Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmeralda Alarcon.
Hi Esmeralda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in 2008 when I graduated from cosmetology school. Undecided of what I wanted to do I ventured off and explored other corporate avenues ranging from retail, bartending, insurance, admin work, banking, apartment leasing and management. Still unfulfilled but with the knowing that I was meant to work for myself and that I had my license I made the decision to explore barbering. I dove into it by watching YouTube videos, barbers like 360 jeezy, Chris Bossio and others. I started to fall more and more in love with the craft and in 2019 started to work for Sports Clips. I knew it was a good starting point because although I possessed a license, barbering was not what I had studied and I was not comfortable going straight into a barbershop. Sports Clips provided the clientele and the room to mess up and learn. I was there for about a year and later moved to Diesel Barbershop, one step closer. Diesel taught me how to use a straight razor and the “barbershop ethics/customer service”. A year later I moved on to a commission shop. This gave me a sneak peek into entrepreneurship which had been my ultimate goal. Although the shop provided the walk ins now it was up to me to build my own clientele. I did just that. In 2022 I went completely on my own to booth rent. Scared as ever but full of confidence in my work and experience. I rented a chair for almost 3yrs and in October of 2025 I opened my own suite. A goal that seemed so unattainable to that confused woman in 2019. Here I am. I may have took the “long route” according to some but I did it all being self taught with no guidance but Gods. I took the route meant for me. I have built an amazing clientele, some ogs that have followed me since I started some that found me along the way and some that are still finding me. The end goal is not this but it is another step closer to that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not smooth. Alot of ups and downs mainly from self doubt or outside noise. Many people will say “just get a real job”. But to me this is very real, it has provided for me and then some for 5yrs +. Entrepreneurship in anything is never easy and only those in it will understand but it is extremely rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a lady barber. I provided any mens grooming service ranging from any skin fade, classic clipper cut, hot towel shaves, beard grooming, spa facials and perming.
My clients will tell you I am known for delivering consistent high quality work.
I am set apart by being professional delivering exceptional customer service and presenting myself as a business from the beginning and not treating this as a “side hustle”.
My clients know that they will get a timely consistent service every time.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you dont take the risk you’ll never know. I believe in living with no regrets and i do not want to be 50/60 working at a dead end job or still trying to climb a corporate ladder that keeps being moved out of my reach all because I was too scared to take a bet on myself.
Its true that its scary but with God as your co pilot you can navigate any obstacle. He promises to be your provider so all we can do is hold onto that promise and continue to put one foot in front of the other.
I met many barbers/stylists along the way some in the industry for 10yrs/15yrs + and still working for someone else. My risk came from holding onto the goal of never clocking in for anyone ever again. and that is what keeps me going.
Is it always good? No but its not all too bad either and so theres that balance. A piece of advice I always give is ” do what makes you happy, whatever that is and regardless how it looks to others” do it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Ladybarber_Esmy
