Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aaron Veloz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aaron, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned how to cut hair by constantly being a student. I remained teachable, even when I thought I knew what I was doing. Barber school gave me a foundation, but being in a barber shop gave me the culture and knowledge passed down from generations of haircutters. Being a relations Facilitator came with the job. I connected people with the right people by truly listening to my clients, and caring about what they had to say.

Knowing what I know now, I would have done nothing different to speed up my learning process. Every single aspect of my journey has morphed me into who I am today. I think that was the best way to learn my craft.

The skills that were most essential for haircutting were patience. I think with most crafts there are born naturals, but to practice mastery, repetition is necessary, hence patience.

The obstacles that stood in my way of learning more was basically myself. A lot of imposter syndrome hindered myself from more confidence. After a while, it all just clicks, and then you realize you do know what you’re doing.

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

Well, hair has always been a ritualistic part of my life. Ever since I remember, my dad and I went every other week, to get a haircut. Naturally over time I grew to appreciate the craft and knew I’d always want to do hair, but I saw it as something to do once I retired- not as a career. After a small stint in college, I realized how unhappy I was, and decided to look into barber school. I saw the requirements for Texas and three days later I dropped out of college and never looked back.

I offer an experience for all my clients. Of course in that experience I tailor a haircut to my clients specifications, but I also allow them to have a safe place. A place to be 100% authentically themselves without the fear of judgment. All while allowing them to sit back and feel pampered.

I’m most proud of the ability to Learn, Connect, empathize, Hype up, and just genuinely have my clients feel like I care- because I do! They allow me to live my best life, so I want them to always know my brand is about creating a culture of living authentically, all while expressing yourself through your self image.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

COVID 19 was hard for the hair industry. Texas had mandates that made us non-essential and we had to stop work all together. During that time, I found being outside in nature and mountain biking helped me tremendously. It gave lots of profound realizations that I then transferred to work, once we were able to work again. Then a Whole new series of challenges arose. We had restrictions that we had to abide and adjust to, all while allowing a space for people to vent about all the troubles in the world. It was heavy but also a privilege to be the person that many people felt me to be.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I wish particularly in the United States, there were resources to help encourage children to foster a relationship with their likes. Many times it’s pumped into our heads that academia is the only route to lead a successful life. That is false. Success is a self defined journey in its own. I believe it is necessary to encourage children to explore all their likes. Maybe doing so, it can reframe our ideas of living in accord to a certain way, to allowing us to live a fulfilled life on our terms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://avcuts-5858.square.site/
• Instagram: @a.v.cuts