DUKE
Duke is the barber/manager and co-owner of Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium with his wife Jill Ervais. He has been hairdressing for the past 40 years. While still at school, he started his training at James & Peter (one of the UK’s finest salons), before joining Vidal Sassoon for his apprenticeship. After Sassoon’s, Duke went on to work, art direct and manage several city center salons before concentrating on his music career. As the swing revival faded, he returned to management and hairdressing full time before meeting up with Jill, his American ex-girlfriend of 26 years previous, and rekindling their relationship.
Since moving to the US in 2011, Duke has built a reputation as one of Philadelphia’s finest barbers. He has been featured in magazine articles on best hairdressing practices, and his shaving techniques have been adopted by many of those around him. He has been commissioned to give master classes in barber schools and salons around the North East.
BETH
With over 25 years' experience in Old City, Beth is in high demand for her expertise. She worked for a long time at the East End Salon on Arch Street, until they closed their doors during covid. Beth has now decided to come back home to the city here at Blokes.
When she isn’t improving the sartorial elegance of the world, she is either watching her beloved Eagles and Flyers, out on a fishing boat, or loving on her dogs. Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman's Emporium are honored and delighted to be the ones to bring back Beth into the Old City community.
STEVEN
After his experience at the Tony and Guy institute and the Schwarzkopf beauty institute Steven decided that his future path in the beauty industry would be barbering. He turned to the barber that inspired his path into the hair business in the first place, Duke Dunne.
He finished his license whilst at Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman's Emporium some seven years ago, continually working on his skills, rivaling to those of a master barber. Steven has built a fabulous reputation for his fade work and artistic prowess. His quiet demeanor and eye for detail sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
MARK
Philly native Mark has been working in the hair business for over 15 years in and around the city. After much deliberation Mark decided to add barbering to his skill set and has come to Blokes Barbershop to develop them further. An expert in scissor cutting, Mark specializes in longer hair, but is more than proficient in clipper work too.
ROB
After studying hairdressing, getting his cosmetology license, and working in hairdressing for some time Rob decided to go off to see the world and became a flight attendant. Fast forward several years and he is back in the hair business as our salon manager and barber. Rob is working on learning the business end of the job, as well as always learning and improving his skill behind the chair.
MATTEO
West Chester native Matteo has been cutting hair since the age of 14. He has experience working with all different hair types, working in both the salon and barbershop industry. Matteo joined Blokes really to level up his passion for good hair and make a new start in Philly. He has a wide range of musical, historic, and cultural knowledge which he will happily discuss while you're in his chair!
JILL
Jill is co-owner and business/retail manager of Blokes Barbershop & Gentleman’s Emporium. She has run her own import/export business for 20 years, sourcing high-quality, hand-made and fairly traded products from Egypt. Sourcing the most unique and interesting products has become a quest for Jill. Over the years, she has become a go-to for Egyptian art, supplying major museums, and high-end retail around the world. Her curiosity and interest in people & cultures inform the high quality and eclectic collection of retail products for sale at Blokes.
Traveling and meeting people from all over the world has become a passion of Jill’s. She now not only runs her import/export business but also enjoys working with her husband, Duke Dunne, and meeting and getting to know all the people who cross our doorway. When you walk into Blokes, you are not only a customer but a welcomed friend.
DONNA
With over 30 years’ experience in hair as a salon manager and owner, Blokes Barbershop has had the great pleasure of adding Donna to their team. Always there with a bright smile, a kind word, and a great attitude, we could not ask for a better front of house manager.