Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Penaloza.
Hi Eduardo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t originally plan on becoming a barber. I was in school at Lone Star College working toward an associate’s degree in criminal justice when COVID hit and everything shifted to online learning. During that time, even though barbershops were closed, I kept thinking about how much I had always enjoyed being in that space — the conversations, the confidence people walked out with, and the sense of community it created.
A close friend introduced me to the shop his mom owned, and I got the chance to shadow her while she cut his hair. That small moment showed me how powerful the work could be, and it pushed me to take a leap and enroll in barber school.
While in school, I worked mornings at Academy Sports and attended night classes, trying to balance long days with staying focused on my goal. I pushed through the 1,000-hour requirement and graduated, thinking the hardest part was over — but building a clientele from scratch turned out to be the real challenge.
I was given an opportunity at Lather and Fade Barbershop, and I’ve been there for the past four years. I started out with an empty chair and no name in the area, but through consistency, learning, and showing up every day, I slowly built trust and a loyal client base. Today, I see barbering as more than just cutting hair — it’s about creating confidence, building relationships, and being a positive part of the community.
Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles was the transition itself — leaving a traditional college path and stepping into something completely different during COVID was scary. I went from working mornings at Academy Sports to spending my nights in barber school, trying to balance exhaustion with staying focused on my goal.
Another major challenge was the 1,000-hour requirement. There were days it felt like the finish line kept moving further away. Anytime I had the chance to leave work early, I went straight to school instead of going home, just to keep pushing those hours forward.
The hardest part, though, came after I graduated. Walking into a shop with no name, no clientele, and limited experience was humbling. There were days I’d sit in my chair for hours without a single client, just watching other barbers stay busy and wondering if I had made the right choice. It tested my patience and confidence.
What kept me going was deciding to stay ready instead of getting discouraged — cleaning my station, watching, learning, posting my work, and showing up every day. Over time, one client turned into two, and two turned into regulars. Those early struggles taught me consistency, humility, and the value of earning trust one person at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional barber at Lather and Fade Barbershop, where I focus on delivering more than just a haircut — I focus on creating an experience. My work centers around clean, detailed fades, sharp lineups, and razor work, but what I really specialize in is consistency and client care. I take the time to understand what each person wants, how they live, and how they want to feel when they walk out of the shop.
I’m known for being patient, detail-oriented, and dependable. Whether it’s a first-time client or someone who’s been in my chair for years, I approach every cut with the same level of focus and respect for the craft.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve been able to build around my chair. I started with no clientele and an empty book, and over time, through showing up every day and earning trust one person at a time, I’ve built a loyal group of clients who support not just my work, but the vision behind it.
What sets me apart is my mindset. I don’t see barbering as just a service — I see it as a platform to create confidence, have real conversations, and give back to the community. I’m always learning, always improving, and always trying to leave people better than I found them, both in and out of the chair.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my older brother — getting new video games, going to the movies on the weekends, and wrestling on our backyard trampoline until we were completely worn out. Those moments were simple, but they meant everything to me.
Looking back, that’s where I learned the value of connection, loyalty, and just being present with the people around you. It’s something I still carry with me today, especially in the barbershop, where I try to make every client feel comfortable and at home in my chair.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eduardocuts_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6AzF3zAp/
