Entrepreneurship
How Josh Moore Combined Vintage Fashion and Barbering with Renegade Spirit
Josh Moore is the owner and founder of Renegade: Cuts & Clobber, a unique fusion of vintage fashion and barbering that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Isle of Man’s indie scene. Now named a Gef 30 Under 30 2025 Entrepreneurship winner, supported by Launchpad, Josh has built a business that is as bold and distinctive as the clothes on its rails.
Renegade was born in May 2021, in the uncertain wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Josh had originally planned a creative career, possibly in acting, but lockdown forced him to reimagine his future. ‘Throughout my life, even while studying, I worked across retail and hospitality. Those years gave me deep insights into the workings of local independent businesses,’ he says.
Starting small with just four rails of vintage clothes at a car boot sale in Onchan, he sold out completely. Pop-ups at the Manx Games, Pride in Douglas, and Tynwald Day followed. By July 2021, Josh opened the first Renegade shop on Castle Street in Douglas. For two years, it operated purely as a vintage boutique, sourcing bold, sustainable clothing from the UK, USA, and Europe.
More Than a Clothing Store
In 2023, Josh took a bold leap and introduced barbering to the Renegade shop. He trained at the London School of Barbering in Manchester, completing NVQ Levels 2 and 3, and winning the Fade Competition along the way. ‘Barbering wasn’t just an add-on. It was a natural evolution,’ he explains. ‘Bringing it to the Isle of Man felt not just bold, but necessary.’
Renegade quickly became more than a shop. It became a hub of style, creativity, and connection. In 2024, the business moved to a larger, more vibrant space on Bucks Road, embracing the shift of indie businesses to creative, affordable outskirts.
Josh still curates hand-picked, high-quality pieces from across the globe, offering everything from Carhartt and Gucci to classic denim jackets, dresses, and rare band t-shirts. The store also upcycles fabrics, turning old garments into new creations. ‘Every single item in store is treated with love and respect when finding its new home,’ he says.
Plus, barbering adds a personal, hands-on dimension. From fades to hot towel shaves, Josh and his team provide expert cuts while building trust and community. Training with The Lions Barber Collective also equipped him to support clients’ mental health, spotting early warning signs and providing a safe, welcoming environment.
Inspirations and Advice
Josh credits his parents for much of his success. ‘Without their love and support, Renegade would not be possible,’ he says. His mum, Diane Moore, is now trained as a barber and has joined the business full time, adding to the shop’s family-driven ethos.
There can be hurdles when running a small business on the Isle of Man. ‘The concept behind what we do is still pretty new here, and with that comes some resistance and narrow-minded views,’ he admits. ‘But I’m no stranger to constructive criticism. I welcome it, and it helps us evolve and stay grounded.’
The best advice he has received? ‘Always be yourself, work hard, and keep pushing forward. Don’t get stuck in the past. Learn from it, but keep moving. Be kind, reliable, and professional, and most importantly, believe in yourself every step of the way. Do everything with good intentions, and always lift others up along the way. It’s these values that make the journey worthwhile.’
Inspiring the Next Generation
‘Being named a Gef 30 Under 30 winner means the world to me,’ Josh reflects. ‘This recognition validates everything we’ve built at Renegade. We’re not stopping here. We’ll keep working hard, pushing boundaries, and delivering a great in-store experience for everyone who walks through our doors.’
Josh encourages other young people to take the leap into entrepreneurship too. ‘If you truly believe in your idea and what you’re working towards, you’re already on the winning path. You deserve to be recognised for the passion and drive you’re putting into your journey. So take that step and put yourself out there.’
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