Three years in to running Forty-Five Social, owners Mike and Sue Flammia and Robby and Tara Calvano feel like they’re hitting their stride.
“It’s flown by but it’s been a ton of fun. We’re learning new things every day,” says Robby.
The local barbershop and menswear store opened its doors in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, so they are proud that their business has survived— and thrived.
Forty-Five Social places an emphasis on men’s self care, a sometimes over-looked concept. Their aim is for their customers to feel welcomed, comfortable and relaxed, especially if they’re not used to pampering themselves or being pampered. They seem to be achieving this goal.
“A recurring statement that I hear is that we have a really cool vibe in the store. Everything from the look and the feel to how they’re treated when they walk in the door,” says Robby. “It’s a great spot for men to take time for themselves.”
The vibe is that the business is not just a place to get your hair cut and leave; it’s a community-oriented spot where people —not just men— can socialize, have a coffee or a drink (they carry plenty of local beers), and shop for new clothes.
Forty-Five Social sells a variety of menswear, including tops, pants, footwear, outerwear, and accessories. They carry clothing that fits people of all sizes, with most styles of tops coming in sizes up to 3XL, and most pants up to size 40. They are also able to special-order larger sizes from many of their brands.
In addition to their wide selection of men’s clothing, they also carry some women’s fashion and beauty products from Lucy Ro, which Tara co-founded with her business partner Sue Flammia. Lucy Ro started out as an online clean beauty store, then was added to the Forty-Five Social storefront, eventually developing into a small women’s clothing store as well. Tara describes Lucy Ro’s clothing pieces as quality, sophisticated and classic.
Since women were coming in with their partners, the couple figured it was a good idea to add something for people who aren’t men to browse.
“We’re very honest with our customers,” says Robby. “They don’t feel like it’s all about the sale or feel pressured to buy.”
Robby says that he lets people know kindly if something doesn’t fit well, and helps them find other articles of clothing that will make them look and feel good. It’s this level of service that has brought the business a core group of regulars, who won’t go anywhere else for a haircut or clothing. The owners find this truly meaningful.
“I can think of customers who were never into self care or clothing, and because of how we’ve made them feel, I’ve seen a difference in their confidence. Seeing that confidence is why we do what we do,” says Tara.
Robby says that helping people look and feel amazing is his favourite part of running the business, plus the relationships that they’ve built in three years. Some of their regular customers have become good friends of theirs, and are considered part of the Forty-Five Social family.
To celebrate three years in business, Forty-Five Social and Lucy Ro are hosting a big bash on Saturday, October 12th. The shop will be open from 10AM-10PM, with giveaways happening throughout the day, as well as complimentary snacks, live music by DJ Matt Dubois, and even magic tricks being performed by Ryan McFarling.
Also on the calendar for Forty-Five Social is Spirits & Tarot, on October 18th. It will be an evening of delicious speciality cocktails, live music, and tarot card readings. The event is first-come first-serve, with no fee to enter. Attendees pay for card readings and drinks, and can put their names on the list to receive their private tarot reading.
Finally, Forty-Five Social will also be hosting their third annual event called “The Show,” on Saturday, November 9th. The Show is a night of fashion, dance, live music, and magic, held at The Loft at the Algoma Conservatory of Music.
The event started out small in its first year, held in Forty-Five Social’s storefront and promoted as a fashion show for customer appreciation. They’ve since expanded The Show, hosting it at the Loft and adding in live music, magic, and dance performances. There are sets of the latest fall fashion in-between the performances.
This year The Show’s admission fee is just by donation, and the owners are in the process of choosing a local charity to donate all the proceeds to.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from “The Show” last spring was that it was so much more than just fashion. The live music, dancing and magic made it an entertaining night out for those who attended. Count that among the many ways that Forty-Five Social continues to provide unique experiences in The Soo.
For more information, visit here.