Community
9 December, 2025
Barber cut above rest
Hairstylist, 20, brings his innovative mobile business to customers
AN enterprising young barber is bringing his trade to the people via a modified horse float.
Jerome Idi has turned his passion for barbering into a mobile business.
Originally from the Congo, Mr Idi has lived in Cairns for seven years and recently decided to bring haircuts directly to the community, particularly focusing on teenagers and people with disabilities.
“I used to work in barbershops here in Cairns and I noticed a problem,” he said.
“People book appointments but sometimes wait weeks for a haircut. I wanted to fix that.”
The 20-year-old started small, cutting hair in a small shed at his parents’ home with nothing but passion and a pair of clippers, before deciding to hit the streets with a fully-equipped mobile barber trailer.
He said his vision was to make professional grooming accessible for everyone in Cairns – teenagers, busy workers, parents and especially people with disabilities or transport challenges.
“Many teenagers, busy parents, people who can’t travel and people with disabilities struggle to access barbershops. I bring the service directly to them, so nobody is left behind,” he said.
Although the business is mobile, Mr Idi maintains high standards.
He keeps strict hygiene practices, uses professional equipment and aims to deliver a high-quality service at every stop.
He regularly shares his weekly locations on social media so clients can find him easily without paying full mobile call-out fees.
He is currently studying at an international school in Cairns, where he will complete his barbering certificate in four months.
But Mr Idi stresses that not having a formal certificate hasn’t stopped him from following his dream.
“The certificate will come later, as long as I have my knowledge to do haircuts,” he said.
Mr Idi said he briefly joined a local training program to gain experience. “It was a good program, the people were really nice,” he said. However, he decided to follow his own path to keep building his business.
He hopes to continue expanding his mobile barbershop and to provide inclusive services for the whole community.
“I just want to keep pushing and following my dream,” Mr Idi said.
People can find PJ Mobile Barbershop at 49 Creedy Street in Westcourt or follow him on Facebook at www.bit.ly/4irb4D6 to book.
