Today we’d like to introduce you to Jace Kha.
Hi Jace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I originally went to school for Graphic Design but even as a little kid, I always had a passion for hair. I remember being in the salon with my mom getting my haircuts and I told myself, “one day I want to work in the salon” and so I did. Moving to California at the age of 12 from an immigrant family, being a hairstylist or barber is not considered a glamorous career and so I thought maybe it was just a childhood dream; being a graphic designer will make so much more money and keep my parents happy. While I was waiting to transfer to University, I decided to go to cosmetology school for fun but never thought I would love it so much to be doing it for over eight years now. To me, haircutting is another form of art with different mediums.
Just like any other job, it was not easy when I first started. For the first two years of my career, I did everything and took every job I got offered just to get my foot in the door. I went through several shops as an apprentice doing things like sweeping hair to shampooing to running errands. I even went back to a barber school and paid them so I could cut their walk-in clients to get in more practice. Many times I felt like giving up but my love for this profession did not allow me to do that and I kept pushing.
Fast forward to 2019, I have worked at several shops and have learned quite a few useful lessons from shop owners and other barbers to finally be confident enough in my abilities to go on my own. I opened my first barber studio called Alkemy Barber Studio in Huntington Beach, California. A year after a successful run, there came the Covid-19 pandemic. I went from working in my own studio to renting a warehouse and finally taking my business home to be able to stay working. I know a lot of my clients, family and friends looked at the situation and felt sorry for me but I never felt like the victim. If anything, it was a blessing in disguise. For almost eight years, I attached myself to the location and the clients. I could not move too far away or go on a long vacation in fear of losing clients. I felt trapped. It took a pandemic for me to realize by letting go I am truly free. I was fortunate to have some very loyal clients who continued to support and came through but I knew I could not run a business from home forever. I needed to decide what I am going to do next.
I believe in growth and moving forward. I knew I always wanted to test my ability to restart my career and business in a new place but it was always a scary thought. This so-called “negative” event in my life actually gave me an opportunity to do just that and that what led me to be here now in Austin.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road but like they say “a smooth sea never makes a skilled sailor”. For me personally, the main struggle was finding the balance. Since running my own business, I constantly ask myself, “how do I keep my business side and my artist creative side separate?” There was a time when I ran my studio like a business and in my mind, it was only the focus of how do I make more money? It took away the fun of being an artist and just having fun creating cool haircuts. Until now, that is still my main struggle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“Do what is right, not what is easy” is the motto I live by. I am more than a barber, I am an artist. I like to say I specialize in men’s haircuts and styles but I also have some very loyal female clients so I called myself a shorthair specialist and it seems more fitting. I believe every haircut is like a thumbprint and should be tailored to only that one person. My ability to problem solve and attention to details ensure I will deliver the best and suitable hairstyle that best fits my client is what keeps a client from coming back to see me. I’m also known to be a well-rounded barber/stylist because I’m constantly learning and updating myself. I am proud of how far I have come. My work ethic, self-discipline and passion to grow and be better set me apart from others. I like the beautiful things in life and if I can help everyone who has been in my chair to look great and feel good about themselves; that makes it all worth it.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I have always been a play it safe person. I think picking up and moving across the country was the major but calculated risk. I had a lot to lose such as my business and the clientele I had built in 8 years but at the same time, I told myself I can always begin again. If I don’t do it now, I will always have this question “what if” in the back of my head. I knew I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t have the answer. I don’t want to look back when I’m old and be like, “I’m still here doing the same thing because I was afraid of change.” I think that would be the biggest regret. Starting from scratch with zero clientele is scary but I believe I am here for a reason. My journey in Austin has just begun and I am excited to keep Austin sharp, one hair cut at a time.
Contact Info:
- Email: alkemybarberstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alkemybarberstudio
Image Credits
Some photos by Yee Lim Photography and Jace Kha
