Hidden Gems: Meet Cheyenne Wells of Black Stag Barbershop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyenne Wells.

Hi Cheyenne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After 16 years of being licensed as a Cosmetologist, I decided to pursue my Barbering education and decided to return to school and get my barbering license. I have a passion for barbering and genuinely love my craft.
I was at at a barbershop for 11 years of my career and I hit a point where I knew that my income and my career was not going to advance any further.
Once I got my barbering license I decided to take a leap of faith and got a studio at Phenix Salon Suites.
I wanted my shop to not only stand out with my own fun decor but wanted it to be a place where it was inviting to all. After many years of talking to clients and asking what drew them to my shop many said that they felt it was a safe space for them to come get their haircut.
I realized that there weren’t many shops that provided a safe space for my trans clients or the LGBTQ community. So I made it my mission to do just that. Well, word got out and now many of my clients are referred through word of mouth by students at UCLA. I love the idea that I can provide a space where they aren’t judged or feel uncomfortable.
Black Stag is what I’ve always dreamed that it would be and this Jan 30th is my eighth year in business.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a rocky road and a crooked path.
As a small business owner we question everything. One day I may be like, yes everything is going smoothly and I’m booked with clients other days you think to yourself, how am I gonna pay my rent this week? Should I just give up. Being in a studio setting; you are the receptionist, the cleaning crew, the maintenance and everything in between. I am a one woman show.
I started my business in 2018 and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that life would change two years later with the Covid pandemic.
The closures hit us really hard. I saw many shops and stores around me closing in Westwood village I felt scared and vulnerable. I didn’t think I was going to come out of this because personal care services weren’t considered an essential business. That period of my life was definitely the hardest but I persevered. Unfortunately, business hasn’t been the same since Covid but I’m still here and that in itself is a victory.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in barbering services. However, my following is unisex/gender neutral hairstyles. My day can go from doing a fade to giving a wolf cut. A business cut to a Mohawk. I’m very diverse in my skills.
My shop is known for providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. In my career I have worked in many barber shop settings and I can tell you that the barber culture lacks compassion and respect for trans clients. No matter how you identify yourself one thing is for certain you are a human being that deserves respect and compassion. I am proud that I can provide a safe space without judgement.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was very shy and not very outgoing.
It was only when I started working for myself that I became more confident and out of my shell. I owe that to my craft.
As a child growing up in Nicaragua I loved being outdoors and exploring nature.
That love of the outdoors transcended into adulthood. My favorite animal in nature is the stag. To me it is the most beautiful creature in nature. It is mystical and revered as a spiritual creature in many cultures. This is where the idea came to me to name the shop Black Stag Barbershop.
On my days off I enjoy playing pickleball and reading a good novel. I’m currently reading 100 years of Solitude. I also tend to my flock of chickens. Yes, I have chickens and they are the coolest pets. They are my friends!

Pricing:

• UCLA Discount offered with Bruin ID
• Fades start at $60
• Shaves $65
• Beard Trims $45
• Buzz Cuts $45

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackstagbarbershop.booksy.com
• Instagram: Blackstagbarbershop
• Facebook: Black Stag Barbershop