber (by Amelie Foster)
Great read Amelie, well done. Looking forward to reading more. Xx