Student barbers are more prevalent than ever. In the 5 Cities, a wave of student barbers is emerging, fueled by the enjoyment of cutting hair, family ties, and the challenges of the pandemic. One aspiring barber’s journey began with a simple haircut for a family member during COVID-19.
“My first cut was my little brother,” Ivan Mejia (‘24) said. “It was exciting to see his reaction and know I was making him happy. We couldn’t see any barbers during COVID, so times were tough, and I had to do what I had to do.”
Similarly, up-and-coming barber Juanito Garcia (‘27) started cutting hair to contribute to his family.
“I gave my first haircut in April 2023. It was my little brother. The cut was exciting, [and] I was eager for the final results,” Garcia said. “I was encouraged to start cutting hair to make my little brother happy and wanting to do what my mom did [because she] used to cut our family’s hair.”
Garcia finds the idea of entrepreneurship particularly appealing.
“I like being able to have my own schedule and the satisfaction of knowing I created the final product myself,” Garcia said.
These barbers are encouraging additional people to cut hair. Mejia’s journey as a barber inspired one customer to follow in his footsteps.
“Somebody that inspired me to start cutting hair was my homie, Doughboycutz. He [said], ‘You should start cutting too!’ and then, I started cutting as well,” a fellow up-and-coming barber Alex Diaz (‘26) said.
Diaz has been close with Mejia for many years, meeting through the craft.
“I was his first client. He inspired me,” Diaz said.
Not only is Mejia an inspiration to Diaz, Mejia also supports Diaz’s networking.
“He sometimes [sends] some customers over and lets me practice with them and get better,” Diaz said.
Barbers like Diaz teach themselves the hair-cutting process through means that didn’t exist decades ago.
“The first thing I did was buy a pair of clippers, then I started watching YouTube videos to learn how to cut,” Diaz said.
Along with YouTube, these entrepreneurs utilize social media to attract customers.
“Most of my clients come from word of mouth, but I think what really helped me build consistent clients is having an Instagram page,” Mejia said.
Mejia has garnered nearly 1,000 followers on Instagram under the handle @doughboycutzz, showcasing his work to interest potential clients.
Through cutting hair, this group develops insights into what it means to be an entrepreneur.
“The most important thing about being an entrepreneur is adaptability. Markets, customer needs, and technology are always changing, so being able to pivot, learn from failure, and evolve is crucial,” Mejia said.
Mejia is familiar with adapting to situations as he started his business with minimal clients, experience, and equipment.
“Consistency, ideas, and the ability to manage risks are also important, but adaptability allows entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a dynamic environment,” Mejia said.
While being a barber is a practical way to earn cash, these barbers are in it for more than just the money.
“I do barbering because I enjoy helping people look and feel their best,” Mejia said. “It’s rewarding to transform someone’s appearance and see their confidence grow.”
