Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydnie Phillips.
Sydnie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been in the barbering industry for over 18 years, a journey that has grown alongside every chapter of my life. I started cutting hair as a young woman, learning the craft, building relationships, and realizing that barbering is so much more than just a job. Over the years, the chair became a place where I found confidence, purpose, and a deep connection to community.
Opening The Mack Lounge in San Marcos, Texas was the culmination of everything I’d poured into the industry. Naming the shop after my son, Mack, was intentional, it represents legacy, resilience, and building something that lasts beyond me. What started as a personal dream became a space designed to feel welcoming, elevated, and rooted in respect for both clients and barbers.
Today, I’m balancing life as a mother of two, a barbershop owner, and a content creator in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through my content, I focus on carving out space for myself and other women, sharing my journey of healing, self-love, and growth while navigating entrepreneurship. It’s about showing that success doesn’t require fitting a mold — it comes from authenticity, resilience, and choosing yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Mack Lounge is more than a business. It’s a reflection of my story, my family, and the belief that consistency and self-belief can create real change over time. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited about where this journey continues to take me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been financial stability and the time it takes to truly build a loyal clientele. Barbering is relationship-based, and nothing about that happens overnight. Every phase of my journey required patience, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up even when the return wasn’t immediate.
Originally, I’m from California. I left with my toddler and everything that could fit into my car, not fully knowing what the future would look like — just knowing I needed more for myself and my child. That move took me from California to North Carolina, and eventually to Texas, where I’ve now been for seven years. Each relocation meant starting completely over, rebuilding clientele from the ground up, and proving myself again in new environments.
When I moved to Texas, I committed fully. I worked open to close, six days a week, for two years straight, focused solely on building a solid, dependable clientele before ever opening my own shop. There were long days, slow weeks, and moments of doubt, but I stayed disciplined and consistent because I knew what I was working toward.
None of it was easy, but every challenge shaped the business owner I am today. Those years taught me resilience, humility, and the value of trusting the process. Looking back, the struggle wasn’t a setback — it was the foundation that made opening The Mack Lounge possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in men’s haircuts, fades, and precision grooming, and I’m known for consistency, detail, and professionalism. As a newer business owner, I’m most proud of building The Mack Lounge into a shop that’s running smoothly and continuing to grow.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Never giving up! It’s been a long road but staying disciplined is what really worked.
Pricing:
- $40-$50
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @themacklounge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydnie.phillips
Image Credits
@Melanie Pena
@Daniel Juarez
