GLOBAL BARBER

CHLO WELDON SPOKE TO JOSHUA LUCERO ABOUT HIS JOURNEY FROM FINDING HIS PASSION FOR BARBERING IN JAIL, TO OPENING HIS OWN STUDIO IN FEBRUARY 2023

HOW DID YOU GET INTO BARBERING?

In 2012, I hit rock bottom – I spent some time in jail and had nothing to my name. During my time in jail, I was asked to cut some friends’ hair and this led to me attending hair school where I discovered a passion I never knew I had. Once I graduated, I worked in barbershops for years until I opened my own hair studio, Lucero Hair and Wellness, in February 2023.

WHAT OR WHO HELPED YOU TO PERFECT THE SKILLS YOU HAVE NOW?

I wanted to change my life, and during that time I was influenced by the clients who were sitting in my chair, telling me their stories. I started to connect with other barbers who wanted to be better and continue education. I started attending cutting and colouring classes regularly – my goal was to be a sponge and to be better than I was the day before.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE BARBERING COMMUNITY IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH?

We have folks who strive for ‘luxury’, we have barbers who are just doing their job, and we have those who are all about community. There is no wrong way of doing things, but I believe there is a right way to make it feel like you want to go to work every day. I have learned that those who create community and inspire others, build monumental businesses.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am inspired by those who represent humans in such a beautiful way. Our transgender and queer ancestors fought against societal norms to build a future where I can create beauty with my hands and not be persecuted for it. I am also inspired by travelling and experiencing different cultures – especially the Latin culture, where my ancestors are from.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

My goal is to educate the industry on gender-free pricing and scaling clientele. So many people don’t receive the attention they deserve due to how they identify or what society deems normal. I plan to open more locations within Utah and eventually a school that will educate based on life behind the chair, business ownership and all hair types.

WILL WE GET TO SEE YOU IN THE UK SOON?

I’m planning on coming to Salon International in October and hoping to showcase the idea of how time-based pricing can change your business. I would love to offer a service, either with a hair replacement or a mullet!