Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Tribby.
Hi Andrew, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
In 2011, I started going to a classic barbershop, that sparked a major interest into barbering and got me thinking about a change in careers. I was cleaning pools at the time and was happy, but I knew it wasn’t my end game. In 2014, I finally took the steps towards getting enrolled in a school. There were some hiccups, but I landed at Bellus Academy. I worked all day and went to school at night. It was tough, but made it through and finally passed state board February of 2017 when our first son was 4 months old. I tried a few shops and then found my way to The Country Club Barbershop in Escondido. I’ve been there since and have continued to hone my craft and build my clientele.
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?
School was rough; my wife and I barely saw each other with work all day and school from 5-10 pm. She was pregnant in 2016, and our son was born in November, so slowed graduation a bit, but we pushed through
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Barbering is more than a job or a career to me; it’s about building relationships, providing a solid vibe in the shop, and making my clients feel good leaving my chair. At Country Club, we have a saying, quality over quantity, and that comes from our shop owner, Wylie. He instilled that in me at the beginning of my journey, and without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. We all need people who believe in us, who push us, who see potential in us, and that’s what Wylie saw in me. The schedule can be grueling on a family, feeling an obligation to your clients to be there all the time, but Wylie helped keep me balanced and focusing on what matters.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Keep grinding. This isn’t a job you get to jump into success right away. It takes time to find the right shop and to build up your clientele. Take the time, find mentors, keep learning and educating yourself on new techniques. Hone your craft and take advice from seasoned barbers around you. The journey can be rough, but it is more than worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simplertimesbarber.com
- Instagram: Simplertimesbarber
