The Purcy Chair makes a statement about the professionals' standards instantly. Not to mention, you're protecting your body and your clients from bad posture.
Photo: Film Punks
In the vibrant world of design and innovation, London-based Aaron Gibson has made a splash with something truly special. His adventure started with a simple sketch in 2018 and took off with a big online reveal in December 2021. Meet the Purcy Chair: not just any chair, but a revolution in comfort and style that's shaking up the professional beauty and barbering world.
Gibson didn't just stumble into the design scene; it seems like fate led him here. Named after his family, especially his grandad who taught him all about sticking to your guns and doing things right, the Purcy Chair is more than just a product—it's a tribute to family values and hard work.
About the Purcy Barbering
This barbering chair isn't just about sitting down; it's about standing out. With its easy-to-move design, quick setup, and ways to make it your own, the Purcy Chair is changing the game for beauty and barbering professionals everywhere. It's a symbol of quality and innovation, right down to the eye-catching stitching that fans love.
As we get ready to chat with Aaron Gibson, the creative mind behind this game-changing chair, we're diving into inspiration, ambition, and the magic of bringing a vision to life. With new designs and bold colors on the horizon, the Purcy Chair is not just making a statement—it's starting a movement.
Purcy stands for ‘personal’, a “street/slang" saying in London referring to the word Purcy, and a spin on Purcell, Gibson's mother’s maiden name.
Photo: Film Punks
Where did the name Purcy come from? I read somewhere your family name is "Purcell?"
Purcell is my mother’s maiden name. My Grandad was my idol and role model in life, he taught me all about work and life ethics. My grandmother is also a central pillar to my family and my upbringing, I wanted to pay homage to the family name and credit them for enabling me with the tools and mentality required for my journey. Purcy also stands for ‘personal.’ We have a “street/slang" saying in London referring to the word Purcy too, so it made sense!
What's the origin story of this amazing product that's taken 25 months to finally deliver to market? Did you always want to build something like this?
I wish it was 25 months! First concept sketches started in November 2018 and I launched online in December 2021.
I never imagined I would get into design and manufacturing. The only “A” I got in GCSE when I left high school was in design and technology. I knew I would have my own businesses but I never thought they would be within this industry.
Gibson's favorite feature of the chair is the stitching of the flutes in the upholstery.
Photo: Film Punks
Tell us a bit about the chair. What makes it unique unlike your salon chair or a "computer" chair someone may use at home or whatsoever?
The Purcy Chair sets itself apart from any other kind of professional chair because it doesn’t compromise on what's being asked of it, but boasts additional features and possibilities, such as transporting with ease, fast assembly and disassembly, and modification through accessories. Personalisation is also possible, something I think is vital in the creative industries.
Tell us more about that initial outreach process and getting someone to believe? Also, what’s your favorite actual feature of the chair?
It’s hard starting a product company when no one knows you, especially when you’re not selling $10 styling products. I think the solution to a problem in itself spoke to a lot of the early adopters, and I knew it wasn’t only me with the pain points that had to be solved.
My favorite feature of the chair has to be stitching of the flutes in the upholstery. We get quite a few comments on the quality of our finish and leather upholstery.
You are an entrepreneur and hairstylist, tell us what a day in the life of Aaron Gibson is like?
I work behind the chair on Thursdays and on Wednesday evenings. The rest of my days are filled with preparing and shipping orders, phone-calls and ZOOM meetings, and lots of laptop work, with the occasional event or in person meeting.
The Purcy Chair: not just any chair, but a revolution in comfort and style that's shaking up the professional world.
Photo: Film Punks
Why should hair pros take a chance on a Purcy Chair?
Hair professionals and similar, should make an investment with extremely high chances of a return in their investment. They’re the only chances with Purcy!
Being able to offer this level of service and comfort anywhere should be charged for. It also makes a statement about the professionals' standards instantly. Not to mention, you're protecting your body and your clients from bad posture.
Are there any updates we should be aware of for Purcy Chair Co. for 2024? What's the best way for readers to stay connected?
2024 we are stepping up a gear! We have new chair models coming out, with different designs at different price points. And we are launching our Purcy Primary colors very soon. We are always working on new accessories to use with your chair or professional set-up.
- The Purcy Chair portable powerhouse weighs a whopping 75kg/165lbs lighter than static standard industry chairs, on average, making it possible for one person to transport with ease.
- The starting height of the seat is 62cm from the ground, finishing at 78cm for the standard base. The shorter base height is 55cm from the ground, finishing at 64cm.
- This shorter base offers a seat starting point of 55cm instead of the Purcy standard seat height of 62cm and locks into the rest of your standard set-up.
- Upholstery is leather
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