Empire Barbershop Nominated As Best Barber Business of the Year at 2025 AMBAs

Plus, Founder Takes Home Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year

2025 has been a landmark year for Empire Barbershop, and the recognition couldn't be more well-deserved. At this year’s prestigious Australian Modern Barber Awards (AMBA), Empire Barbershop walked away with not one, but two of the industry’s highest honors:

🏆 Best Barber Business of the Year (Organisation)
🏆 Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year – awarded to our visionary founder, Damian Lai.

These awards don’t just represent excellence—they reflect a journey built on passion, precision, and purpose.

Setting the Standard in Modern Barbering

Winning Best Barber Business of the Year is no small feat. This award celebrates barbershops that go beyond the chair—those that lead with innovation, customer experience, technical excellence, and business impact. Empire Barbershop has long stood out for its:

• Unmatched commitment to craftsmanship

• Seamless fusion of tradition and modern style

• Loyal clientele and strong community presence

• Consistently high-quality service and training standards

This win is a celebration of our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and the culture we've built—one shaped by trust, style, and professional pride.

A Leader Recognized: Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year

The spotlight also shone on the driving force behind it all—our founder, whose passion, leadership, and strategic vision earned them the coveted Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year award.

Their journey from barber chair to boardroom is one defined by grit, growth, and an unshakable belief in empowering others through the craft. From building a strong brand to mentoring the next generation of barbers, this award is a testament to their impact both behind the scenes and on the floor.

More Than Just Awards—It’s About the Empire Family

Behind every fade, lineup, and clean shave is a team that gives their all—day in and day out. These awards are a tribute to:

• Our skilled barbers

• Our loyal clients

• Our drive to lead the industry forward

We’re not just a barbershop. We’re a movement. A brand. A brotherhood. And this recognition belongs to everyone who’s been part of the Empire journey.

Experience Award-Winning Barbering

Whether you’ve been rocking with us since day one or you’re just hearing the buzz—there’s never been a better time to book your seat at Empire Barbershop.

Come feel the difference of an award-winning experience.

• Visit us in-store at 3A Station Street, Oakleigh, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

• Book online at empirebarbershop.com.au

What’s Next for Empire Barbershop?

We’re just getting started. As we continue to elevate the barbering game, train future stars, and set new standards across ANZ, we invite you to grow with us.

Thank you to the AMBA Awards for the recognition. And thank you to our community—for the love, loyalty, and fresh fades.

Stay sharp. Stay legendary. Welcome to the Empire.