Today we’d like to introduce you to Franco Abundes
Hi Franco, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
These articles are supposed to be about the person and not the business. However, I’ve poured so much of my heart and soul into this that it’s ultimately a culmination of my life’s journey.
I started working in a barbershop almost 13 years ago. I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and had no idea where to go with my life. A friend of mine at the time, who was a barber, suggested I work at the shop until I decided what to do next.
Cleaning the shop was my first responsibility. Eventually, I started fixing machines, which lead to me cutting hair. I loved everything about it. It was a high-paced world that was always evolving, yet remained constant and reliable. I didn’t work for a living. I got to create art and take care of the people around me. I felt fulfilled for once in my life.
After some time, complacency, boredom and my overall sense of curiosity took its toll. I wanted to see what else was out there. I tried my hand in other fields. I did sales and hospitality. I bounced around experiencing different things, looking for purpose.
After an especially stressful job, I made the decision to return to what made me happiest. I started cutting hair again and found what I had been looking for, but God never allows you to get too comfortable. In the Fall of 2019, the next, and most important chapter of my life was introduced.
Every barber ultimately hopes to open their own shop. However, my daughter definitely gave me a different type of purpose. And after moving across the country and experiencing the pandemic, I decided I would never risk her stability again.
I was content working as just a barber. I knew what to expect and could plan accordingly for my kids and our future. I continued learning new skills and sharpening my old ones. In time, I realized my true purpose. Being a barber was my profession, but God’s calling for me was to serve His people. This led me to where I am today.
Gunslingerz: An Old-Fashioned Barber Parlour opened in November 2023. The name came to me almost in a vision. I was listening to Texas rap and heard an ad-lib that said, “Los Pistoleros Meros Meros!” (However, I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find that song!)
From there, I took everything I had learned about traditional barbering and mixed it with the culture of vaqueros and cowboys, creating our Outlaw mindset. It was reflecting on healthy masculinity that established the pilars of our culture. Integrity, courage, empathy, respect and a strong Christian faith in God our all traits I consider integral in what a good man should be.
Now, society has a different expectation for men. We have to be strong. We have to be a provider and protector. We can’t show weakness. So where could we put our walls down? Who took care of us?
The final piece was created – our motto. “We’re here to SERVE you!, ” not only epitomizes what an experience here should be, but also everything my career in barbering has taught me is paramount to giving our profession purpose.
So we do just that. We serve our community, we serve our customers and we serve God.
Currently, I’m focusing on growing the brand. I want to bring more barbers on board, but will only do so if they share a similar mindset. I can teach anyone to cut hair, but beliefs, those are trickier.
But imagine a place that feels like home the moment you walk in, a staff that cares about you, not just your money, and a service you didn’t know was possible – that’s how you create a truly memorable experience!
So whether it’s tomorrow or later this year, never forget, we’re here to SERVE YOU!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the early stages of working on the building, I would work all day at my place of employment, then work all night getting the shop in order. Once I quit my job, I was able to dedicate all my time here. Well, in one of those instances, I was painting the top of our 11′ walls and the ladder gave way. I busted my leg open. Thankfully, my neighbor was next door, heard my scream, and rushed over to help me.
I thought I was done for. I had never experienced an injury like that – 13 stitches. My rehabilitation set us back from opening for two months. If it wasn’t for the financial help from my family, I don’t know how I would’ve survived.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from most barbers is my personal ethos to serve our customers. I don’t give them haircuts I want to do, nor do I rush them to get onto my next customer. I take the time to consult them on their expectations, grooming problems and current hair health. Then, I give them my suggestions and we create a custom style catered to their needs.
I specialize in 50s-style haircuts, but can cut everything from a flat top, to men’s long hair.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
First of all, don’t ever do it ever the money. Do it because it makes you happy. Secondly, struggle! If you dont sacrifice for it, if you don’t fight for it, if you don’t put in the work, you will never truly appreciate it and you will never find true success.
Pricing:
- Haircuts start at $35
- Beards start at $30
- Facials start at $50
- Facial waxing starts at $10
- Scalp Services start at $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Gunslingerz-Parlour.com
- Instagram: @Gunslingerz_Parlour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GunslingerzParlour/
- Other: Tiktok: gunslingerz_parlour
