Hardwork, Dedication, Sacrifice and Patience To Conquer Dreams. Words that are all too familiar for 27 year old Victor Manuel Barragan of Merced. Victor or Vic as his friends and family call him, is husband to Liveth Barragan and father to his first born baby boy, Jordan Barragan. Victor is now Co- Owner to a local baber shop named The Shop. Victors barber skills began in his own backyard- I would give my brother and my friends hair cuts in my backyard, thats where it all began- he said. After graduating from high school in 2006, Victor took barber courses and attended Moler Barber School in Fresno Ca. Tany Vega of 27 years, Barragan high school classmate whom also shared the same interest, developed a close friendship Sophomore year. We would give each other hair cuts, even after graduating high school, thats how we kept in touch. -Vega said. Vega, whom is also married, husband to Marie Vega, father to Aubrey and Noah, began working at a local barber shop after graduating high school. I realized very quickly, working under someone else was not for me, I wanted to do my own thing- Vega said. Vega and Barragan decided they would team up and open their own shop. Barragan began to save up money, collecting his earnings from cutting hair in his backyard. Vega sold his two vehicles. With much effort, dedication and sacrifice, finally they were able to have their own barber shop, which they decided to call The Shop. In the month of March of 2007, a dream became true, they had officially moved in to their first location on Main St. Both young men, began to show their artistic talent, that varied from: hair design haircuts, cartoon characters, basketball teams, football team, baseball teams, slogans to graduates having their class year written across their head. Barragan with only one highschool art class under his belt, began to enter barber competitions to which he has now participated in 14, to which he has won 10 in 1st place and 1 in 3rd. The most recent was LA Showdown 2013, where barbers around California competed and Barragan came in 1st place. Thats my baby- Barragan said holding the LA Showdown trophy. Vega has had the opportunity being an instructor at Paul Mitchell School in Modesto Ca, -teaching and sharing his barber skills. The Shop has been successful to which now Barragan and Vega have welcomed 7 new barbers to be part of the team. We dont just hire anyone, our barbers need to have skills, talent or something special, all of our barbers own trophies from competitions, in fact were the only barber shop that has trophies.- Vega said. Barragan added- Were careful who we hired because its our reputation on the line. Since 2007, business has grown, Barragan and Vega have been so thankful and humbled by their customers and the community. Acknowledging, that their business success is due partly to the costumers, for their loyalty and support. Christmas of 2013 they decided to organize -along with Luis Velasquez - a former barber owner, an event for the community to enjoy. There was, free food, prizes and free haircuts. The event was named Cheerful Giving- To which Barragan and Vega, agreed it wouldnt have been possible with out the local businesses and community, who help donate everything available that day. For example, 1- vehicle- donated by Auto Resources, 60 bikes- donated by Wal-Mart and the community, toys donated by- Toys For Tots, posters, flyers and all printing donated by- Bright Dart Printing, Food ( fed approximately 300 people) and 300 free haircuts were given. We wanted to thank the community- Barragan and Vega said. To conclude, Barragan and Vega were asked two last questions- 1) Where do you see The shop in 5-10 years? Having a second shop- Barragan replied. To where Vega nodded in agreement and added- I would also like to have an Incorporated School, to teach. 2) What advice do you give other barbers just starting? Barragan replied: Its not going to be easy, its a lot of time dedication, long hours, you wont see your family as much as you would like to because you have to be flexible to your clients schedule, some clients cant make it during your business hours, so you have to be flexible.... Its like, help them, help you. - Stay dedicated through the ups and downs-Vega said. Special Thanks** We want to thank all of our loyal customers who keep coming back year after year, we really appreciate you- The Shop
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:28:35 +0000
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