OUR WORK FAMILY
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." - Sir Isaac Newton
Dr EDI
Arpan
Nasim
Haidar
KAREN
ANITA
Prithvi
Prabesh
Edi's Story
A Doctor-turned-Barber with an Inspiring Story
From the bustling streets of Colombia to the vibrant community of Launceston, my journey is one of adventure, passion and the pursuit of dreams.
Born in Colombia, I learned the art of barbering from my mother. It wasn't just a skill; it was a means of survival in a challenging environment. Little did I know, this beginning would shape my future in ways I couldn't have imagined.
In 2014, I made the decision to move to Australia with my family. Despite being a medical doctor back home, my credentials were not initially recognized, and English was a barrier. To survive, I turned to my known skill: barbering. It wasn't just a job; it was a bridge to a new life.
Working as a barber not only paid the bills but also became a classroom for language and cultural immersion. Through conversations with my diverse clientele, I discovered a universal truth: the art of cutting hair transcends borders and languages. It's a skill that brings people together, regardless of background or circumstance. With each snip of the scissors and each customer, my love for both barbering and medicine grew stronger. My dual skills became a way of life—a doctor who could assist both body and spirit through the transformative power of a haircut. When I am not here, you can find me working as a doctor in the local hospital or GP clinic.
Now, I am proud to call Launceston home. With my wife and children by my side, I am opening my own barbershop—a space where my diverse experiences converge. Here, clients aren't just customers; they're part of a growing family.
Step into my world at Edis, where every haircut tells a story. From humble beginnings to soaring dreams, let us be a part of your journey. Because at Edis, we don't just cut hair; we shape lives.
Prithvi aka “Ben”
The Visionary with a Steady Hand
Ben’s story starts in the bustling streets of Bengaluru, India, where the hum of clippers first became his soundtrack at age 7. Born into a family of barbers, he swept floors and polished mirrors in their three unisex salons, learning the trade from the ground up. Hair wasn’t just a business for Ben—it was heritage. By 18, he traded the broom for shears, discovering a talent that would one day carry him across oceans. A Bachelor in Commerce under his belt proved his intellect, but his heart stayed with the craft —a leap of faith that built his skill and spirit.
In February 2019, Ben landed in Australia, welcomed by his uncle in Melbourne, a steady guide who’d paved the way a decade earlier. From a student visa to a thriving career, Ben found his rhythm at Dr. Edis Barbershop, where his confidence blossomed alongside a loyal clientele. He’s more than a barber—he’s a lifeline, sending monthly savings to his parents in India, honoring the roots that raised him. Australia’s warmth, respect, and social buzz have won him over, and with permanent residency on the horizon in a year, Ben’s dreams are taking shape: to one day own a network of barbershops across the country, echoing the legacy he grew up in (Hopefully we can convince him to grow Dr Edi's around Australia!).
Sit in Ben’s chair, and you’ll feel his story in every precise cut—a blend of tradition, ambition, and a quiet strength that turns strangers into regulars. For Ben, barbering isn’t just about style; it’s about building a future, one snip at a time.
PRABESH aka “Ray”
At just 21, Prabesh brings a world of experience to Dr Edi’s Barbershop, where he’s been shaping styles and crafting connections since we opened our doors in 2024. Born in Nepal to a Bhutanese refugee father and a Nepali mother, Prabesh’s early life was anything but ordinary. In Nepal, citizenship flows through the father’s lineage, so despite his mother’s roots, Prabesh grew up without a legal tie to the land he called home. For the first eight years of his life, he lived in a Nepali refugee camp - a small fenced compound where the government delivered food every 15 days, just enough for one family. Rice, potatoes, corn flour and pumpkin were stretched thin, and if they miscalculated, there’d be nothing until the next delivery. Yet his parents always made sure the kids never went hungry. Amid it all, a well-worn giant rock served as the neighbourhood slide, and Prabesh remembers those days with a smile. “It was tough, but it was happy,” he says, his eyes lighting up at the memory.
At eight, Prabesh’s family traded the camp for a new start in Tasmania. At 16, he discovered his true passion for barbering - honed not in a classroom, but through late-night trims for his mates. What began as a favour blossomed into a passion, then a skill he now wields with artistry. Every cut at Dr Edi’s reflects the journay: precise, thoughtful, and full of heart.
With every snip, Prabesh is building a future - saving for a house to share with his partner and to support his family of five, including his six-year-old brother who idolises him. When hes not behind the chair, he’s out playing soccer or throwing punches in the boxing ring, keeping his energy as sharp as his fades. For Prabesh, barbering isn’t just a job; it’s a way to carve out a life, one fade at a time. Swing by, take a seat, and let him share his story - scissors in hand.
Arpan
The Strength of a New Beginning
Arpan’s story begins in the rugged hills of Namak, Nepal, where he was born to parents who fled Bhutan as refugees. His early years unfolded in a refugee camp, a place of uncertainty but also resilience, before his family found a new home in Sikkim. As a child, Arpan’s determination shone through—walking miles to attend school in a neighboring village, living with acquaintances, and seeing his parents only sparingly. Those days taught him independence and the value of every moment. In 2014, at just 8 years old, Arpan and his family—his parents and sister—stepped into a new chapter, migrating to Australia through a refugee program, chasing a dream of stability and opportunity.
Now 19, Arpan is a force of nature. By day, he’s a barber at Dr. Edis Barbershop, where his steady hands and warm spirit turn every cut into a work of art. But that’s just one piece of his story—he’s also a personal trainer, a former kitchen hand, and a soccer star, captaining his community team and playing for Riverside Olympics NTO. With a grueling schedule of training five days a week and an hour at the gym daily, all while pursuing a Certificate III in Fitness, Arpan embodies discipline and drive. His English, polished from basics learned in Sikkim, bridges his past and present, while his parents’ journey—from wealth in Bhutan to rebuilding as farm workers in Australia—fuels his deep family values.
In Arpan’s chair, you’re not just getting a fade or a trim—you’re meeting a young man who’s turned hardship into hustle, and roots into wings. Inspired by his father’s strength, he cuts hair with the same precision he applies to life: bold, purposeful, and always lifting others up along the way.
Anita
Anita is a passionate hairdresser and barber with 34 years of experience, serving as a "Cutting Specialist" at Dr. Edi’s Barbershop, which she joined in 2024 at its inception. Renowned for her precision cuts and stylish looks, she enhances each client’s unique personality, both men and women. Hairdressing is in her blood, with both her mother and sister are hairdressers, and even her father has tried his hand at barbering. Anita’s connection to the craft is deeply rooted. Her career is a tapestry of adventure, having worked as a flight attendant and tour guide. Anita has travelled the world and lived both overseas and on the mainland. These global experiences inspire her creativity, infusing her work at Dr. Edi’s Barbershop with a sense of exploration. Outside the salon, Anita loves camping, hiking, sapphire hunting, and cherishing moments with her dogs, family, and friends, bringing the same vibrant energy to both her personal life and her clients. Visit Dr Edi's Barbershop today to experience Anita's exceptional skills.
Karen
Karen’s been wielding scissors for an impressive 37 years, ever since she traded schoolbooks for a hairdressing apron. Hailing from Geelong, she’s snipped and styled her way through salons across the region. She owned her own hairdressing haven in Geelong for five fabulous years.
More than 10 years ago, Karen took a break from hairdressing to study logistics. She has tried other professions but hairdressing has always called her back as she loves to meet and interact with people face to face. Temporarily settled in Tasmania, she’s a key part of the Dr. Edi’s crew, working four days a week to keep our clients looking sharp. The other three days? She’s on duty as the ultimate caregiver to her twin grandchildren - clocking in every other minute of her week to embrace love and chaos with her grandkids. If you are lucky enough to have Karen cut your hair, help us convince her to open our first shop in Victoria.
Karen’s creativity doesn’t stop at hair. When she’s not behind the barber chair, she’s stitching up a storm—sewing clothes with a flair that rivals her cuts—or capturing life’s beauty through her camera lens. Her garden in Geelong would be a masterpiece if she was there, though she’ll laugh and say she’s still chasing more time for her hobbies.
As a kid, she dreamed of digging up history as an archaeologist or healing animals as a vet, but her dad nudged her toward a trade. Lucky for us, she chose hairdressing—and 37 years later, she’s still cutting, caring, and bringing her infectious energy to Dr. Edi’s. Pop in for a trim, and you might just get a story or two from a barber who’s lived a little bit of everything!
HAIDAR
At just 23, Haider brings a story of resilience and determination to Dr Edi’s Barbershop. Born in Iran to Afghan parents who fled conflict in Afghanistan, Haider grew up as a refugee, navigating challenges with unwavering resolve. Three years ago, he learned the art of barbering from his older brother, now living in Sweden , mastering precise cuts and fades with a passion that shines through every snip.
When Haider first walked into our barbershop, he spoke no English, relying on Google Translate to communicate every word. Impossible to employ without a word of English, we asked him to return once his language skills improved. But Haider wasn’t deterred. For four weeks, he showed up daily, volunteering to observe, sweep floors, and took every opportunity to show off his cutting skills—without expecting a dime. His tenacity and grit won us over, and we welcomed him into our family.
With the support of our customers and team, Haider’s English has improved. Still a long way to go, Haidar tries his best to practice his English at work. Soft spoken and always respectful, his warm smile and skilled hands have made him a favourite at the shop. Beyond the chair, Haider is a devoted family man, raising an 18-month-old son and eagerly awaiting his second child with his wife, who is seven months pregnant. Haidar works hard to save up for his growing family with a dream to one day own his own barbershop and family home. At dr Edi’s, we’re proud to support his journey to make his dreams come true - inspired by his hard work and heart. Next time you’re in, book with Haider—experience his craft and hear his story firsthand.