Today we’d like to introduce you to Abel Barrientos.
Abel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I started cutting hair I knew off the bat where I wanted to work a shop called Urban Soul Studio, but I was still in school at the time and had little experience. So, in order to get familiar with talking to strangers, I started cutting homeless people’s hair in downtown Dallas. I would document the experience and little did I know that instead of me helping out people in need, they were truly helping me.
Fast forward to graduating hair school. I got the opportunity to work at awesome barbershop called Brass Tacks in Bishop Arts. I was able to create some great friendships and work under Brandon White. After a year of gaining experience and clientele, I was finally given the opportunity to work at Urban Soul Studio. The team I was joining was an elite group of barbers that I looked up to. (Owner: Milton Campos, Gustavo Mendoza, Oscar Silerio, and Teddy Guillermo) I was truly able to develop my skills and gain so much knowledge under this team.
Due to the snowstorm early in 2021. Urban Soul took some damage and ended up closing. It was definitely not something I was expecting, Fortunately, I was able to work for some great shops (Revolt, and ReyCol) until I figured out what I wanted to do.
Towards the end of 2021, I finally decided to leave the Oak Cliff area and do my own thing in Lakewood. I love the oak cliff area but I was too comfortable and believed that in order to grow I needed to be on my own. I’ve definitely not regretted this decision; I’ve connected with new people and have enjoyed working next to White Rock Lake.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a great journey; I’ve had my hard times where I didn’t know if I wanted to continue doing hair. But nothing great comes easy.
Covid definitely changed the way we communicated with clients. From wearing masks to having weeks where clients are forced to cancel due to being sick from covid.
Moving to Lakewood from Oak Cliff came with some struggles, knowing I’d lose some clients that lived in the Oak cliff area I knew I was going to need to work hard again to gain new clients
We’ve been impressed with Nativs Hair Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I came up with the idea of a business called Nativs I definitely didn’t want it to be solely known as a barbershop or a place where I just cut hair but with my interest in fashion, and photography I wanted to be able to tap into those areas and freely create what I want.
What sets me apart from others? Honestly not much and I don’t mean that in a negative way. I enjoy being part of the hair community. I strive to be a better than who I was the day before. I honestly like recommending clients to other stylist that I know can do just as good as job as me or better.
I specialize in men’s hair and I’ve become very comfortable with longer to medium lengths. I enjoy fading as well and have become better at it but when it comes to shear work, it’s definitely my favorite skill.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m just truly thankful for the opportunity to share a little a bit about myself and my business as I continue to grow it. I look forward to meeting new clients and people I can create awesome work with.
Pricing:
- Haircut $50
Contact Info:
- Email: dalnativs@gmail.com
- Website: https://nativshairstudio.square.site/
- Instagram: @abescutshair
Image Credits
Brian Sandoval
