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Rising Stars: Meet Devin And Cate Jacanin of Rancho Penasquitos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin And Cate Jacanin.

Hi Devin and Cate , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We’re Cate and Devin, the couple behind Halo and Hive Studio and Barber by the Beach in Rancho Peñasquitos. I (Devin) started out cutting hair in a mobile barbershop in UTC, but before that, I worked with the professional hair brand CHI, traveling across the country to hair shows and industry events. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the craft, culture, and community of barbering.

Cate is an incredible hairstylist with over ten years of experience. Originally from Sacramento, she specializes in lived-in color, balayage, and extensions. During the pandemic, she decided it was time for a new chapter and moved to San Diego—where we eventually met, fell in love, and recently got married.

Together, we’ve created two spaces that reflect our passion for the industry and the people in it. For us, hair is personal—it’s about connection, creativity, and helping people feel their best. We’re proud to be part of this community and grateful to do what we love every day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like all things there’s good times and challenging times. Cate had to leave behind her established clientele in Sacramento when she moved to San Diego during the pandemic, which meant starting from scratch in a new city. I recently closed my mobile barbershop trailer due to ongoing mechanical issues—a tough call after years of building a business I loved.

We both faced the challenge of rebuilding—this time from the ground up. Marketing ourselves, getting our names out there, and slowly building a loyal clientele took time, patience, and persistence. But those early struggles taught us resilience and made us even more committed to creating spaces that reflect who we are—not just as hairstylists, but as people.

Now we are booked and busy due to the hardwork we have put in.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At its core, my work is about more than hair, it’s about connection. I specialize in clean, tailored cuts and traditional straight razor shaves, but I’m just as focused on the atmosphere I create as I am on the services I provide. I want people to feel relaxed, seen, and taken care of.

I opened Barber by the Beach with the intention of building something personal, where quality meets comfort. Before this, I ran a custom-built mobile barbershop, cutting hair all over San Diego. That experience taught me how to adapt, how to listen, and how to bring top-tier grooming to people wherever they are.

I’m proudest when clients tell me they actually look forward to their appointments. That tells me I’ve done more than deliver a good cut; I’ve created a space that matters. I think that’s what sets me apart: the attention to detail, the laid-back vibe, and a genuine care for the people in my chair.

Cate – Halo and Hive Studio

I specialize in lived-in color, balayage, blonding, and extensions anything that enhances natural beauty and feels effortlessly elevated. I’ve been behind the chair for over ten years, and I really value building trust with my clients through thoughtful consultations and honest recommendations. My goal is always to create results that look beautiful not just on day one, but in the weeks that follow.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built in a place that once felt totally new. Starting over in San Diego was a leap of faith, but it pushed me to grow creatively and connect with people in a deeper way. I think what sets me apart is the way I listen really listen to what people want and how they want to feel when they leave my chair. I don’t just do hair, I help people feel like their best selves.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, we see the hair industry becoming even more personalized, experience-driven, and education-focused. Clients aren’t just looking for a service—they’re looking for connection, consistency, and spaces that feel like an extension of who they are. Boutique studios and private suites, like ours, will continue to grow as more stylists and barbers seek creative freedom and clients crave a more curated, one-on-one experience.

We’re also seeing a big shift toward wellness in hair, clean ingredients, scalp care, and sustainable practices are becoming just as important as the cut or color itself. Clients are more educated than ever, and they’re asking smarter questions. That’s pushing all of us in the industry to stay sharp, be transparent, and keep evolving.

Technology will also play a bigger role whether it’s AI tools for scheduling, virtual consultations, or more advanced education platforms. But at the end of the day, it’s still a people-first business. What will always matter most is the relationship between the person in the chair and the person behind it.

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