Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Kinsley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nick. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a small town outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was playing in crappy bands in high school, wearing skinny jeans (girl jeans) and flat ironing my hair. I’m sure you can imagine I didn’t fit in well with the town “look.” I honestly was never great at anything. I was a mediocre musician and struggling my way through school. Nothing made me confident. I needed to find my niche. I was fortunate that I had an amazing hairdresser at the time Sue Weeks that got me interested in the craft and art of cosmetology. She would always get excited when I would come in with weird hairstyles. She changed my life forever. I saw the passion in her eyes and I wanted it. I knew if this was going to be my path, I would never settle for average. I wanted to grow and learn as much as I could with everyone I came into contact with in the hair industry. My confidence came from being a part of an amazing industry. I was growing in my talent and making people feel great about themselves.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I went to Douglas J Aveda Cosmetology school in Ann Arbor Michigan and screwed off most of the time. I was in school with all the beautiful women so there were a lot of distractions. I barely made it through the program. I got my first job out of school and was getting paychecks for 100 dollars, at times. I wasn’t making it. I was failing at what I promised myself I wouldn’t do. I almost gave up at times, but luckily with the support of my family, they kept me going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about New Barbershop – what should we know?
I moved to Chicago Illinois over five years ago and started with a great company called Floyds 99 Barbershop where I began to specialize in short/men’s hair. I hustled. Learned as much as I could from my fellow coworkers. I began to specialize in classic cuts with a modern twist. That modern twist came from my Cosmetology background. I fell in love with the classic because I understand that they were the fundamentals of cutting men’s hair. I then applied to become a National Educator and for some reason Patrick Butler (former crew educator) hired me. He pushed me harder than anyone has ever pushed me. He saw the potential in me but he also so this unprofessional punk rock kid that didn’t want to listen. He broke me. He made me who I am today. I began traveling the US preaching the gospel of cutting. Each class I taught helped me grow in my craft. I began to travel more than most educators and became their Brand Ambassador. After five years, it was time for me to move on and grow on my own. I know work at a three-chair barbershop in Bucktown and now travel as an educator for a shear company called Hattori Hanzo.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My number one mentor and will always be my number one is Patrick Butler. My former boss that runs the Education team for Floyds 99 Barbershop. He is still pushing me and he is still telling me to get my crap together and keep my eye on the price. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
My family has always been huge supporters. My sister, my mom, and stepfather. I am so thankful for them. It’s been a crazy unpredictable roller coaster for me. They have always had my back. My mom is my rock. She has helped me through my darkest times and always seemed to get me out. My wife has been my cheerleader. She has always been there telling me to make the jump and no matter what happened she was proud of me. I am so thankful she has stayed by my side through the good and bad.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2025 n Damen Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60647
- Website: Newbarbershop.com
- Instagram: Nick_kinsley
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
