Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Mencia.
Hi Diana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From Orphanage to Ownership: My Journey Through Faith, Family, and Barbering”
I’m originally from Honduras, and my story begins with many life challenges. My mother, doing her best to provide for us, worked tirelessly in the streets selling vegetables. But poverty and the absence of my father made life incredibly difficult. Eventually, overwhelmed and without Basic necessities, she had to place us in an orphanage. That moment, though heartbreaking, taught me early on how to survive, how to be strong, and how to keep going—even when life seemed impossible.
Years later, I made the decision to emigrate to the United States. I arrived with hope in my heart and the determination to create a better Life. The journey was anything but easy, I faced many personal battles, including an abusive relationship that forced me to put my dreams on hold—especially my dream of becoming a barber.
Still, something inside me never gave up. In 2015, I found my way back to barbering and quickly fell in love with the craft—not just because of the skill, but because of the connection it creates with people. A good haircut can do more than change someone’s look—it can lift their spirit and restore their confidence.
Opening my first barbershop, Barbers on the Lake, was a major milestone, though it wasn’t part of my original plan. It was God’s plan. He placed the right tools, the right people, and the right timing in my path. One of those people was a close friend and mentor with over 30 years of experience in the barbering industry. His wisdom, support, and guidance helped me push through some of the hardest moments of my life, and he continues to be a huge part of my journey.
But none of this would have been possible without my family. They have been the heart and backbone of this dream. Through every challenge, every late night, every leap of faith—they were there. Their love, belief in me, and hands-on support have carried me further than I ever could have gone alone. This is our journey, not just mine.
The road hasn’t been smooth. As a woman working in a male-dominated industry, I often felt like I had to prove myself twice as hard. For a long time, I hid behind the scenes—I didn’t want people to know I was the boss. I feared judgment, rejection, or simply not being taken seriously. But deep down, I knew I was building something with heart.
Eventually, with hard work, determination, and the constant encouragement of my family, I opened a second location: Barbers at Cinco Ranch. Today, we proudly operate both shops. I’ve built a team I love and treat like my own. I lead with kindness and gratitude, always reminding myself that leadership is about service. I treat my team the way I’d want to be treated—because to me, success is shared.
This journey is deeply personal. It’s about resilience, purpose, and creating something lasting—not just for me, but for my two children: my daughter, who’s 11, and my baby boy, who’s just
one. I want them to know that no matter where you come from, you can rise. You can build something beautiful from the ashes.
Every person who walks through our doors isn’t just getting a haircut. They’re stepping into a space built with love, intention, and perseverance. And for me, that’s what barbering is all about.
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?
Not at all. It’s been a road full of ups and downs.
I grew up in Honduras, raised in an orphanage, so from a very young age I had to learn how to be strong and independent. When I emigrated, I faced a whole new set of challenges—adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, and starting over with almost nothing. But I always held on to my dream of opening my own barbershop.
Along the way, I went through very difficult moments. While I was trying to build my business, I was also fighting a personal battle. I was in a toxic and abusive relationship with an alcoholic partner—a situation that deeply affected both me and my daughter.
I’ll never forget the first time I bought a barber chair and a few tools on Marketplace to set up a small studio. I was so proud—it felt like the first real step toward my career. But when I managed to escape that relationship and find a safe place to live, he showed up and threw all my things out into the street. And that same day, a storm came and destroyed everything I had managed to buy. I cried for days. It had taken so much effort to gather those things, and seeing them destroyed was heartbreaking.
At that point, I had to put my career on pause. I couldn’t study, work, and be a single mother all at the same time. But God had other plans. Eventually, I met my fiancé—someone who has been by my side through everything. Together, with our family, we slowly began rebuilding this dream, step by step.
I’ve been in the barbering industry since 2015, and there were so many moments when everything felt impossible—long workdays, the responsibility of providing for my family, raising my daughter and now my little boy, and still pushing forward toward that goal. But I never gave up. With the support of my family and the deep belief that a good haircut can uplift a person’s confidence and mood, I stayed focused.
I always tell people: I’m not rich, but God has blessed me with a wonderful family and truly good friends. And to me, that’s worth more than any material wealth.
Every struggle taught me something. And today, when I look back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything I lived through shaped me. It made me the woman I am today—stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What truly sets us apart is the experience we provide. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re welcomed like family. We’ve created spaces that are not only professional and stylish, but also warm, inclusive, and inviting—environments where everyone, from children to adults, can feel comfortable and leave feeling refreshed, confident, and valued.
We take great pride in the diversity and expertise of our team. Our barbers are highly trained and experienced in working with all hair types and textures—including straight, curly, wavy, and Afro-textured hair—because we believe that exceptional service should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or style.
We also stay at the forefront of the industry, blending today’s trends with timeless techniques to offer a wide range of styles that suit every generation. Whether you’re looking for a modern look or a classic cut, we’ve got you covered.
Customer service is at the core of everything we do. From complimentary beverages to personalized attention, we go the extra mile to transform a simple haircut into a relaxing, memorable experience.
What I’m most proud of is the story behind the brand. After years of working in the barbering industry, building Barbers at Cinco Ranch and Barbers on the Lake has been a true milestone—one made possible by faith, family, and community. It’s a story of resilience, new beginnings, and a firm belief that with heart and hustle, anything is possible.
To our readers:
When you visit Barbers at Cinco Ranch or Barbers on the Lake, you’re not just getting a haircut—you’re supporting a local, family-owned business built on passion, purpose, and care. Our mission is to help you look great, feel confident, and be part of something meaningful.
What makes you happy?
What truly makes me happy is being able to wake up every day and do what I love—using my hands and my heart to help people feel good about themselves. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from seeing someone look in the mirror after a fresh cut and smile, not just because they like the haircut, but because they feel seen, valued, and confident. That moment of transformation—it never gets old.
As a business owner, my happiness also comes from knowing that I’ve built something meaningful, not just for me, but for others too. My shops don’t just offer haircuts—they offer opportunities. I’m proud that my dream has become a source of stability for my team. The fact that I can provide jobs and create a positive work environment for people I care about means the world to me. I know what it’s like to struggle, and to now be in a position to help others build a better life—that’s a blessing I don’t take for granted.
I lead with love, with respect, and with the simple belief that people deserve to be treated with kindness. Whether it’s a client in the chair or someone on my team, I always ask myself: “How would I want to be treated if I were in their place?” That’s my guide.
At the core of it all, what brings me the most happiness is connection—serving, supporting, mentoring, and being present for others. I’ve walked through hard times, and now, being able to turn my pain into purpose… that’s what fills my heart. That’s what makes me happy.
Pricing:
- Hair Services: • Adult Hair Cut – $40.00+
- • Adult Hair Cut & Beard Trim (Clippers) – $50.00+
- Adult Hair Cut & Beard Trim (Razor) – $60.00+
- Hot Lather Shave Combo – $80.00+
- Head Shave (Razor & Hot Towel) – $50.00+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barbersatcincoranch.com
- Instagram: @barbersatcincoranch
- Facebook: Barbers at Cinco Ranch
Image Credits
photosbysydneyTx
