Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Winkler.
Hi Anna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Starting in December of 2023, Bearded Lady was founded during a leap of faith. I had been working for a company for over four years, and had great success within it, but my potential was capped. I couldn’t advance any further, and I wanted more- more stability, more flexibility, more freedom, and to have my personality shine. I never take a step back in my career, so the only way to go was out on my own, thus Bearded Lady was born. I wanted a brand that would be memorable, something that would stick out in memory and not get mulled in with the rest of the local shops, a brand that showcased my personality. I began building Bearded Lady from the ground up, new pages, new marketing, new branding. Everything was done by me through many trials and error. I forged connections to help advance my brand, and it started to take on a life of it’s own. I tried several avenues to cater to my clients: different online booking systems to make booking appointments convenient, different marketing techniques, different packages for services, even different drinks and whiskey were experimented to get everything just right for my clients. It never stops either- I am always working towards giving my clients the best there is to offer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not, as a matter of fact, I hit the biggest roadblock this last Friday when my facebook pages were abruptly disabled and unable to be recovered. That loss of 1.2 thousand followers has been devastating, and I am working towards rebuilding since recovery is not an option. It’s a huge setback as I posted last minute openings, updates, days off, and specials in an easy way to be seen and shared, but I will eventually rebuild a page once I settle issues with Meta and won’t be at risk of being shut down again.
I’ve dealt with suitemates at my first location not accepting me and being very catty, which caused me to recluse and stay to myself, something that is completely against my personality. I was complained about for laughing too loud, something I found quite absurd, and if I can’t laugh and have a good time with my clients, what was the point of even staying in a place where being happy caused problems. I packed it all up and left Rockwall where I’d worked for five years, and brought Bearded Lady to Greenville in Summer of 2025.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bearded Lady?
As a one woman luxury men’s grooming shop, I specialize in fades, beardwork, razored shaves, pampering facials, and more! I offer packages that cater to the nitty gritty, all the way to a men’s luxury spa day.
Offering online booking helps men plan their days more efficiently and not have to rely on walking in with the possibility of a long wait time. I also offer complimentary drinks, snacks, and whiskey, so it’s not just a cut and go place, it’s a man’s time to sit, relax, recuperate, and enjoy having their haircut done. I take the time to do thorough consultations, educate on styling and products, so you’re not being rushed out the door. I have twelve years behind the chair, so I do have experience and speed on my side, so if you are in a hurry, you don’t have to worry about wasting time on what’s supposed to be a quick errand. I cater my services to exactly what you need, whether that’s a hurry and go, or a relax and unwind. Bearded Lady is a private shop, so you don’t have to be bothered by outside conversations or noises. It’s truly an oasis.
Specials are also ran monthly to entice the gentlemen to try new services, and I run two specials near and dear to my heart- Pay What You Can Tuesdays, and Straight A’s for Fades. PWYC days help give the community an affordable option for a clean haircut in the event of financial hardship, and the Straight A’s programs give the youth a reward for hard work in school! It’s always a pleasure getting to brag about my kiddos who earned a free cut by succeeding in school and being able to give the community a place of refuge when times are hard just brings my heart joy. This community built me, so it’s the least I can do.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Going solo in the styling world is a risk in itself. You not only have to compete against other stylists, but also bigger shops that are well established and have the extra funds to pour into marketing. Every week is uncertain. One week, you can be back to back and incredibly busy, the next week you may have entire days where you don’t have a client. It’s an uncertain industry, so you really have to put yourself out there to work for everything you have. I take advantage of my slower days by doing emails, calling clients I hadn’t seen in a while, and even going out about the town to businesses and meeting new people, handing out my card. Often times, you are met with rejection: some men stay loyal to their barber they’ve had for years, and being a woman in a man’s industry, I am often looked down on for simply being female in this line of work. You just have to learn to shoulder it, and move on to the next one, always remaining positive.
Pricing:
- Fades- $30
- Beard w/ Razor Lineup- $25
- Good Pckge(cut, neckshave, shampoo, neck massage) $45
- Better Pckge(cut, beard, neckshave, shampoo, mini facial, neck massage) $75
- Best Pckge(cut, beard+lineup/full shave, extended luxury facial, shampoo, neckshave, neck massage)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/redbarbertx
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/beardedlady0759?igsh=MTh1anpkZ283YTJhbA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Smoke+Moon Photography
