A Canadian salesman frustrated by razor burn turned his newfound shaving expertise into a paying side business—complete with classes and products.
Challenge
For years, Shahan F. had the same daily frustration many men do: shaving irritation. No matter how expensive the razor or cream, he’d end up with razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Working full-time in marketing and sales for a cabinet company in Saskatchewan, Shahan didn’t have time to fuss over grooming. But after years of discomfort, he decided to dig deeper. One night, after scrolling through endless search results, he discovered the art of traditional wet shaving—using a safety razor, brush, and soap like men did decades ago.
His first traditional shave was life-changing: smooth, clean, and irritation-free. He was hooked.
Action
Soon, Shahan became obsessed. He tested different blades, brushes, and soaps, and shared his discoveries with friends. When one friend bought the wrong razor and had a terrible experience, Shahan realized the missing piece: education.
So he launched Shave Valet, a small business that combined shaving lessons with product sales. For under $500, he set up a website using WordPress, created social media pages, bought a logo, and ordered his first batch of razors and soaps.
He started by hosting in-person shaving workshops, teaching men proper technique and how to care for their skin. His first class filled up quickly. The second one, however, was accidentally double-booked with a toddler dance class—a funny but memorable hiccup.
Undeterred, he arranged to hold future classes in his company’s showroom, which provided the perfect space.
Result
Within months, Shahan’s classes and small product sales were earning around $550 per month. The side hustle wasn’t just about money—it was about creating something fun and meaningful. His local following grew, and he became known as “the shaving guy” in his community.
With plans to expand online and teach virtual workshops, Shahan continues to prove that even a simple skill can become a marketable expertise when presented with passion.
Lesson
Shahan’s journey is a reminder that side hustles don’t need to be revolutionary—they just need to solve a real problem. By combining expertise, enthusiasm, and a touch of humor, he turned a mundane daily routine into a profitable niche business.
And as Shahan likes to joke, the margins in the shave game may be razor thin—but the satisfaction is smooth.
Inspired by a true story originally featured on Side Hustle School by Chris Guillebeau. This rewritten version is independently produced and fully original.