Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Moya.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started off as going to a cosmetology school and we went over one lesson of cutting men’s hair. The same night I became curious on learning more. I began to watch YouTube videos all the time and seeing different techniques on creating a fade. A few weeks later, I started working at a small shop and got hands-on experience. It was scary at first, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I enrolled into a barber school just so I can get my license as a barber as well. They helped me with 3 hair cuts on detailing and from there I began cutting on my own. I had the opportunity to work at my first real barbershop and it was a really fun experience I built my clientele really quick. Right now, I moved to a different shop in Garland called RedZone barbershop. I love it here. I started learning even more it was a fresh start. Just what I needed. I auditioned and the owner liked my work. I became the first female to ever work in both shops, it was a great feeling. Today, I’m building my clientele from scratch again since I moved shops, having to build people’s trust again and work on bettering my cuts. Everyday you learn something new and working at this shop has taught me so much in very little time. I’m super excited on what the future holds with my being a female barber.
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?
Entering the barber world has not been an easy experience for me personally. At some point, I wanted to quit and come back to it later because I was dealing with the bumpy roads of life. I kept on going though it was very hard working two jobs and going to school full time. Getting maybe 1 1/2 of sleep and having to do it all over again was very challenging. Finally working at the barbershop wasn’t as hard for me personally, I was confident in who I was and the work that I did. Being the only female at the shop could be a little intimidating for some females, you’ll get guys trying to get with you, questioning you if you really know how to cut, why did you choose to enter a man’s world, and people will doubt you even before they sit in your chair. I passed through it all and I never once dropped my confidence down. My advice for a female starting this career is this is not for every female. If you’re a weak-minded female, it’s not for you. It’s not easy waking up every day being with nothing but men all day every day. You’ll get jealous females starting problems because you’re a female cutting her man’s hair, you’ll be getting hit on, and they will question your worth. You must prove yourself and you will be tested all the time. You will get a lot of “No’s” in the beginning. Don’t let that put you down, they just need proof you can cut. It’s all fun working at a barbershop you just have to stay focused on why you’re there and keep building up your clientele, make them comfortable and confident in yourself, who you’re and the work you do. NEVER stop being a student. You learn something new every single day. Be open-minded and watch the other barbers cut, see their techniques, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck it’s okay!! They were all once in your shoes. LEARN!!! Being a female barber is really fun once you get the hang of it. You start meeting new people and gaining trust. In the beginning, never stop proving yourself to people it’s gets annoying, but it definitely pays off, once people see your work more you don’t have to ask if they want a cut, they go straight to you!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about King Cuts & Beauty – what should we know?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and barber. I am a freelance makeup artist and a barber. I am known for doing makeup looks on myself through social media, modeling, and cutting men’s hair. I’m most proud of the amount of work and how dedicated I became in so little time. What I have accomplished. Entering a “mans world” is not easy, but I did it. I’ve been completing my small goals very quickly and now working on my bigger goals slowly and making smarter choices. Things that set me apart from others is that I know who I am, I don’t portray an image. I’m confident in myself and what I do. Sure you need money to survive, but cutting hair for me is not a job it’s art it’s a passion and it’s something I love to do. The smile and confidence I’m able to bring to people by cutting their hair or hearing them out, giving them advice is worth more than the money they give me. What’s even more meaningful is when they come back and wait for you knowing their other barbers, but they choose to get a cut with you. Being the only female is not easy so starting to see that people trust you is a great feeling. I don’t do this for the money, I cut hair and do makeup because it’s something I love.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
If you want to become a barber and enter in this industry and are serious about it, there are endless amount of opportunities, but it will never be handed to you, you must work hard. The rumor is “women don’t know how to cut hair” because they have been to a salon and of course, it’s not a barbershop. If you stay dedicated and opened to always learning if you really think about it, most not all men prefer to go to a woman, you’re pampering them, you have more gentle hands than a man cutting hair. They get to vent out about their day. Once men see your work they begin to think “man, I want her to cut my hair” and end up seeing what you got. Your clientele builds up quicker because yes you’re a girl and yes they want to see what you’re about. You’re always being tested and when you know you’ve passed each test that becomes your growth each time.
Pricing:
- Haircut $20
- Haircut with Beard $30
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2145297493
- Email: moyajm14@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kkingmariee?igshid=1wanpdcimg01m
- Other: https://instagram.com/kingcutsandbeauty?igshid=1q2ma62o15m2j
Image Credit:
Oscar Garbalena
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