We’re looking forward to introducing you to Austin Arenz. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Austin, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the version of me that my younger self needed. Little Austin didn’t get much of a childhood — I grew up fast, always working, always trying to prove myself. So now I’m chasing peace. Fulfillment. The kind of life that feels full because I’m helping others find their own power through what I do. If I ever stopped chasing that, I think I’d lose the part of me that believes I can rewrite my own story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Austin — a barber, educator, and founder of Barbering for Cosmos, where art, rebellion, and education collide. I built this program for licensed cosmetologists who want to sharpen their technical skills, tap into their creativity, and feel confident behind the chair.
Barbering for Cosmos was born out of my own story — years of hustling, learning, and finding peace through the craft. It’s not just about fades and razors; it’s about transformation. I teach the techniques, but I also teach mindset, professionalism, and the heart behind the hustle.
What makes it special is the energy. It’s raw, real, and rooted in community — a space where stylists rediscover their purpose, reconnect with their art, and leave feeling inspired to carve out their own path in this industry.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My friendship with my business partner, Marc Bennett, completely changed how I see myself. Marc’s been a mirror and a mentor — he’s the one who inspired me to get sober, become vegetarian, learn about finances, and truly chase peace the way I used to chase chaos. We’ve both lived through a lot of similar things, and seeing how he rebuilt himself made me want to do the same.
Sobriety — I’m 675 days in now — stripped everything back. It forced me to face myself without filters or distractions. You really have to confront your own darkness, your patterns, and your pain head-on. And as hard as that is, it’s been the most freeing thing I’ve ever done. Marc showed me that peace isn’t boring — it’s powerful.
Because of that growth, I see myself differently now. I feel more confident, more aligned, and more in control of my life than I ever have. I’m not running anymore — I’m building. And through that, I’ve found opportunities I never thought were possible — teaching, creating, connecting with people all over, and living a life that finally feels like mine. Thank you Marc for being my friend.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me things that success never could. It showed me who I really am when everything else falls apart. Success feels good — it feeds your ego — but suffering builds your character. It forced me to slow down, to look at the parts of myself I used to avoid, and to find strength in stillness.
When I was struggling — mentally, emotionally, financially — that’s where I learned resilience, empathy, and gratitude. Pain made me softer, but it also made me stronger. It reminded me that I can rebuild from anything, and that peace doesn’t mean life’s easy — it means I’ve learned how to keep going when it’s not.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the hair industry — especially in barbering — tells itself is that ego equals success. There’s so much smoke and mirrors: people flexing for social media, chasing clout, and trying to look more important than they really are. I’ve never been into that. The industry glorifies the “rockstar barber” image, but to me, the real ones are the ones who show up — who are consistent, professional, and passionate about the craft itself.
I think a lot of people hide behind image instead of substance. But real success isn’t built on ego — it’s built on humility, integrity, and connection. That’s what lasts. And that’s what I try to bring into bot only my own personal life, but as well as Barbering for Cosmos — creating a space where people drop the act, focus on skill, and build confidence from something real.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say my heart was real — that I loved deeply, helped freely, and inspired others to chase their own light. I’ve always said if I can inspire even one person, that’s enough. I don’t need fame; I just want to leave a ripple that reminds people they can heal, grow, and create something meaningful from their story.
Contact Info:
- Website: www. barberingfor cosmos.com
- Instagram: Ms.austinnn
- Other: Instagram: @vedicvenue
Image Credits
The main photo I used of myself was taken by my talented friend Reesie Anderson her Instagram is @photograrrphy
