Meet the Team

Visit the master barbers at Matter of Instinct in New York City.

RUBEN

Founder and owner at MOI Barbershop, Ruben Aronov has been a master barber for over 15 years. After closing down his last shop, Freemans Barbershop, he has re-opened on the LES of Manhattan. Ruben has been featured in WWD, Mr. Porter and many other publications for his skill as a barber. He has been a mentor to many throughout his years as a barber and now has cultivated a shop that includes many of his former students. 

ALI

Ali came over to MOI in 2020 after owning and operating his own salon in Astor Place for several decades. He provides hair styling for men, women, and children. Working as a stylist since 1968 Ali had the pleasure of working in some of the most well known fashion shows and hairstyling competitions. As well as some well known celebrity names. He is also a member of many different hairstylist federations, organizations, and associations that dealt with barbers. Some of these organizations were “The Moroccan Federation of Hair Dressers”, ”Club Artistic”, and “The National Moroccan Club for Hair Dressers”. He was ranked in 5th place during the World Hairstyling Competition of 1982.

Dominic

Hailing from Arizona, Dom makes his way to the big apple with even bigger aspirations of his own. Backed by 5+ years of experience in making people look good, his cuts are as sharp as his eye for precision. With an attention for the fine details, he can create haircuts that suit any individual. He began cutting hair at a young age and is mastering his craft every day, only becoming better. His passion and commitment to his craft has now led him to join the MOI family.

MARSHALL

During Marshall's 20+ years in the field he has provided grooming services for companies including Vh1, BET, New Line Productions, NBC, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Bevel and various print publications including Essence Magazine, Shop Talk and more. Serving as a Master Barber for various celebrities as well as his personal clients, Marshall has gained the experience of providing hair care to clients of all ethnicities and he's continuing on his journey of mastering hair of all styles and textures. As of 2015, Marshall has continued to expand his diverse resume by becoming a Barber Teacher at some of NYC's most esteemed barber schools.

DIANA

With over 20 years of experience, Diana has an eye for detail and the dexterity of her hands allows for any type of cut to become reality. Her past experiences include famed locations such as Astor Place Hairstylists and Esquires of Wall St. When it comes to style, Diana does not mess about. Her attention to detail, her patience, and her aspirations to make her clients satisfied with their look is what makes them coming back for another cut. Let her give you a fresh new cut or let her reinterpret your classic look.

Rafael

Hailing from New York, Rafael honed his craft working in various barbershops throughout the city, most notably the infamous Astor Place Hairstylists hub. Always one with a cool, relaxed demeanor, he is a wizard with his clippers in his hands, but also has vast experience with scissor cutting. Beard trims, razor shaves, line-ups, haircuts of any style, he has seen it all and done it all as well. We welcome Rafael and his years of experience to the MOI family and know he will have our guests leaving his chair completely satisfied.