Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Carrillo.
Hi Aaron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Mount Shasta, CA. I joined the Air Force right out of high school in August 1997. While in the Air Force, I did air traffic control (ATC). I was stationed at Edwards AFB, CA, Eglin AFB, FL, Osan AB, Republic of Korea, Aviano AB, Italy, and retired out of Travis AFB, CA, in January 2018. I also deployed to the UAE and Iraq in support of OEF/OIF. I also taught air traffic control to the Honduran Air Force and Colombian Air Force, spending quite a bit of time in those countries.
After retirement from the Air Force, I continued my ATC career at Travis AFB, CA, and Sacramento Executive Airport as both a controller and Air Traffic Manager. In 2022, I applied and was hired at Hill AFB here in Utah. I made the move in June 2022 to begin my new career. I left after a year at Hill, deciding that working with the military wasn’t my calling anymore.
I worked at Ogden Airport in 2023 while I decided what was next for my life. During my tenure at Ogden Airport, it was determined medically that my ATC career was coming to an end. I did research and applied and was approved for the Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment Program, where the VA would provide training for a new career.
I decided to become a barber for several reasons, but mostly to have the flexibility of being my own boss. After doing research, I enrolled at Ogden-Weber Technical College for their Barber Program. I enrolled full time in January 2024 and completed the program in July 2024. While I was training in school my neighbors allowed me to practice on them and their sons in my home barbershop. After completion of the program I was honored by being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society and nominated for OTECH Student of the Year.
After completion of my technical training, I was hired by my barber, Merly Barrios, at Cornerstop Barbershop in Brigham City. Merly mentored me on how to work in the field. She instilled time management techniques for each client, different techniques for services, and how to run a barbershop. My short time with Merly provided intense on-the-job training, which was greatly appreciated.
In September 2024, I found the future location of my barbershop in Marriott-Slaterville. I applied for the lease and was approved. I decided on this location as there wasn’t another shop to provide service for outlying small communities northwest of Ogden. I decided on the name Very Handsome, from the past where my then-wife would tell my son that he was ‘Very Handsome’ daily. He thrived on that comment and still does to this day.
On October 15, 2024, Very Handsome Barbershop opened its doors for the first time. This was a small one-chair traditional barbershop. In November 2024, a student from the OTECH Barber Program stopped by for mentoring. Andy Sanchez made quite the impression on me and came on board in December 2024. We then became a small two-chair traditional barbershop. Andy and I had an uphill battle of being two new barbers in a new shop. We constantly evolved and changed the appearance of the shop, marketing strategies, but never changed the vibe of the shop as this was the biggest draw to the shop: a quiet traditional shop where someone can get a quiet service with great conversation.
Unfortunately, in June 2025, Andy had responsibilities to his family which would cause him to move on from the shop. He is still greatly missed, not just by me, but by our clients as well. I am back to a one-man shop as the chair next to me is still empty. I am not actively looking for a new barber as I believe the right barber will come along as Andy did.
As of today, October 15, 2025, my one-year anniversary of the shop, I am still going strong. Between Google and Booksy, I have 50 5-star reviews. I may not be the best, but I believe that the service I provide makes up for it. I enjoy each and every one of my clients, as I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today without them. I also couldn’t do this without the support of my family and friends. I believe wholeheartedly that this is not a job for me. The shop is my place of peace, as I no longer have the medical issues caused by my previous stressful career.
I have 4 adult children: Kylie Eberle (31), Donovan Carrillo (25), Garrison Carrillo & Clayton Carrillo (23), yes, they’re twins. I also have one granddaughter, Stevie Eberle (2).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of the struggles of becoming a barber and being self-employed were just taking the leap of faith. I came from a well-established career with everything that comes with it, to not knowing if this is the right decision.
School went very smoothly. I made a lot of friends and mentors, especially being the old guy in class. I couldn’t have done it without the mentoring of Shawn Housley and Fred Martinez from OTECH. Shawn has been my go-to bounce ideas off of. He’s been my solid foundation in building my business.
Opening my own shop had its struggles. Just setting up a new business from scratch. Finding all of the furniture and equipment. Trial and error on what works and what doesn’t work. Finding the hair/beard products that I wanted to sell and stand behind. The hardest part was the marketing. The shop is tucked away in a commercial area in Marriott-Slaterville. I had to come up with unique ways to let the public know where I was. Street signs and feather flags provided the ‘bread crumbs’ to the shop. I also had to learn how to build a website, Google Business, Apple Business, and every other online modality to put myself out there. It’s been working as I ask every new client how they found the shop.
During all of this, I went through a major personal struggle and challenge as I was going through a divorce during the same time I was building my brand and shop. I made it through the dark tunnel with resilience and tenacity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Very Handsome Barbershop?
This is from my website, https://veryhandsomebarber.com/
Very Handsome Barbershop, located in Marriott-Slaterville, offers a classic ambiance dedicated to men’s grooming. Step into a soothing atmosphere, where our skilled barbers meticulously craft stylish haircuts, indulge in precise beard grooming, and perform invigorating straight razor shaves. Established in October 2024, we provide exceptional grooming experiences that combine traditional techniques with modern artistry, ensuring that you leave feeling refreshed and looking your very handsome best.
I carry a range of high-quality grooming products, including Layrite Deluxe hair styling products and Affect Beard Care beard oils/butters.
Basically, I am a quiet traditional barbershop where men can come in and just relax and be pampered. The vibe and ambiance are very relaxing. That is the biggest feedback I’ve received from my clients.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My most important quality/characteristic is me just being myself. I believe that I am authentic, honest, and I care about whomever is sitting in my chair.
I feel that it is very important to make each and every person who sits in my chair feel special; to let their problems disappear for a short amount of time.
Pricing:
- Basic/Specialty Haircut – $30/$40
- Face/Head Shave – $30/$40
- Very Handsome Beard – $30
- Very Handsome Haircut/Beard – $60
- Very Handsome Heroes – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://veryhandsomebarber.com/
- Instagram: @therealbarberac
- Facebook: Very Handsome Barbershop
- Twitter: veryhandsomebarbershop.booksy.com/a
- Other: veryhandsomebarber@gmail.com
