Vea Fonua and Ron Johnston opened the first Parlour Barba location in 2022, hoping to create a sense of community and belonging during an otherwise ordinary experience of visiting the barbershop. With their clientele mainly composed of men, Fonua and Johnston aspire to provide a space for their community to build healthy and meaningful relationships outside of the digital landscape.
The pair met through their wives who have been friends since high school. What started as a friendship quickly became a successful and growing business partnership built on a foundation of inclusivity. Johnston looks after the technical side of business and oversees accounting, while Fonua brings creativity, experience and ingenuity to the partnership.
Parlour Barba delivers exceptional results, setting a new precedent for barbershop sophistication in Edmonton. With a hauntingly beautiful interior of emerald green walls, delicate crown moulding and dreamy lighting, the space feels more like an upscale lounge than a classic barbershop. The haircuts and beard trims at Parlour Barba do not fall short either; the staff is extensively trained and knowledgeable about the high-quality, organic products on the shelves.
Creating a space where people of any gender could be their authentic selves was at the top of Fonua and Johnston’s minds, dismissing the narrative that barbershops are merely a boy’s club. Aside from top-notch service, classy drinks and first-rate products, patrons can book the private basement where business meetings can unfold, wedding parties can gear up, and other small gatherings can be held.
The duo are proud to see other barbershops and salons that have followed suit by serving cocktails and elevating the quality of their services. They take pride in improving the client experience and transforming a routine self-care appointment into an opportunity to connect with the community.
