It might surprise some to know that barbers can cut, color and even perm hair, but unlike those with a cosmetology license, they can also use a disposable straight razor for shaving services. This may be the reason there are a number of “stealth” female barbers, who put in as many hours learning as most cosmetologists (or more), but saved a little money on their education.
Just one of those lady barbers, Kaetlyn Gonzalez, says she not only went to barber school for 1,500 hours, but that she took dozens of cutting and hair coloring classes after graduation. That means that Kaetlyn not only knows how to work with head shapes and remove weight to create direction the way barbers do, she’s adapted and added to what she learned by mastering softer women’s cuts and applying the barber-inspired zone-cutting approach of cutting to her own natural-looking zonal coloring.
Says Kaetlyn, whose Salons by JC suite in Corpus Christi, TX, is named Crown of Beauty, “I wanted to learn men’s cuts because I really enjoy creating looks like the pompadour and the hard part, but I took a lot of other classes to be able to make women look beautiful, as well. When I went to barber school 17 years ago, half of the class was female.”
About 70-percent of her clients are female, too, which explains why her suite’s name, which is based on a scripture, works for her. As for guys who go to “Crown of Beauty,” Kaetlyn says the name doesn’t bother them a bit, and maybe, they just feel like kings in her ‘50s retro designed shop where they get the cut they want, along with a relaxing shoulder massage.
Like many barbers, Kaetlyn says it was simply time to leave a commission salon after working in one for over 16 years. She wanted flexible part-time hours so she could “be a mom first,” and when she saw that Salons by JC was opening in her area, she ran the numbers and “took a leap of faith.” It’s her belief, she says, that no one wants to spend an entire career as a commissioned employee.
“When I toured Salons by JC, I knew it was time to move,” says Kaetlyn. “It was beautiful, up-to-date and clean, and with a private suite, I knew wouldn’t have to deal with the hearing the business of the person in a chair next to me, but that I could still enjoy a salon atmosphere.”
In addition to offering cuts and natural-looking (not fantasy!) color for men and women, Kaetlyn specializes in Brazilian Blowouts, which help control frizz while adding manageability and shine.
“For the holidays, I’ll be offering a free cut with a Brazilian Blowout or a chemical service,” she says. “I know that Salons by JC will also be having a great holiday event for clients.”
In addition to special holiday offers, anyone who experiences holiday stress will find a peaceful oasis at Crown of Beauty. “I always enjoy spending time with my clients and love making them feel special,” says Kaetlyn. “That’s why I made my suite a welcoming, peaceful place where clients can relax and get a great new look.”
