Rising Stars: Meet John Pace of Long Beach, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Pace

Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a 3rd generation barber. My Grandpa had his own shop my Dad just retired his shop.. My brother, sister, cousins, uncles, aunts, and more are in the hair industry. My brother manages my Long Beach location.
I was taught barbering by my dad and he was taught by my Grandpa. Barbering is not just cutting hair and stretches beyond building relationships. It’s a culture. It’s creating art, using science, and exercising philosophy. I pride myself in the culture that we at Ohana nurture. People enjoy their experience as well as take pride in their appearance. Being Hawaiian (and Italian) descent brings depth to the culture at Ohana Barbershop. I really lean towards my Hawaiian side to introduce Aloha and good vibes all together and that positive mana is my favorite part of what I do.
How I got my first shop is an interesting story. A friend of mine introduced me to his buddy who had bought the lease on the barbershop next to his salon. The gentleman who owned it retired and the youngest barber in there was in his late sixties. Everyone retired and they walked away. At the time I was a broke barber renting a room and only had a motorcycle to my name. I struck the deal over a poker game and had convinced my friend’s buddy to let me sell my motorcycle to pay him for the shop. I sold it, paid him and found a $500 Toyota pickup for transportation. I’m very lucky it worked out and that he let me pay him after the fact. To this day he is one of my best friends and without him I wouldn’t be where I am today. I now own 3 shops and a salon. All Ohana barbershops and the Ohana Salona.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It isn’t always a smooth road. My Long Beach shop quickly outgrew it’s 500 sq/ft and the spot next door came available. Now I had 1500 sq/ft and we were busy enough to use all the space but the pandemic hit us. We have recovered and still continue to grow. I then took a dying barbershop in Los Alamitos and have grown that to a thriving barbershop. My newest struggle is my Fountain Valley shop. It’s growing but has been a learning experience and keeps me humble. I know with hard work, patience, and the experience I’ve accrued it will be an awesome addition to the Ohana brand.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The most common thing I hear from anyone who has been in a Ohana Barbershop is the chill vibe. From the Hawaiian/Tiki decor, the free drinks, awesome conversation, and an even better haircut, I want our patrons to have a place that is different from the rest. Come feel the Aloha!

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve done school events and am working with special interests groups on these events. Reach me at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ohanabarbershop.com
• Instagram: Ohanabarbershop Long Beach, Ohanabarbershop LosAl, OhanabarbershopFV
• Facebook: Ohana Barbershop
• Yelp: Ohana Barbers, Ohana Barbershop