On a recent episode of “This is Nino TV,” a YouTube channel focused on finance, barbering, and business, Great Clips, Inc. educator and barber-stylist Ray talked openly about his journey with the salon brand. He covered why he chose Great Clips, the biggest benefits, and how embracing a different side of the barbering industry has advanced his career.

Following are Q&A highlights from Ray’s conversation with Nino. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity.*

Nino: You’re doing big things with Great Clips. How did you get started?

Ray: I moved from southwest Florida to Miami. I worked at a few shops. After owning your own barber shop, it’s hard to go into another establishment and do the grind all over again. Especially in my situation with three daughters at home. I couldn’t be opening and closing a shop all the time, so I actually stopped cutting hair for almost a year. I did some other things like thrifting and resale, but there was something in me that still wanted to cut hair. I called 11 barber shops in Miami, looking for a part-time job. But nobody wants part-time. Everyone wants full-time. I get it, but nobody wanted to give me a chance.

I called my brother. This was right before the pandemic happened. He worked at Great Clips, so I asked him about the Great Clips system. He said, “Bro, it’s awesome.”

I called two Great Clips® salons in Miami. The first one was fully staffed. The second one said they would take whatever hours I could give, and I got the job.

When I started working at the Great Clips salon and realized that I could just go, log in, do my haircuts, log out and leave, it was great. I didn’t have to answer my phone, promote, or answer text messages. As barbers, even when we leave the shop, we never leave the shop. We’re always managing appointments, booking people, and messaging people. I loved the simplicity of Great Clips.

How is Great Clips different from traditional barber shops?

For a time, I went from shop to shop because I was looking for the right one. But what I was missing was structure. They have an onboarding process, with classes you have to take, so everyone is on the same page. 

Education doesn’t end with school.

Right, and I wouldn’t change my path. I’ll never take back my experience in the barber world. But Great Clips saved my career.

If you’re a barber and you’ve tried a couple of shops and you can’t find the vibe, find your local Great Clips® salon and give them a shot. You get paid hourly, so you know you’re getting paid. They also offer free education within the system and help you update your skills with courses and one-on-one classes.   

What do you think it is that attracts people to Great Clips?

Great Clips keeps it simple. Sure, we do skin fades, flat tops…we have a haircut system for all that. But at the end of the day, we cut hair.

And Great Clips® salons keep their stylists happy. They have stylists who want all the hours, and they have stylists who just want four hours. Franchisees make the whole operation move without anyone getting exhausted. At Great Clips, everyone knows where we’re headed. The vision is clear. Every day we keep delivering.

Is this your happiest career moment?

I feel free. I’m proud to work with Great Clips. Franchised Great Clips® salons give perks and offer room for advancement. They need managers, general managers, regional managers…you can grow as much as you want.

Are you interested in putting your talent to work in a supportive salon environment? Check out the job openings with a Great Clips franchisee near you.

View More #GreatClipsLife News and Stories!

 

*Nino, host. “From Barbershop to Great Clips: Rayz Fadez’s Game-Changing Move.” This is Nino TV, YouTube, 10 Dec. 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX2xww-CoU4.

All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.