Get to Know ETHOS GSFM, a Black-Owned Premium Barbershop in Philadelphia

This week’s Black History Month Spotlight is Jonathan Jacobs, Co-Founder/CEO of ETHOS GSFM (339 N. Broad St.), which provides elevated men’s grooming services.

Barbershops and salons have always been a cornerstone in the Black community, Jacobs explained. A barber can take on many roles, from consultant, to mentor and even therapist. “This has been a special place because it allows us to process what’s going on in the world.” Even shows such as LeBron James’ “The Shop” has adopted the barbershop environment to reflect this.

Now Jacobs has taken the conception of a barbershop and added many key elements to make it more of an experience. “Customers come in and and tell me they feel like they’ve been transported,” Jacobs adds.

With a background as an Architect, Jacobs customized ETHOS to make it inviting for all and added cool amenities such as a wet bar, liquor lockers, and a library. However, Jacobs has bigger plans for the space and envisions ETHOS as becoming a hub where likeminded customers can gather for events and fellowship.

Jacobs’ advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps, is to go out and experience the world and “experience hospitality at a high level because once you start to grasp the way other people live, then you can start to see that there are more ways to doing something.”