Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Shaba.
Hi Andy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Andy Shaba. I’m 33 years old and I’ve been a barber for a little over six years now. The last two of those have been at my own studio, That One Barbershop, here in Poway.
Barbering first came into the picture thanks to my mom. She was the one who encouraged me to become a barber. At the time, I didn’t take it seriously. I was still figuring life out and trying different things. But the idea stuck with me. Growing up, I always loved getting haircuts. It gave me a confidence boost and honestly felt therapeutic. I remember spending time in the bathroom mirror trying to cut my own hair or line up my beard. Definitely had some butchered haircuts back then. But that feeling stuck with me over the years.
Eventually, after a lot of searching and a few detours, I decided to take the leap and go to barber school. I haven’t looked back since. After graduating, I worked in a Poway barbershop for about four years. I reached a point where I wanted something more. I wanted more control, more challenge, and more ownership over the experience I was providing.
That’s when I opened That One Barbershop. It’s been two years now, and I’m proud of what I’m building. This craft has given me so much: confidence, purpose, and fulfillment. Cutting hair really is my happy place, and I hope that shows in the work I do and the way people feel when they leave my chair.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but progress isn’t always a straight line. In the beginning, there were a lot of sleepless nights and moments where I questioned myself. Is this the right path? Am I good enough to really make something out of this? I was still figuring things out, trying to build up a client base, and learning how to balance the craft with everything else that comes with it. Even though it was tough, I knew it was part of the process, so I stayed patient.
Opening my own studio brought a whole new level of pressure. It’s not just about cutting hair anymore. Now I’m running the entire business — scheduling, marketing, cleaning, everything. It can get overwhelming, especially during slower weeks when your mind starts overthinking.
But those challenges pushed me to grow. I’ve learned to be more disciplined, more patient, and to trust the process. I still have tough days, but I’ve come a long way, and I’m proud of that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core of what I do, I’m a barber, but I try to create more than just a haircut. I run That One Barbershop, a one-chair, appointment-only studio in Poway. It’s a private space where clients can actually relax and know they’re getting quality work without the noise and chaos of a busy shop.
I specialize in men’s haircuts, skin fades, beard trims, and straight razor shaves. But more than that, I focus on consistency, detail, and creating a clean, calm environment that feels personal. I think that’s what people appreciate most when they come in. They know what to expect, and I don’t cut corners — just hair.
What I’m most proud of is building something of my own from the ground up. I started with no clientele and grew this business by showing up, staying consistent, and treating people right. I also recently started developing my own beard balm, which has been a fun way to combine creativity with quality products my clients can take home.
What sets me apart is the experience I offer. It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being dialed in. Every appointment is one-on-one, with no waiting and no distractions. Just a solid cut and a real conversation. I take pride in my work, and I hope that shows.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory has to be the time my dad introduced me to music. He was a musician himself, and he got me into DJing for a few years. Later on, I even performed in his band. It wasn’t just about the music — it was the fact that I was doing it with my dad. That made it feel even more special.
But the memory that really stands out is when he took me and my brother to his hometown in Iraq. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. He showed us the actual house he grew up in, the streets he used to hang out on, and even the mountain he climbed when he left to come to America. Seeing all of that with him, through his eyes, is something I’ll never forget. It gave me a deep respect for everything he went through and everything he’s done for me. That trip changed the way I see him and where I come from.
Pricing:
- Haircut – $40
- Beard Trim – $40
- Hot Towel Shave – $50
- Haircut & Beard Trim – $70
- Haircut & Shave – $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thatonebarbershop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatonebarbershop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatonebarbershop
- Twitter: https://x.com/That1barbershop
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/that-one-barbershop-poway?osq=Barbers
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/UMhBzCX
