It's not just about giving a service - it's about being of service
Nasir Sobhani, widely known as The Streets Barber, is a humanitarian, speaker, and advocate for mental health and community connection. Through free haircuts for individuals experiencing homelessness and disadvantage, he restores dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging—one person at a time.
Nasir’s journey from addiction to sobriety shaped his philosophy: service is not just kindness but a pathway to personal and collective growth. Barbering became his calling, offering him a way to uplift those society often overlooks. Each haircut is more than a gesture; it’s a moment of connection, listening, and affirmation of worth.
Globally recognized for his work, Nasir was featured in the Kenneth Cole Courageous Class Campaign, which celebrates individuals who have overcome significant challenges to inspire and uplift others. Beyond haircuts, he uses social media to share the stories of those he meets, amplifying marginalised voices and fostering empathy in the broader community. His ability to create spaces of connection and inspire others to see the humanity in every individual is at the heart of his mission.
Born in Japan to a Persian family and later raised in Canada, before moving to Australia a decade ago, Nasir’s diverse upbringing and belief in the Baha’i Faith instils in him a deep commitment to breaking down prejudice and fostering unity. He champions the belief that service transcends differences, uniting people through shared humanity.
Nasir Sobhani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion. By dedicating his life to fostering connection and dignity, he stands as testament to the power of service as a pathway to building stronger communities and living a life of purpose.
Talking Points
Purpose
Overview: Purpose
Nasir Sobhani inspires audiences to explore the transformative power of discovering and living their unique purpose. By embracing our gifts and connecting to something greater than ourselves, we unlock personal fulfillment and professional growth. Nasir’s journey demonstrates how finding purpose creates ripples of impact—fostering connection, compassion, and a deeper sense of meaning in life.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical steps to uncover and embrace your unique purpose.
- The benefits of aligning purpose with personal and professional goals.
- How purpose fosters fulfillment, resilience, and broader impact.
Who It’s For:
- Corporate teams seeking meaning in their work.
- Schools, universities, and young adults exploring life direction.
- Nonprofits, faith groups, and community organizations focused on positive impact.
Being of Service
Overview: Being of Service
Nasir Sobhani shares a profound perspective on living a life of service, emphasizing how it enriches both personal and professional experiences. From strategies to prevent burnout to empowering individuals to bring purpose to their roles, Nasir illustrates that service isn’t limited to volunteering—it’s a mindset that transforms everyday encounters. With real-life insights, Nasir shows how sustainable generosity, balance, and self-care create lasting impressions and a more connected life.
Key Takeaways:
- How to develop a mindset of service in and out of the workplace.
- Tips for preventing burnout through self-care and sustainable generosity.
- The art of addressing not just what people want, but what they truly need.
Who It’s For:
- Volunteers and nonprofit leaders seeking tools to avoid burnout.
- Corporate teams aiming to enhance customer experience and relationships.
- Individuals looking to lead with intention and make a lasting impact.
Mental Health
Overview: Mental Health
Nasir Sobhani speaks candidly about the courage it takes to face mental health challenges and live authentically. Through his own journey, he provides tools for self-care, emphasizes the importance of relationships and community, and highlights the transformative power of vulnerability. Nasir’s insights inspire audiences to build healthier connections, foster empathy, and navigate adversity with strength and compassion.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical tools for self-care and emotional resilience.
- The power of vulnerability in building connections and overcoming challenges.
- How to support others and recognize signs of struggle in those around you.
Who It’s For:
- Corporate teams focusing on mental wellness in the workplace.
- Men’s groups addressing mental health and resilience.
- Schools, universities, and community organizations advocating for mental well-being.
Connection and Community
Overview: Connection and Community
Nasir Sobhani delves into the profound importance of connection and community, exploring how they shape meaningful, fulfilling lives. He shares practical strategies for finding or building a community, fostering relationships, and repairing broken connections. Nasir’s message inspires audiences to embrace belonging and shared purpose as cornerstones of personal and collective growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Steps to find or create a thriving community.
- How to foster genuine connections and repair strained relationships.
- The role of community in cultivating purpose and belonging.
Who It’s For:
- Corporate teams focusing on collaboration and workplace culture.
- Community organizations, schools, and individuals seeking to build stronger relationships.
- Faith-based groups and nonprofits centred on fostering belonging.
Addiction
Overview: Addiction
Drawing from his lived experience, Nasir Sobhani offers a deeply personal perspective on addiction, recovery, and renewal. He highlights the core of addiction, the power of asking for help, and the impact of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Nasir’s journey serves as relatable inspiration, proving that even in moments of loss, resilience and support can rebuild a life of meaning and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- The core struggles behind addiction and how to break the cycle.
- How to identify healthy versus unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- The importance of vulnerability and seeking support in the recovery process.
Who It’s For:
- Footy clubs, mining companies, and workplaces addressing addiction.
- Individuals and families impacted by addiction.
- Organizations focused on mental health and rehabilitation.
Joy
Overview: Joy
Nasir Sobhani explores the transformative role of joy in overcoming life’s challenges, showing that joy is not just a fleeting emotion—it’s a practice. He emphasizes gratitude, laughter, and uplifting relationships as tools to turn hardships into moments of growth. Nasir’s story demonstrates how joy can be a driving force for personal success and a spirit that enhances every environment, including the workplace.
Key Takeaways:
- How to cultivate joy amidst pain and challenges.
- The role of gratitude, laughter, and uplifting relationships in personal growth.
- Practical ways to bring joy into professional and personal environments.
Who It’s For:
- Corporate teams striving for a positive work culture.
- Schools and youth groups focused on resilience and optimism.
- Community organizations promoting mental health and well-being.
Video
Nasir Sobhani/ THE STREETS BARBER - Social Good Summit Australia 2022
Nasir Sobhani, also known as 'The Streets' Barber,' has earned his affectionate title spending his time taking to Melbourne's streets offering free haircuts and shaves to the homeless and less fortunate. His inspirational story of compassion and generosity has received significant attention globally. Nasir was also one of the five people to be profiled as part of the Kenneth Cole Courageous Class Campaign in New York, celebrating individuals who have overcome obstacles in life to become inspiring role models.Homeless Haircuts | Nasir Sobhani, The Streets Barber // 60 Second Docs
Nasir Sobhani of Melbourne, Australia, aka The Streets Barber, gives free haircuts to the homeless to help them feel clean, empowered, and understood. Life on the streets is rough, with homeless people often ignored or abused to the point that they no longer feel human -- and Nasir, a former drug addict himself, is out to change that with a salon-style makeover. For him, it all starts with a pair of clippers and a clean cut.Saxton Fireside Chat with The Streets Barber, Nasir Sobhani
The exchange of stories and ideas is more important now than ever. In this series of virtual Fireside Chats, you can gain unprecedented access to the world's greatest storytellers and thought leaders. In this session, Nasir shares his journey of addiction, rehabilitation and recovery. the impact finding his purpose has had on his life and the transformative power of using your gifts in service of others.The Streets Barber Stories - Episode 1: Chris
Each day when I cut hair on the streets I meet amazing people with amazing stories. Stories that most people never get to see or hear. Stories that can warm my heart, and break it at the same time.Living a Life of Purpose | Nasir Sobhani | Saxton Speakers
Discover how Nasir Sobhani, The Streets Barber, brings purpose and connection to people from all walks of life. In this powerful video, Nasir shares a story about giving haircuts to those in need, reminding us that sometimes the simplest acts of service can restore humanity and self-worth. Through his unique approach, Nasir embodies living a life of purpose, using his skills not only to uplift individuals but to create meaningful connections across diverse communities. Perfect for event planners, Nasir's keynote explores themes of purpose, kindness, and service that resonate deeply in any setting.How the Streets Barber Began | Nasir Sobhani | Saxton Speakers
In this video, Nasir Sobhani, known as the Streets Barber, shares the story of how he discovered his true calling—not just as a barber, but as a connector of people. From his early days, Nas realised the power of human connection in transforming lives, one haircut at a time. His commitment to making every client feel valued evolved into something bigger: taking his craft to the streets to serve the homeless community. In a world that often overlooks those in need, Nasir's journey demonstrates the power of empathy, kindness, and genuine connection.Audio
Nasir was captivating, inspiring and at times so very raw and personal. His stories and insights were profoundly moving filled with compassion, generosity, and resilience and had everyone on ... keep reading Jobs Australia
Nasir came into our office to speak about his journey. Our group ranged from 22-year-old graduates to the CEO. From the very beginning, his personable nature had us hooked - he literally "had us at hello"! He is inspiring and an incredible storyteller that draws you into his life, beliefs and his love of human beings. He opens your eyes to life that is right in front of us all and it makes you want to be better person, but to Nasir, it is his natural gift of human kindness that hopefully, he will spread - far and wide!
Nasir was fantastic, so down to earth, genuine and a lovely guy. Our audience really appreciated listening to his moving story, which touched a lot of our guests and lifted the spirit of the room. Thank you Nasir, I'm so glad we chose you to speak at our event!
Nasir engaged the audience right from the start. It was clear that they listened intently to his story, and afterwards commented to me how incredible his story is, and the messages they took from what he had to say. Everyone really felt he spoke from the heart without any airs and graces which was a good thing. I feel he related well to the Year 12 age group which constituted his audience. He fielded some great questions at the end of his presentation and was happy to answer them.
Well if you didn't already know, you seriously made that entire camp for most of the junior youth at that junior youth camp. It was their highlight. And you really did well to inspire them to want to serve the wider community. We would love you to be there at every camp, but understand you're busy with your schedule, and not only just present, but involved in some of the planning sessions so we can put some plans in place for a potential service project like the one you inspired the junior youth to want to do that camp.
Nasir is a proud and active VU alumnus, who regularly gives his time to help VU in a range of ways, including sharing his story and insights gained from his personal journey and the amazing volunteer work he does in personally, directly helping to raise the confidence and self-esteem of those who are doing it tough. His honesty and openness is not only engaging and eye-opening but also truly inspiring.
Nasir's deep sense of purpose and passion for the service he dedicates to the community resonated with each of our staff members instilling a sense of pride. His story was a reminder that hairdressing is more than the service, it is an opportunity to be of service to our clients through meaningful connection. Nasir captivated our audience with his aspirational story and positive warm energy. We had some tears and laughter - everyone walked away feeling more humble and more grateful.
