Hidden Gems: Meet Annie Ustayan of American Vintage Barbershop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Ustayan

Hi Annie, 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?
American Vintage Barbershop was established in 2011 right after my late husband Carlos Gomez and I got married. We opened up our first location in the neighborhood of Belmont Shore right down the same street of our first apartment together. After he perfected his craft working as a barber for numerous years, I pushed him to open up his own barbershop. I myself, was working as a Histotechnician in a laboratory for about 7 years at that time. We did the calculations and put both of our savings together and starting working on building the shop. We had an understanding that I would hold it down financially at home until the business was up and running. On June 1st of 2011 we were officially open for business. A few years after, we started a family and relocated to Whittier to be closer to my parents. My husband then decided that he would like to open up a second location in Uptown Whittier and with my support, he did just that. American Vintage Barbershop Whittier was established in 2013 while we were expecting our second child.
Unfortunately, tragedy stuck as my husband Carlos was killed in a motorcycle accident in his way home one day. I was faced with much heartache and a big decision. With the support of my friends and family, I decided to keep what he had worked so hard to create, open. Not knowing too much about running a business, I took my chances and with much determination took over running both locations. I can proudly say, I made it. While raising our 2 little girls, I was constantly going back and forth between them and the shops making sure everyone had what they needed, every bill was paid for, making sure the shops were running the way he would have wanted and making sure my girls had the happiest childhood. The Long Beach shop has made it to 13 years this year and our Whittier location just celebrated our 10 year anniversary. I would like to add that in 2022 my love life took an amazing turn when I married my current husband Erick, who happens to be a barber. We met at a barbershop event and he is now working at our Whittier location.

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?
They say “Nothing worth having comes easy” right? Besides the ultimate struggle of losing my husband and father of my girls, the shops have faced many struggles. I had to make sure to hire and obtain a talented crew of barbers, and not to mention a few disasters along the way. Both shops have been flooded at one point, needing major renovations, roofs have leaked, the uncertainty that came with Covid and almost giving up, and the latest was when a car crashed into our Long Beach location, thankfully nobody was seriously injured.

We’ve been impressed with American Vintage Barbershop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
American Vintage Barbershop is a traditional barbershop where the timeless elegance of vintage barbering meets modern style. With a passion for providing top-tier grooming services, we are dedicated to creating a unique and unforgettable experience for every customer who walks through our doors.
We understand the importance of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our barbers are highly trained in classic and contemporary cutting styles as well as hot towel, straight razor shaves.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it!! Take all the steps necessary to make your dreams come true. Personally, my dream wasn’t to be running 2 barbershops, it was my husbands dream. After he passed away and I made the decision to keep them running, I poured my heart and soul into keeping his dream alive. I don’t regret that decision, I give it my all every day to make sure I have barbershops that not only people want to get serviced at, but I make sure I have a barbershop that people want to work at. Because without the amazing crew of barbers that work there, we wouldn’t even be here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.AmericanVintageBarbershop.com
• Instagram: @avblbc @americanvintagebarbershop (2 locations)
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/rvBdXnKW-C and https://yelp.to/vDx-h4LK_n (2 locations)

Image Credits
Photos by Ozzy Chong and David Baronio.