Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian.
Hi Christian , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I Once belonged to the corporate world working for a retail design firm in San Diego CA. I was Extremely unhappy and Hated the corporate life, but bills needed to be payed as i was on my own. I was cutting hair part time out of my apartment with a line of clients waiting for me most days when i got home from work. As fate will have it i was eventually let go from my corporate position as we where in full swing of the 2009 recession. Fearing the strain of bills I took a quick position with an eco friendly baby company heading up there customer service department. I hated the roll but bills needed to be payed and jobs where becoming scarce. A friend at the time asked me why i didn’t just cut hair full time. I didn’t think i could make a living cutting hair as it never seemed like a serious job. Well after mentioning it to my sister she encouraged me to go speak to a local barber to ask him how he does financially as a Barber. Well lets just say he had all the right things to say, he told me that its was a great career with tons of potential to make money. That was enough for me to hear. I quite my job took out a small loan and began barber school full time. But i was forward thinker. because i already had some experience from cutting hair for the last few years of friends and family, i decided to apply for a barber position at a local shop. While not quite legal i was able to cut hair as soon as i was done with my day at the barber School. So my first day of school was also my first day of work at the shop. I soon received my license and in 5 yrs of hard work i owned my own shop.
During this time as a side gig i was promoting parties in the local music and DJ scene, which served me well as i was able to promote my barbering to the masses and i became the barber who all the most popular DJ’s went to. They became my mouth pieces for promo me in the city. But as all this was happening, because of my huge love of music and always dreamed of a DJ’ing myself. Because i was a vinyl collector and i was always downloading and collecting music, i had an urge to share my music creativity of the turntables. So because i new all the best DJs in the city i was able to begin taking classes with one of my favorite local DJs. (DJ Artistic) He had local crew of DJ’s in the city that had some residencies at some local bars and clubs. When i finished my training he invited me to join the crew (NO SUCKER DJS) and my DJ Career was on its way.
By day i cut hair and by nights i curated vibes. But in 2019 i decided to uproot my family and move to Austin TX. Continuing on the same path in California, I began to grow my clientele as a barber while booking gigs and forming new Dj residencies throughout the city. All this was achieved while still prioritizing my home life as a Husband and Father of 2 amazing young girls.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was never a smooth road. The beginning challenge of this journey started when I got married, had my first daughter and opened the barbershop with my wife all within 3 months. Those covid days where a huge struggle on me and my family financially as well, but i do thank God i was living in Austin by that time because if we would of been in San Diego we would of lost everything. The most challenging years came more recently when my 2nd daughter was born at 23 weeks, a micro-preemie. She spent a total of 14 months in the hospital. 5 of those in an incubator. It was hardest and darkest time of my life. Dealing with a new baby, not knowing when i would be able to hold her let alone bring her home, while still having to work everyday and still be a present father to my oldest. I was an extremely hard time for me and wife. No parent should ever have to hear a Doctor tell you this might be the day you will have to say goodby to your child. But the through the grace of God she pulled thru and is now a beautiful healthy and active 3yr old.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Barbering: I am a master barber that has been in the trade for 17yrs now. I’m known for being able to do all styles on any type of hair. From fades, scissor cuts to hot towel shaves. I pride myself on being able to cut anyone that walks thru the door. You can literally show me a picture of cut your trying to achieve and I can duplicate it. I think because I have been in the corporate world before barbering, it help set me apart because of my professionalism. I’m able to make each and every client feel comfortable in my chair and reassuring them they are in good hands.
DJ: Ive been in the DJ game for the last 12yrs, and i tend to specialize in R&B sounds. But what sets me apart is the fact that i like to create my own events. I’m not one to wait on someone to give me a gig. I love creating spaces for the real music lovers to dance and vibe. I like to think of myself as an creator and innovator.
What does success mean to you?
At this point in my life, I consider success by the amount of quality time i get to spend with my family. The point of all this hard work is be able to give myself that free time be the most present Father i can to my kids. I don’t want them growing up with the memory of their dad missing something. I always make time for them. No matter what
Pricing:
- Haircuts start @ 45$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://colomboroc.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yocolombo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColOmboRoc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiycO16lVf0&t=13s
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/yocolombo
