Paradox Barbers open at historic bank in The Foregate, Worcester

The Paradox independent family businesses which include Paradox Barbers, Paradox Streetwear and Secret Aesthetics are now open at 13 The Foregate in The Hopmarket, Worcester.  

Customers have compared the Worcester-based business, already with a tried and tested history in Droitwich, to a 'superstore' because together they offer three businesses in one.

IMPRESSIVE: The dramatic frontage of the former bank at 13 The Foregate now the home of Paradox Barbers, Paradox Streetwear and Secret Aesthetics (Image: Paradox Barbers)

Refurbishment is now underway at the former bank, which dates from 1836, with its high ceiling and neoclassical style after director Richard Farmer secured a five-year lease.

Previously based at the same premises was No.13 Emporium at Worcester’s Hopmarket and, before that, Stripes Fashion and Beauty Salon.

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Although Paradox is already open for business, an official opening is expected to take place at the Worcester base in four to six weeks.

The new base replaces their former one in Droitwich which has closed.

Finishing touches have yet to be added to the bold new Worcester venture which has already earned a strong following across Worcestershire.

Mr Farmer has plenty of other ideas but is remaining tight-lipped for the time being. 

FUTURE: Paradox Streetwear developed during lockdown but is now a business in itself and is another string in the bow for the Paradox brand based on The Hopmarket at 13 Foregate (Image: Paradox)

"I have put everything into this. The businesses here will all complement each other. I have plans to become one of the biggest independent retailers in Worcestershire. I want to bring a new youthful crowd to The Hopmarket," he said.

Mr Farmer, 32, founded Prestige Barbers in Droitwich after securing funding from The Prince's Trust 10 years ago.

The funding followed a 'Dragon's Den style pitch' which was a success because he had already built a large client base with a mobile barber business. 

SPACE: The interior of Paradox Barbers, Paradox Streetwear and Secret Aesthetics at 13 The Foregate in The Hopmarket in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

His brother, Josh Farmer, came on board and they opened four barber businesses in Droitwich and The Barber Lab in Bromsgrove. 

Originally from Birmingham, the former Droitwich High School pupil said unfortunately they had to close the Bromsgrove business during the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, it proved an opportunity to develop a new business - Paradox Streetwear, a clothing brand.

This offers custom-manufactured clothing, oversized t-shirts, nylon tracksuits, ultra heavy cotton tracksuits, and innovative designs. When the barbers reopened it also took on the new Paradox name.

TRENDY: Tyler Farmer, 19, can offer all the latest trends including skin fades and cat scratches which has made them popular among young people and students (Image: Paradox Barbers)

The barber shop in Worcester will be managed by Mr Farmer's 19-year-old nephew, Tyler Farmer.

EXPERIENCED: Ruby Butler of Secret Aesthetics at work - she is a big part of the family venture in Worcester (Image: Secret Aesthetics)

Richard Farmer's partner, 29-year-old Ruby Butler, is the aesthetic lead at Secret Aesthetics which will be based on the first floor of the building, offering lip fillers, facial dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle (Botox), non-surgical rhinoplasty and fat dissolving.

She said she had 'aspirations to create one of the leading aesthetics clinics in Worcestershire'. 

Tyler Farmer said he has 500-plus clients and offered the latest cutting edge trends including patterns, cat scratches and skin fades.