Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Olvera.
Hi Christian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started cutting hair at a young age. Maybe at 13 or 14 years old, I believe. I come from a big family. One older brother and 3 younger sisters, so our parents didn’t have much money to give us for our haircuts. My mother was a cosmetologist, so growing up, she would cut our hair. It was hit or miss because she wasn’t up on the latest styles. So, I picked up a pair of clippers and started cutting my own hair. As my skills improved, some of my friends and family would let me cut their hair for a small fee. I would cut hair after school throughout high school so I can keep some money in my pocket. After graduating, I wasn’t too sure what direction I wanted to go, so I figured I’d enroll in barber college since I was already familiar with the craft. I’ve been at it ever since. Learned as much I could throughout the years and soaked up all the knowledge and skill from my professors and colleagues then took the time to learn the business side of things as well. Finally, in the summer of 2021, we opened up Chrispy’s Luxury Barber & Shop in the beautiful neighborhood of Beverly Grove. Here we are 3 years later, still growing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think every profession presents its challenges. Some of the struggles along the way have been mastering your craft. It takes so much work and dedication to get to the level where you feel like you are ready to take on most clients’ needs that walk in through the doors. You will make a lot of mistakes, whether it’s the haircut, customer service, scheduling, or business in general, but you have to learn from your mistakes and keep going. Learn and grow.
Now, as a business owner, new challenges emerge. First finding barbers and creating a solid, reliable team. Followed by helping the barbers improve their skills in all aspects of their trade. Then comes the marketing side of things. Figuring out how you are going to market your business in order to keep the shop and barbers busy. Next comes finding receptionists/ managers to help with everyday operations. Also, there’s the scheduling part. Figuring out everyone’s schedule. Once all that is put in place, you still have to stay on top of every aspect to make sure business is running as smooth as possible.
I think the fact that I’m the owner and also a Master Barber helps me understand up-and-coming barbers with any issues, setbacks, or questions they may have. It makes it’s a little easier to find the best solutions and resolve any challenges presented.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chrispy’s Luxury Barber & Shop?
Chrispy’s Luxury Barber & Shop is an independently owned and operated full-service barbershop. Our aim is to reintroduce the classic rituals of grooming, skincare, style, and overall self-care. We specializes in men’s grooming. From haircuts, shaves, beard trims to product knowledge and application.
Chrispy’s is a place where you can come and relax, have a great conversation, grab a cold drink, and enjoy a hot towel shave. Our hope is every customer is pleased with every aspect of our service.
Some things that I’m proud of is being able to give other barbers a position to work and express their own form of art. It’s a great feeling to see up-and-coming barbers, as well as experienced ones, make a living doing what they love.
One of them things that sets us apart from other barbershops is that we carry our own line of products. Exclusively sold at our barbershop. Soon, we plan to sell online and fine retailers.
Giving clients luxury services and pairing it with luxury products while explaining the benefits and best ways to apply really sets the standard for the new era in men’s grooming.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One of the qualities and characteristics that are important for success is remaining humble. I still work 6-7 days a week. Cutting hair mostly and slowly transitioning to product manufacturing. Staying grounded and knowing how far I’ve come gives me a clearer path to know where I’m going. You also have to be resilient. There is so much work and detail that goes into running your own business. A lot of bumps on the road, minor and major setbacks, and tons of mistakes that will be made. I never had a blueprint to go by, so I had to learn as I go. You just have to keep going forward and trust that what you are doing is the right thing. If you don’t believe, no one will.
Pricing:
- Haircut $65
- Buzz Cut $45
- Luxury Shave $55
- Detailed Beard Trim $45
- Kids Cut $45
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chrispysluxurybarbershop.com
- Instagram: Chrispys_luxurybarbershop Chrispy_olvera
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chrispy-s-luxury-barber-and-shop-los-angeles
