December 02, 2018

Agadir Men: Barber Spotlight Edgar Gallegos

Photo Credit: Victor Mendoza

We sat down with Agadir Men Ambassdor, talented barber, and shop owner, Egdar Gallegos, to learn more about his experiences and journey into the industry. Here's what we found out.

How long have you been in the barber business?

I've been in the barber business for five years now. Ever since I started vocational school to get my cosmetology license, I got into the barbering world more and saw that there was more than just cutting hair 24/7. The school took us to the International Beauty Show NYC, and that also inspired me to work hard so I can get a platform, and showcase my skills and knowledge with others through a company.

What inspired you to get into the industry?

What inspired me to get into this industry are my parents. My mother started doing hair when i was around 14-years-old and my father used to work at a factory. They both saved money and bought a salon in downtown Lakewood, NJ., and my father quit the factory to worked togeth with my mother at the salon. My mother still does hair and my father manages, now they both have their own shops/salons.

Photo Credit: Victor Mendoza

How did you become a barber?

I grew up watching my mother work at a salon doing hair, which got me interested in cutting hair, plus my ambition to learn and be good at it. When I turned 21, my mother gave me a barber kit and told me to try it out, so I started cutting friends and family at home back in 2012.

How long has your shop E.G.'s Barber Shop been running?

E.G's Barber Shop been open for two years now in September 2018.

How did you become a barber shop owner?

My parents own shops in Lakewood NJ. so i wanted to keep the family business going and decided to open one in Beachwood NJ. with them as a role model and support from my wife i was able to accomplished my goal. I became a barber shop owner with my drive and ambition to be business owner after i finished Cosmetology school.

What's your favorite part of being a barber?

My favorite part of being a barber is when I get a new client (walk-in/referral), and they're nervous to cut their hair because we don't know each other. But after I finish and they see the final look with a "WOW" on their face, that's priceless -- the best part is that you get to build a relationship/friendship with each client. Also, another favorite part is to make each client look good, feel good, and confident! Ready to take the world.

What's your favorite part of being a barber shop owner?

My favorite part of being a barbershop owner is that I get to set my own schedule. But in reality, there is no best part of being a business owner because it comes with a lot of headaches and sacrifices.

Photo Credit: Victor Mendoza

What's your your typical day like?

My typical day in the shop is usually on the weekends. Monday to Friday I work at Lakewood High School as a Paraprofessional. I go to the shop on Friday afternoons 2-7pm, Saturday 9-7pm, and Sunday 11-5pm -- so my typical day/weekend is pretty busy. Sometimes I don't even have time to grab something to eat and take 10-15 minutes to eat in between haircuts.

Usually as soon as I get there I have people lined up. I have a good following and because I work there only three days a week, I get pretty busy doing 10-20 haircuts a day.

Can you walk us through your experience with Agadir Men?

I was lucky enough to network and find Agadir Men at IBSNY 2018, I met Jack Bogosian (CEO) there and discussed my with him my story, plans, and ambitions. He believed in me and gave me a shot. He told me they needed a barber to showcase at the Premiere Orlando 2018, and since I attend that show every year anyways, I decided to give it a try.

I had also the opportunity to work with Agadir Men at the Premiere Philadelphia 2018. I have worked for Agadir Men with two shows so far this year. This is my first year as an ambassador for Agadir Men.

What is your favorite part in being an Agadir Men ambassador?

My favorite part in being an Agadir Men ambassador is that I get to showcase at big hair shows and live a dream I've always had since I started cutting hair. It's a great platform that I am grateful for.

Do you have a favorite event you've attended so far with Agadir Men?

Yes, that would be the Premiere shows because I also get to learn and see from other barbers/friends that I look up to in this industry.

Which Agadir Men product is your favorite?

If I had to choose, I would say that my favorite product is the Oud Wood Hair & Body Wash. I use all the products on a daily basis, depending on the hairstyle I want to achieve. The only one I barely use is the Oud Wood Beard Butter because I cant grow a full beard. :)

Is there an Agadir Men product that's the most popular with your clients?

Because of the Oud Wood fragrance, many guys love these products. The most popular product with my clients I would say is the Oud Wood Fiber Texturizer. But depending of the client's hair and style, I recommend different products. The Fiber Texturizer I recommend to clients that want to achieve that dry messy look.

The Grooming Creme I recommend to people with wavy hair that want some movement, and the Firm Hold Gel I recommend to people that want that strong hold and wet look. Clients with short beards I recommend the Beard Oil to keep moisturize and shiny. Clients with longer beards I recommend the Beard Butter with a drop of Beard Oil to keep it hydrated, moist, and shiny.