Today we’d like to introduce you to Haido Lance Jimenez.
Haido, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Barbering and fashion has always been a big part of my life, but it was in high school when I knew I wanted to own a barber shop. Unfortunately, after high school I had to focus on keeping up with my bills for rent and my car so I got into the medical field. There were no barber schools close by and with no night class options, my goal was put on the back burner.
At age 35 I finally decided I was not going to let my dream fade away, so I researched barber schools again and found one that worked for my schedule. I enrolled in barber college while working full-time, raising a family with my wife, a seven year old daughter, and a son on the way. It seemed like 1500 hours would take an eternity but I was ready; leaving home at 7:45am and not returning til 11pm six nights a week. Not to mention it took all of my savings and some help from my family to help get things started. When I started school they asked us to come up with our barber name and think about ourselves as a brand. I branded myself, “Catrín“, which means dapper in Spanish; the logo is made up of barber tools in the shape of a bow tie but also the shape of a butterfly witch for some meaning new beginnings.
Great, 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?
There have been so many struggles along the way, but the hardest has been losing out on family time as there are only so many hours in a day.
Working full time at a cancer center is very rewarding but also emotionally draining as you see human beings fighting for their life every day, and really put my own struggles in perspective. My wife is in healthcare leadership, so she regularly works long hours but when she was pregnant with our son, she would stay up late with my daughter waiting for me to get home. Then when our son was born, I took about two weeks off and then went back to the grind.
My wife had just returned to work when COVID-19 hit and put a hold on everything. Barber school was closed and I couldn’t get my hours in, and then I got furloughed at work. Rather than just letting time go by, I took it as an opportunity to make up for lost time with my family and once schools reopened I had more time available to get my hours in. Somehow, in the midst of the sleepless nights my wife got promoted, but with the support of family we are making it all work. It literally takes a village, and my wife and I are so thankful to all of our loved ones for their support during our professional growth!
I also had to overcome the fact that not all people are going to see barbering as a career or even an accomplishment. But for me it’s about doing what I love, because if you do what you love, you will not work a day in your life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Well, as of right now I am the owner of “Catrín” apparel, a brand for the industry of barbers, stylists, and anybody that works in the business of bringing out the beauty in people. It’s a brand created by a barber, who specializes in men’s grooming but offers apparel for men and women. I created this line because I think that as a business owner, you should wear something that represents you. I’m self-made and love to help new barbers getting into the field, share trade secrets and connections. My brand is my story, and representing myself is as proud as it gets.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Love. You need to do what you love and live what you do. When you love something a lot you will put your heart into it and give it your all.
Pricing:
- Shirts $20-25
- Hats $25
- Jackets -hoodies – $45
Contact Info:
- Phone: 760-994-9635
- Email: mr.hljimenez@gmail.com
- Instagram: @catrins__
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