Today we’d like to introduce you to Laleh Rezaie.
Laleh, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career in the industry at Paul Mitchell’s cosmetology school, where I graduated as salutatorian. While I was taking classes, I worked at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop at the front desk. Upon completing my certification, the Floyd’s management team moved me to a stylist and shop manager, even though I had limited experience. My decision to start my own shop was the next logical progression in my list of achievements. I wanted to be able to express my creativity and passion for my clients in my own environment. So, without a backup plan and just an idea of a dream, I left my position at Floyd’s and began cutting hair at a pop-up at a local brewery. It was there that I met the owner of the building in which my shop currently resides. This journey has been a chaotic, serendipitous ride, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Even the initial stages of the shop were met with crazy looks and uphill battles. I was very lucky to have enthusiastic cheerleaders in family, friends, and the owners of the brewery, who let me set up and store a chair, mirror, and toolbox in their taproom. I did the math, and I had to have set up and broken down a mini barber shop over 250 times on their stage or the corner of the taproom. It was usually dark, sometimes hot, and I was very disorganized. On top of that, I didn’t know what the hell I was doing in terms of setting up a business. “Small Business for Dummies” was definitely not as helpful as I had hoped. Everyone at City Hall got to know my face very well. It’s really hard for someone that’s never done it before to start a business and navigate the bureaucracy. For almost two years, I walked a delicate balance of designing my brand and shop, living the gypsy barber lifestyle, and juggling bills all while trying to remain sane and eat once and a while.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about South Barbershop – what should we know?
South Barbershop is hidden. It’s in an alleyway behind a building and faces a dumpster. I like to call it SUPER VIP. The exterior is an eye-assaulting turquoise color, the floors inside are a cheery yellow, and the walls, which took about five coats, are white, but not perfect. And it’s all exactly as I pictured it. I think the best compliment anyone ever gave me about my shop is that it’s an escape. It feels secluded. Like you’re at a friend’s house getting your hair cut. That’s what I was going for. I am very connected to my clients. We talk about weddings and work drama and our dating lives. I love that these people have stuck with me through awkwardly getting haircuts on a stage and the sweaty haircuts in a dark corner and I’d like to think it’s because they know I care about each of them beyond their scalp and beards.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am probably the most stubborn person you will ever meet. I’m always saying “sink or swim” and I’ll be damned if I sink. I can credit my dad for that quirk. I’ll dig in my heels at any challenge and it’s by pure moxy that I get everything done. It’s that never-give-up attitude that has pushed me through every obstacle throughout my career and my life.
Pricing:
- Basic haircut $28
- Face or Head Shave $30
Contact Info:
- Address: 129 E Daggett Avene (behind the building in the alley! bright turquoise exterior)
- Website: www.southbarbershopfw.com
- Phone: 214-699-1550
- Email: info@thesouthbarbershop.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/southbarbershopfw/
- Facebook: .facebook.com/southbarbershopfw/
Image Credit:
Elisabeth Lee, Laleh Rezaie
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