Close Shave
No more nicks and bits of toilet paper--this couple is transforming the business of men's grooming.
Vital Stats: Eric Malka, 37, and Myriam Zaoui, 31, of The
Art of Shaving
Company: Men's skin-care/grooming line and retail
shops/barber spas in New York City
2005 Projected Sales: $17.5 million
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Domestic Bliss: On her Miami vacation, Zaoui met and fell
in love with Malka. After the two tied the knot, Zaoui, trained in
aromatherapy and holistic medicine, began experimenting with
homemade botanicals on her new husband, creating a pre-shave oil.
Malka, a financial consultant for a men's cosmetics and
perfumes distributor, saw a growing market, and both felt the urge
to join it.
Cutting Edge: In 1996, the couple opened a small,
high-end shaving store. They use mild, all-natural ingredients on
men's skin and carry tools to entice battle-scarred men who had
switched to electric razors. Malka says, "Once they realize
their discomfort [is] because of the products they use, we convert
a lot of them back."
Fit for a King: A second location in New York City
included a barber spa, which led to a location in the Neiman Marcus
flagship store in Dallas in 1999. Along with cuts and trims, they
offer services like the 45-minute Royal Shave, a straight-razor
shave and pampering skin treatment. "Most men fall asleep
during the process, which is hard to believe [since] you have a
knife to your throat," marvels Malka.
Head to Toe: With five stores and 600 retail customers
worldwide including Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth
Avenue and Bloomingdale's, The Art of Shaving will release a
new product to heal ingrown hairs and bumps, as well as launch a
body-care line that effectively caters to men above and
below the neck.