Today we’d like to introduce you to Teddy Guillermo.
Teddy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Let us begin in the summer of 2011. I’m 16 and had just woken up; being naturally curious, the first thought on my mind was how my barber gave me such fresh fades. So, I got on Youtube, but only found five videos on the subject matter. After watching all five, I did some research on where to purchase the tools I’d need to start and what sanitation guidelines to follow. With the little money I had earned from my summer job and some help from my mom, I bought everything I needed. The following week, my friend allowed me to cut his hair. I was astounded by how the haircut turned out and remember thinking, “I can make something out of this.” Soon, other friends decided to give me a chance as well, and from that point on, I’d ride my bike as far as two miles to cut hair at their house.
Fast forward a year as I was taking summer classes to get ahead in my senior year, a friend of mine told me about a salon that was hiring. I didn’t check it out until another friend of mine mentioned his sister-in-law was the owner and he’d introduce me to her. She decided to allow me to work part-time, although I had no license. Word spread quickly around school that I was cutting hair, and I soon became the preferred barber amongst my peers, some of which I still have the pleasure of serving today.
By the time I graduated high school, I was at a different shop working full time. With a burning desire to learn as much as I could about the trade, I was determined to get my license. I attended whatever events I could locally, which at the time were not as readily available as they are now. There, I met many great barbers from around the Metroplex with whom I would have the pleasure of working with later on. Shortly after obtaining my license, I was offered a spot at a shop in Oak Cliff. Having worked in Garland for over two years, I had to weigh out the pros and cons of moving to a different town, and after much thought, I decided to take the opportunity.
There, I learned a lot about business as I was involved in the process of establishing their second location and remained loyal to the brand for two years. After leaving, I sought out personal growth and ventured out on the road to cut hair wherever I could, from people’s living room to Military bases six hours out. Additionally, I worked at a couple of shops part-time and shared a suite with a friend I had met in barber school. Recently, I decided to settle back down in Oak Cliff at a reputable men’s hair studio beside The Kessler Theater where I spend most of my time.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Just like any person seeking growth, I’ve encountered a few obstacles along the road. Different stages in my career have required different versions of myself, and in the periods of having no mentors, I’ve resorted to the internet and books for answers.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Barber story. Tell us more about the business.
Before becoming a barber, I remember the feeling I got when visiting the barbershop. A feeling which started before entering and lingering until the next haircut, one which I found worth recreating. I am continuously seeking ways to improve my craft and expand my knowledge so that I can provide the best service possible for clients. As a result, this has helped me specialize in classic and modern men’s styles, which include all shear men’s haircuts, fades and creative hairstyles, each finished with a straight razor shave where extra detail is needed. Let us not forget the traditional hot towel shaves which if you have yet to experience, I highly recommend you do!
Pricing:
- Men’s Haircut $40
- Kid’s Haircut $30
- Haircut & Shave $70
Contact Info:
- Address: 509 N. Winnetka Ave. Dallas, TX 75208 Suite 101
- Website: Cutsbyted.com
- Email: cutsbyted@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Brian Sandoval
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