Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey Starks.
Trey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before opening my own barbershop, I served in the United States Army, where I completed my service before being honorably discharged in 2015. After transitioning out of the military, I committed myself to furthering my education. I started at St. Philip’s College, earning my associate degree, and later transferred to UTSA to complete my bachelor’s degree in management.
Even with those accomplishments, I knew I still had a passion that never left me cutting hair. I picked up my first pair of clippers at around 12 years old, cutting friends in my neighborhood and my cousins. It was something that always felt natural. While I was in the military, I told myself that I would one day put myself through barber college and become a full-time barber by 2020. That personal goal stuck with me, and I’m proud to say I achieved it.
I eventually took that leap of faith, enrolled in barber college, earned my license, and began cutting hair full-time. Opening my own barbershop has been a full-circle moment with the dream I had as a kid, carried with me through the Army, through college, and into adulthood, finally becoming my reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth, but every struggle has helped shape my character and my journey. Barber school tested me in ways I didn’t expect. There were long days when I was tired, frustrated, or felt like the finish line was too far away. But I kept pushing, reminding myself that temporary sacrifice was necessary for long-term growth. Every hour I put in was an investment in the future I wanted for myself.
Another major challenge was learning to build and keep a loyal clientele. In this industry, people come and go, and losing clients can hit you hard both mentally and financially. At first, it felt like a setback each time, but eventually I realized those moments were part of the process. They taught me how to stay consistent, stay focused, and never stop improving. Most importantly, they showed me the value of building genuine relationships and providing a service people can rely on.
Looking back, I see that every obstacle was preparation. Those challenges didn’t stop me instead they built me. They helped me grow into the barber, business owner, and person I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business, The Fade Lab, is a local barbershop located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas. We offer a wide range of services including haircuts, fades, beard grooming, edge-ups, razor shaves, kids’ cuts, and women’s cuts. While the services themselves are important, what truly defines our brand is the experience we provide.
What sets The Fade Lab apart is the level of personalization and attention each client receives. My appointments are designed to be one-on-one, allowing clients to relax in a comfortable environment while knowing they have my full focus from start to finish. It’s not just about the haircut it’s about creating a space where people feel valued.
One thing I’m most proud of is the professionalism and consistency my brand represents. At The Fade Lab, clients’ time matters. When someone books with me, they can trust that their appointment time is honored and that I’ll be ready for them the moment they walk in. That reliability has played a huge role in building my clientele and earning the trust of the community.
What I want readers to know is that booking with The Fade Lab means investing in quality, comfort, and an experience tailored specifically to them.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about San Antonio is the balance it has it’s a big city, but it still carries that small-town feel. The Spurs, the culture, and the sense of community are all things that make this place special. Most of my family is here, and over the years I’ve built my own community through my work, so San Antonio really is home for me. Being born and raised here, there isn’t much I dislike about the city.
If I had to point out one thing, it would probably be the never-ending construction on the highways but even that comes with growth. Overall, I just genuinely love this city and everything it’s allowed me to build.
Pricing:
- Adult Cuts- $35
- Adult Cuts w/ beard – $40
- Woman Cuts- $25
- Kids Cuts- $25
- Edge ups- $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teefadez17.booksy.com/a/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teefadez17?igsh=bmF6eWRieXM5OWth&utm_source=qr
