Stijn De Sutter
But here’s where his story takes a turn: Stijn didn’t start out as a barber. He spent ten years as a nurse, even leading a team as head nurse. Then, in 2014, he took a leap and followed his true passion: barbering. He started small, opening ROMAIN—a one-chair shop in a converted garage. That humble beginning? It exploded into three shops, each with its own unique vibe that Stijn designed himself. ROMAIN is now one of the biggest, best-known barbershops in Belgium, where the focus is all about quality and calm. And for those who appreciate a good smoke, ROMAIN also features a private cigar lounge with a pro-level ventilation system for the ultimate experience.
Photo: Romain HQ, Stijn's first barbershop location.
With ROMAIN thriving, Stijn didn’t stop there. He began doing event demos and teaching the craft of straight razor shaving at places like the Scapicchio academy and ROMAIN itself. His talent has taken him all over the world, from cigar fairs in Düsseldorf to luxury events in Kuwait. His goal? To share his love for this craft and bring people together over the art of barbering.
Stijn isn’t just about the razors, though. He’s a serious cigar enthusiast, and his passion has taken him to different corners of the world. He’s always blending craftsmanship, passion, and knowledge with the sensory experiences of taste, smell, and the act of shaving. Everything in Stijn’s world—his custom perfumes, cigars, and the tactile pleasure of a straight razor—comes together seamlessly.
Photo: Stijn honing as a student at the Scapicchio Academy.
And the thing about Stijn? He’s never done learning. Whether it’s perfecting his honing techniques or mastering different kinds of straight razors, Stijn is always chasing the next level. He visits workshops, factories, and artisan spaces, gathering knowledge and inspiration, which he then shares through stories packed with tips and tricks.
Driven by his passion for the craft, Stijn saw a way to connect barbers worldwide who shared his love for straight razor shaving. So, he created The Shave Studio, a platform offering both online and in-person courses. It’s become a hub for barbers looking to hone their skills and dive deep into the tradition of straight razor shaving.
And while Stijn’s been busy building an empire, his greatest accomplishment? His daughter. For all his accomplishments, Stijn remains grounded, dedicated to keeping the craft of barbering alive and growing.
His journey is far from over, and with The Shave Studio, he’s inviting you to be part of it.
