Today we’d like to introduce you to Monika Broemmer
Hi Monika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Let me preface this by sharing that this chapter of my story is just beginning. At 42, I’ve woven together a kaleidoscope of hobbies, education, work experiences, and careers. Frankly, I do not think I’m finished adding to the mosiac that composes my life. Each piece tells a story—some driven by survival, others by passion or evolving personal values.
Currently, I’m apprenticing at a local shop and attending the California Barber and Beauty College (CBBC) in City Heights. In March of 2024, I was laid off from an undersea robotics company where I served as a Quality and Compliance Manager. Though this was unanticipated, it had silver lining. For one, it gave me precious time with my senior rescue pittie, Courage, before she passed due to cancer just a week later.
Those two losses gave me the space to deeply reflect on my values, passions, and the kind of life I wanted to live. Sometimes, that reflection happened while riding the curves of HVR on my Harley Sportster with friends. I thought a lot about the exhaustion of corporate life, the dread of starting fresh in new companies, and how my creativity had remained dormant for years; and the ever-evolving landscape of work, particularly with AI disrupting so many industries. Ageism, particularly for women in their 40s, also weighed heavily on my mind.
I concluded it was a good time to learn a trade that would give me creative and professional independence. As someone that enjoyed a pixie haircut for over a decade and hair designs, I looked into becoming a barber. After talking to trusted barbers like Johnny from Black Sails Barbershop and LT from Dink’s Barbershop, I felt confident that barbering was the right path. By May 2024, I was in full-time barber school, and since then have discovered that cutting hair is both meditative and creatively fulfilling.
Though my portfolio is still in its very early stages, I proudly share my work and brief stories of my clients on my Instagram (@monikathebarber). It’s my way of celebrating both the craft and the connections I’ve made.
This glimpse into my journey is just the beginning. I’m incredibly grateful for all who have crossed my path regardless of brevity or longevity. I strive to pass the kindness forward in all ways, big or small, regardless if the impact is ever known to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, hell no.
I’ve had to start over five times in my life, each restart marked by both financial setbacks and career challenges. The road ahead will likely have its fair share of potholes, forks, and unexpected detours along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an aspiring hair/grooming service professional I strive to capture the stories of each person and reflect them in their transformations. While my journey in this field is relatively new, I’ve quickly discovered how much I enjoy the creativity, challenge, and human connection that comes with this profession. The work I do is rooted in genuine care for people and a desire to make them feel their best. Something I have carried with me through all my work experiences.
Before barbering, my professional background was in quality and compliance management for an undersea robotics company, a submarine rescue contractor, personal training and nutrition, and before that, I served as a Surface Warfare Nuclear Officer in the Navy. Each chapter of my career has been vastly different, but all of them have shaped who I am and the approach I take to my work today and the people I engage with as colleagues and customers.
What sets me apart is the combination of my diverse experiences—whether it’s managing complex systems in a corporate environment, or supporting the people around me through my military service, I’ve learned to thrive in dynamic, ever-changing environments. Now, as a barber, I bring the same attention to detail that I developed in those previous roles, but with a creative and deeply personal touch.
Ultimately, I believe what sets me apart is my relentless drive to keep evolving, to keep learning, and to never shy away from the unknown. I’m committed to putting my heart into everything I do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
It all boils down to this: Take risks, fail, take new risks, see the best in people, endure the tough times, and savor the fantastic moments.
And for those whose path has been smoother, more direct, and filled with opportunity—cheers to you as well! We all have our unique journeys, and that’s what makes each story worth telling.
Pricing:
- The best way is to DM me on my instagram. Moreover, I often post promotions on my IG, even for free first time clients. Alternatively, anyone intersted in hair service may contact me via email at monikathebarber@gmail.com.
- A brief sampling of the services I offer include (but are not limited to): hair cuts (with shears and clippers), hot towel shaves, beard trims, perms. I’m taking additional coursework to enhance the client experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @monikathebarber
- Other: monikathebarber@gmail.com
Image Credits
The photo image of me in a red dress next to my motorcycle is by NNC visuals https://www.nnc-visuals.com/
