Specialty shears, creative cuts and a culture rooted in belonging and community define Triumph Barbering Company, a Campbellsville barbershop that treats its clients “like family.” The business brings a creative touch to barbering while offering a laid-back environment where people of any age can enjoy its services.
“It’s a privilege to be a business owner in this community. Community is rich in Campbellsville,” said Derek Edwards, “and owning a business that can serve it and steward it on both a personal and professional level is an honor.”
Edwards graduated from barbering school and started working in a shop in July of 2017. In 2020, he opened his own shop. Then Covid hit, only four months after the shop opened. Edwards was determined to make the business succeed, and it made him realize how resilient he is and how he can push through in tough situations. It was challenging for the industry due to health and safety limitations. Thanks to dedicated and loyal clients, the shop was able to survive the pandemic. That loyalty reflects what draws people to Triumph in the first place: a genuine sense of belonging. Some clients have been with Edwards since the beginning. Many of those clients have become barbers themselves, and some are even barbers in his shop today.
Zach Martin is one of those barbers. He started at the Campbellsville School of Barbering in 2021, and since then, his passion and creativity have shown through his work. He also started his own line of natural hair products. Martin has clients from Campbellsville University and surrounding schools. He said the most rewarding part of his job is building relationships with clients, co-workers and barbers from all across the country.
“I wanted to work at Triumph because of the professional environment they strived for, and I felt like I shared a lot of similar values with the owner, Derek, and the other guys in the shop,” said Martin. “Triumph proved to me that barbering is more than a side hustle; it’s a great career if you’re willing to put in the work.”
Edwards stays up to date on current hair trends by following other barbers worldwide on social platforms. He also attends multiple expos and education classes. He is a part of a global mentorship program and takes classes weekly.
“I believe you should always be a student of your craft,” said Edwards, “Always learning and always elevating your current skillset.”
Edwards has always been creative, and for the longest time he wasn’t very sure how that translated into a calling for him. Barbering gave him a creative outlet, and he knew it was what he was meant to do.
“We are with you through all walks, events, and seasons of life. We even get to know entire families,” said Edwards. “It may seem like just a haircut, but it’s so much more than that.”
Edwards’ 4-year-old son, Wilder, is one of his most loyal customers.
“I like when daddy gives me a haircut,” said Wilder. “It’s fun, and I get suckers.”
Triumph Barbering Company is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
“I am so thankful, and love the barbers who work at our shop,” said Edwards. “They have the same passion and enthusiasm for the craft as I do. They make coming to work fun every day.”
