He sharpens his blade to slice a crisp, even line, and coarse hair plummets to the ground. Diamond chains clank against his wrist as clippers glide like butter. A sleek black leather chair centered around bright white lights arranged with mirrors casts a warm glow, enhancing his effortless work. Gustavo Ferrer is a Hispanic high school barber, passionate about extending his career.
Behind the studio, Ferrer devotes his time to family: “I have two parents and two sisters, Becky and Paola, who are both girls. We get along well.” Ferrer finds joy through friends and family. He favors the quality of time rather than its quantity. Coincidentally, his first client was a close cousin known as “Julian Munoz.” “I just started barbering for fun. I just called one of my cousins up. I just like, you want the haircut? And he was like, yep. “- Ferrer recalls. With the help of Munoz, Ferrer started his own business, “Gcutssss”. He mentions his first encounters with clients were; “when I first started cutting I would have like, 10 people in like, my basement, like, where I used to cut at and we would just be, like, super loud and stuff, and it just be really crazy down there.” Ferrer holds on to these memories in his coach black cross-body bag with detailed print.
In addition, There’s always a first for everything, especially for unexpected events. At times, Ferrer questions his profession when; “one of my friends came and he brought his cousins, and they were playing basketball while I was cutting hair.” His smile brightens, “I found it crazy because they were playing basketball in my yard, and one of them took a piss on the side of my fence.”
After some time, the business Gcutssss began to gain popularity through social media. Due to Ferrer’s success, he transitioned from his basement to a barbershop called “HQ Kuts. Located at Franklin Park in front of the post office.” Towards the beginning, Ferrer felt overwhelmed by the high expectations of clients, he quickly adjusted by “listening to music” to create a tranquil environment for his precise work.
Now, Ferrer thrives in the shop. Customers accommodate to his schedule; “So I just pay a booth rent weekly and I just get a barber chair station” he continues rubbing his diamond earrings, “Whatever I make off my haircuts goes to me. Once I make the 130 and I pay him, then the rest is my money.” This contract allows Ferrer to have a flexible schedule by leaving him a balance between life and work. Further, he intends to take his b
arbering to the next level by focusing on his passions after high school. “My goal is to open up barber shops around the city…. And have other barbers work at the shop, and I’ll own the shop. I won’t have to be working.”- Ferrer explains, tugging his black Essentials hoodie. Going forward, Gustavo Ferrer continues to grow his name Gcutssss, he enjoys the support of fellow peers and strives for a company of his own. Wherever he ends up, his clippers will follow beside him.
