Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Nez.
Hi Devin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been very particular and picky with my own hair and how I want it styled. I figured everyone else felt the same way about their appearance so when I started cutting hair during my missionary service for the Church back in 2017, I took my time and really tried to create a nice haircut. I had no prior experience working with hair other than my mom letting me cut my brother’s hair when she didn’t have time to.
While on the mission in North and South Dakota, I purchased my first set of clippers from Walmart and just went to work with anyone that would let me. It started with just other missionaries, then local members, and the people we were teaching. It was something fun to do since I love working with my hands and I just wanted to help others look and feel their best. After coming home to Utah, it didn’t feel right to start college but I knew I needed to do something productive with my life. My dad encouraged me to check out a local hair school (Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design) and tour the barbering program since I had spoken so highly of cutting hair on the mission. I immediately fell in love with the idea of becoming a professional barber and working for myself while helping others find self-confidence in their appearance. With the support of my family, friends, and amazing wife I completed the barbering program and became licensed in 2020.
My wife and I moved to Rexburg, ID where she finished school and I worked full-time at a barber shop called Exhibition Fades. Helping to grow that shop and sharpening my cutting skills every day in Idaho has really set me up for where I am today. I run a shop with a good friend of mine in Provo, Utah, and enjoy growing my clientele with people who love great haircuts and appreciate the Barber culture. My journey has consisted of schooling, attending expos, teaching at local hair colleges, creating photo and video content for myself and others, networking with college athletes via haircuts, and seeking opportunities to give back to the community. I love what I do.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say the motivation to become a barber has always been strong so any inconvenience on that road has been minimal when I kept the ultimate goal in mind. The struggles in the beginning mostly had to do with investing in my craft. Being a poor newlywed couple was exciting but difficult at times to put what money we had into my barbering business. Growing a clientele was also a challenge but I never felt discouraged to the point of feeling like this was something I shouldn’t be doing. I also think comparing myself to other barbers and hairstylists was difficult early on because I wanted to get better and be on their level.
Reaching out to those people helped me to realize that when I’m true to myself and focus on personal growth, my goals become more achievable. A huge challenge/goal that I am currently working on is figuring out a way that I can give back to my Native American community in New Mexico and help the youth see how they can set goals and achieve them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Native Barber started as a name to go by when I began hair school. I wanted to celebrate my Native American heritage being Navajo and growing up around a culture of family and giving back to others. My brand has now evolved into celebrating where you come from and reflecting on the values you were raised with that make you great.
The barbering aspect of my brand is the main source of creativity and a way of meeting new people. I pride myself on offering a premium service built on the needs of each individual client. A great haircut can impact anyone in a positive way and set them up for success. Working with different types of ethnic hair and understanding that not all hair textures are cut the same is something I am passionate about. Fades, longer hair length scissor work, choppy texture, and full beard services with straight razor work are some of the services I offer.
How do you define success?
To me, success is making constant adjustments in your own life to reach a desired goal.
If you’re working towards something and making sacrifices along the way, I think you’re successful. It’s a constant mindset to earn small victories every day in pursuit of a greater cause. When you can be honest with yourself and say you’ve improved.
Pricing:
- 40$ Classic Haircut
- 60$ Haircut + Beard/Mustache Sculpting
- 35$ Beard Sculpting
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @the.native.barber
Image Credits
Devin Nez, Hanna Nez, and Amelia McEwan
