People of Asuwere - Hohepa Rutene

Zane Munro

No doubt a familiar face to many of our Auckland members - Hohepa Rutene ‘Hops’ has been at the helm of a Boar and Blade barbershop since 2017, taking ownership at the young age of 21. In 2019 Hops launched premium haircare brand Micky Day, which has already been a hit amongst Asuwere members since we introduced it in-store and as a monthly option within our subscription. With the launch of our sports capsule, we knew Hops was a bit of a golfer and gave him the call-up to hear more about his journey and give the range a test run.

What influenced you to become Barber?

Cutting mates hair from school in the hostel bathroom, I don’t know how but I became the hostel barber and have enjoyed it since.

How did the acquisition of Boar and Blade come about?

I was living with the previous owner Bundy when I first moved up to Auckland at 21, he told me he was selling the business and with the help of my old man, I was able to get a business loan and purchase the business. Scariest but most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.

What trends have you noticed when it comes to male grooming over the past 5 years?

Skin fades have always been a popular service for us over the past 5 years, after covid we noticed more and more guys embracing their longer locks. Most recent trend we’ve seen as you might know, is the mullet which is still going strong.

Zane Munro

B&B has been around for an impressive stint - what keeps customers coming back?

We have the best bunch of guys working at Boar & Blade. The homely feeling when you arrive in store, not to mention the great banter they have as well.

Tell us about Micky Day - what made you start this?

I’ve always had a passion for hair care, and thought there was a gap in the market here in New Zealand for a high end, NZ made product.

I love every aspect of Micky Day, from creating and sampling new products, right down to the packaging design and seeing it all come to fruition. It’s always a bonus when you hear someone enjoys it as well.

What products do you have in the pipeline?

I’ve got a hair dust, shampoo and conditioner in the pipeline and I’m hoping to get these released sometime soon.

What is the biggest learning you have faced as a business owner?

Managing my time between personal and business life can be hard at times, but I’ve been seeing Toss at Wolf & Fox for awhile now and we set out a clear plan every quarter that keeps me accountable and on the right track.

Zane Munro

How did you find the sports capsule on the course?

Amazing, super comfortable, versatile and breezy. Too bad my golf game's not on par with it!

Zane Munro

Shop Hop's Looks

Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Club Polo - White
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Dry Polo - Blue Heather
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Club Polo - Navy
Tech Short - Navy
Tech Short - Navy
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue
Dry Tee - Blue

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