Meet Kevin Nguyen of El Cajon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Nguyen.

Hi Kevin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started with my father who was a refugee who fled Vietnam with about a hundred people on a small boat at the age of 17. He was seeking help and a new home in another country. He fled to the U.S. for freedom and economic opportunity so that he can bring his family over to live a better life. He then Eason a search for his cousin who lives in San Diego and helped him become a barber. Barbering guided my parents to open his own barbershop and open a barber college(California Barber & Beauty College). Because of my parent’s business mentality and drive for success, all my siblings including myself are all license barbers. I use my parents as an inspiration to be consistent in the beauty/barber industry.

At the age of 18, I bought the barbershop (Big Boys barbershop) off my parents and took over ownership and responsibility. After becoming an owner I learned a lot more when it came to business, I never referred myself as boss or an owner but more of a leader. Leading my barbers to grow within the barbershop and guiding them to expand their knowledge as well as clientele. I then saw a passion for teaching.

Every so often, I would go back to our barber college to help as a part time instructor. From there I realized I needed to become the best version of my self and keep a strong mindset in order to help others. Thanks to my passion and perseverance I now work with the number 1 leading clipper company in the world Wahl Clippers as a lead educator, and represent them globally as well. I own a barbershop with my business partner Alex Catagan. (ESSNTL BARBERS), been featured in over a dozen magazines, I have a couple celebrity clientele, and won multiple awards in barber competitions. I continue to thrive for more for my family.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is never a smooth road. In order to grow we must get out of our comfort zone. Number one struggle I have is doubt. Doubting myself and not seeing the bigger picture, others doubting my visions and ideas.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work consists of creating new trendy haircuts and educating others to keep an open mind and expanding their knowledge in the hair industry. I specialize in shorter transition cuts (fades, design, texture). I am most proud of the consistency and patience I have build for myself. What sets me apart from others in my industry is my own uniqueness and creativity. I am not better than anyone, everybody grows and learn at their own pace and everyone is unique in their own way.

Contact Info:

• Email: Yakuzabarber@yahoo.com
• Website: Essntlbarbers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yakuzabarber/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC8jpesDRb3splr99MSbtsHg