We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teshe Melcher. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teshe below.

Teshe, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name “She’s My Barber” is all about embracing being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Throughout my career, I have encountered assumptions and stereotypes about my abilities. Many people assume I work at a salon, primarily cut women’s hair, or lack the same level of skill as traditional barbers. However, I take pride in defying these expectations and proving them wrong. I am dedicated to providing exceptional work and creating an environment where my clients can confidently say, “She’s My Barber.” I enjoy being able to exceed expectations and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Teshe Melcher, and I am a barber located in Hutto, Texas. I have been honing my barbering skills since 2015, and every step of this journey has been a source of joy for me. Growing up, I was surrounded by family members who were cosmetologists, including my grandmother, aunts, cousins, and my mom. Although my mom was a stay-at-home mom and didn’t work professionally, she would cut my brother’s hair in the kitchen. I was always captivated by the process, watching and learning from her as she shared her knowledge and passion for her craft. Even at a young age, I knew that this was the field I wanted to pursue. I vividly remember secretly cutting my Barbie dolls’ hair behind closed doors.

During my senior year of high school, I made the decision to attend cosmetology school. Soon after graduating, I obtained my license, and from that moment on, I felt a connection to the art of cutting hair. I got my first job at a shop, where I exclusively worked with men’s hair. It was during this time that I truly fell in love with the entire process. I developed a drive to learn, improve, and perfect my craft. Cutting men’s hair became my passion, and I never looked back.

With each client I serve, I strive to provide the highest level of attention to detail and precision. Creating a fun, comfortable, and professional environment for my clients is incredibly important to me. In addition to haircuts, I offer services such as beard trims, brow shaping, designs, and waxing. I consider myself truly blessed to have built long-lasting relationships with my clients, many of whom have become like friends and family throughout my career. Their loyalty and support mean the world to me. I am grateful for the journey that led me to where I am today, being able to pursue my passion as a barber and make a positive impact on my client’s lives.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Early on in my career, my husband and I made the decision to move to Texas. It was a chance for him to pursue his graduate studies and for both of us to embrace the experience of a new place. During this time, I was working at a barbershop, where I primarily served walk-in clients while gradually building my own clientele in this new location.

However, as time went on, the owner of the shop implemented policy changes that didn’t align with my own professional standards. It became clear that I would have to leave the shop. While this was happening, my husband and I had recently purchased a home, and the financial responsibilities fell on me as the sole provider for our family while he focused on his studies. It was an incredibly stressful period, filled with several uncertainties.

Despite these challenges, I saw an opportunity to establish myself as an independent businesswoman. Instead of depending on another barbershop to help me grow my clientele, I took matters into my own hands. I launched She’s My Barber, doing everything possible to attract and retain loyal customers. After incredibly hard work and perseverance, I successfully created a thriving business, and built lasting relationships with my clients.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Building a strong clientele as a barber starts with two main things; refining your skills to deliver top-tier grooming services, while also cultivating a welcoming atmosphere that makes people want to come back again and again. By focusing on these things, I quickly gained a reputation as a skilled barber who consistently met clients’ expectations. Once this positive reputation was established, my attention shifted towards maximizing exposure.

Social media has been one main strategy in improving exposure. With social media, I didn’t only focus on the aesthetic of my pages, but I prioritized engagement. Through interactive elements like polls in stories, generating conversation in the comments section, and offering advice on common grooming questions such as balding, hair product recommendations, and styling tips, I created an interactive space that gave people a reason to follow.

Another major strategy has been utilizing Google’s reach. By actively accumulating reviews and optimizing my website’s search engine optimization, my business is one of the top results when people search for barbers in their area. I often will have new clients that mention they found me simply by doing an online search for a barber.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shesmybarber.org/
• Instagram: @shesmybarber.co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shes-My-Barber/100077967903287/

Image Credits
Rudy Arredondo