Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Crouse
Hi Jesse, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I went to barber school because I didn’t want to go to college, but I also wanted to stop bartender. So I started at Roffler School of Hair Design in 2018. My mentor, Mr. B, has since sold the school and retired so shout out to him. But I finished right around covid and started out at a few different shops until settling on joining some good friends at a spot called BeardBrand in 2021. I hustled, learned how to build my clientele, and worked on my craft. We all grew together, it was an incredible culture. Around fall of last year I felt that growth leading me on my own path of opening up my own shop. So I started that process, and about a year later, this past August, Monarch Barbershop opened it’s doors to the lovely people of Austin.
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?
It absolutely hasn’t been smooth. The original plan was to open up in Buda, but real estate was far too expensive down there. So I pivoted and looked around Austin for a property that would give a local business a chance. Real estate is a tough terrain to navigate, so shout out to my broker, Ben at CLD Realty. Aside from the real estate struggles, I would say recruiting is another major struggle. Building the right team slowly is definitely essential, but I still wish recruiting looked a bit more promising than it does at the moment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a barber that specializes in men’s grooming. At Monarch Barbershop we’re working really hard to become a local staple for men who are looking for top shelf talent and expertise when it comes to their style, and self expression. I’m proud of what my team and I have accomplished so far, and this is only the beginning. We’re different than most shops because not only do I put the clients first, I also give my barbers the freedom to take control of their own business as well, which greatly improves shop culture. We’re also just one of the nicest shops in the city.
Any big plans?
The future for the shop consists of growth, and community, both of which go hand in hand. We can’t grow without community, and we can’t build a community without striving to grow. We can’t do what we do without the people that trust us with their patronage.
Pricing:
- Haircuts start at $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monarchatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchbarbershoptx/profilecard/?igsh=MWlnOTNtaTZwM3M0eQ==
Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of Monarch Barbershop
