A homegrown barbershop concept is turning a traditionally small, neighborhood trade into a scalable business platform, as Tipuno X expands its footprint while opening new paths for entrepreneurship.

Launched in late 2023 by Louie Rosales and Martin Mendoza, Tipuno X combines container-based retail setups with structured training to help barbers build and operate their own branches. The model allows faster expansion and lower startup costs, positioning the company as both a service provider and an enabler of small business growth.

Rosales underscored the mindset behind the venture’s rapid buildout, pointing to the need for risk-taking in business. “Life is really risky. If you will do what you always do, what you will get is what you always get,” he said during the 17th Asian Innovation Forum organized by the Daily Tribune.

From a single concept, the business has grown to 17 branches across Luzon and the Visayas, with further expansion planned in the Visayas and Mindanao. Its modular approach enables the company to enter new locations more efficiently while maintaining consistent service standards.

Beyond haircuts, Tipuno X is building additional revenue streams through product distribution and professional tools, including its role as the exclusive Philippine distributor of JRL, allowing it to tap into both retail and business-to-business markets.

To sustain its growth, the company has also invested in training and industry events, recently staging a large-scale barber competition in Pasay City to strengthen skills development and build a wider network of professionals aligned with its expansion strategy.