Our Story
The Barber Society was born from a simple belief: people deserve more from their barbershop.
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After more than 14 years behind the chair, our founder saw both the beauty and the shortcomings of traditional barbering. While the craft itself was powerful, too many spaces felt rushed, impersonal, or unwelcoming - especially for clients who didn't fit the "typical" barbershop mold. For many people, getting a haircut came with anxiety, discomfort, or the feeling of needing to explain themselves to be respected.
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The Barber Society was created to change that.
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Opening this shop was an act of courage and intention. In a time when being openly queer and trans in business can feel risky, choosing authenticity over safety was not an easy decision - but it was a necessary one. This space was built to be honest, affirming and grounded in care, not just for some clients, but for everyone who walks through the door.
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From the beginning, The Barber Society has been about slowing things down. About listening. About recognizing that a haircut can be deeply personal - and that trust matters just as much as technique. Every detail of the shop, from appointment only scheduling to sensory considerate options, exists to support comfort, dignity and connection.
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Today, The Barber Society is more than a barbershop. It's a community space. A safe space. A place where people are seen as they are - and leave feeling more like themselves than when they arrived.
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This isn't just about where we cut hair.
It's where we take care of people.
Nikolai Mercer
Founder / Barber
Hi, I'm Nikolai.
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I became a barber in 2011, graduating from Bates Technical College with both my barber license and high school diploma. From there, I spent 11 years at NEX Bangor and 3.5 years at Silver City Barbershop. Those years shaped me deeply - not just as a barber, but as a person who pays attention to how environments affect the people inside them.
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As much as I loved the craft, I often noticed how overwhelming traditional barbershops could be. The noise, the crowds, the lack of privacy - it can be a lot. For clients who are neurodivergent, anxious, or simply craving calm, that kind of space doesn't always feel supportive.
​​I knew I wanted to build something gentler.
​My approach to barbering is rooted in peace, patience and presence. I believe haircuts don't need to be rushed or loud to be good. I wanted to create a setting where you're not surrounded by multiple barbers and conversations - where services happen in private rooms, one-on-one, and with your comfort at the center. A place where neurodivergent clients can thrive, and where it's okay to take things slow.
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Alongside my work behind the chair, I'm passionate about giving back to the industry that has given me so much. I teach classes for barbershops, salons, and barber schools, sharing what I've learned about building inclusive, sensory-considerate, and affirming practices. I've also created educational courses like Sensory Safe Sessions and Barbering Beyond Gender to help other professionals create spaces similar to the one I've built - spaces rooted in care, intention and respect.
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At the end of the day, I'm here because I care. About my clients. About this craft. And about creating environments where people feel safe, supported and truly themselves.
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