Today we’d like to introduce you to Clayton Massey.
Hi Clayton, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started this journey of barbering ten years ago. At the time, I was looking for a career switch and had always been interested in cutting hair. I remember a younger guy had cut my hair in his small barbershop in western Massachusetts for about 6 months while I lived there. The shop’s atmosphere, the conversations, the haircut, and the good music kept me returning. Whenever I went to his shop, I thought, this is a good little gig. He also loved his job. Fast forward a few years after moving back to New York, where I grew up, and I decided to go to barber school in Manhattan. From day one, I knew this was the job for me. The barbershop culture as a small business is a special place. It’s where someone can chill out, grab a cut, and have good conversations. You always need to find out who will sit in your chair. Since then, I have barbered in New York, Florida, Colorado, and now Texas. I have enjoyed all the barbers I have had the pleasure of cutting next to along the way and learned something from every one of them. At certain times, I felt I should do this myself. However, I knew there were steps to this, and I knew my time would come. I just had to be patient. It’s been a hell of a journey in my barbering career. The rebuilding of clients after moving so many times takes a toll on you. So, after settling here in Texas, I finally decided to start my small shop. The spot I found for rent was all I needed to start. The location on South Congress with parking in front was perfect. I wanted to recreate the old-school vibe of a real traditional barbershop with a touch of new school. It was stressful getting everything together, but now I’m done and up and rolling. I am super grateful for the clients who have followed me and the new ones for their continued support. I hope to be a staple business in Austin for many years. You can catch me at my shop Tuesday through Saturday.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This hasn’t been the smoothest road. When you have a goal in mind, you will be tested. There will be ups and downs, and you sometimes want to quit. But you have to know it’s part of the journey. If you obsess over where you see yourself, you’ll get there. Just not in the way you thought or the timing. The biggest struggle was feeling financially ready to take on a small business. The nights I have spent thinking about money and how I will do it would make someone insane. Also, I needed help knowing where to start my business. Anytime I saw an excellent point to dive in and do it, I doubted myself. Self-doubt was a massive struggle for me, too. Sometimes, I challenged myself and backed out because of the fear of failing. I know now that failing is still growth in some way.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Clayton’s Barbershop?
Clayton’s Barbershop is a single-chair barbershop focusing on quality haircuts. I have been a barber for 10 years in many different states. I specialize in fades, hot towel shaves, beard trims, and shear cuts. I do it all, to be honest. My brand is myself, so I want to ensure each Client is happy with my service. I don’t want to get them in and out. It’s their hair; most people care. Beyond the haircut quality, I want to have a good time. It’s a relaxed environment where everyone is welcome. Grab a beer and have some good conversation.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up about 50 minutes north of NYC, a dream place to live. One minute, I was hiking in the mountains, and the next, I was in the heart of Manhattan. It was the best of both worlds. I had the culture run off of art, music, films, etc., from NYC, but also that country aspect because of the smaller town where I was raised. That being said, My biggest interests are traveling, music, and snowboarding, but the list could go on.
Pricing:
- Traditional Haircut $40
- Deluxe Beard Trim $25
- Hot Towel Shave $30
- Hot Towel Head Shave $30
- Neck Line Clean Up $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claytonsbarbershop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonsbarbershop/
