Isidro Perez

MEN’S STYLIST

My journey as an artist had an unconventional start. I actually never imagined myself as a hair-stylist. I believe hair is fashion. From a young age—my clothing, my love of footwear, and my hair—was all an extension of my creativity and a way to express my individuality.

It all started during my teenage years at my local barbershop in Queens, NY. I understood the value of a good haircut. I always admired my local barber and the relationships he had with his clients — including myself.

This fascination lead to an attempt in cutting my own hair. Soon after, others quickly took notice. I began to cut close family and friends—purely as creative pursuit in satisfying my new-found obsession. Before I knew it, one friend turned to two, and two turned to ten. I never actually considered this to be a “job”, let alone a career. I didn’t think it could be as rewarding as this.

It was until I was approached by my local barber that I started to consider this as a path. It wasn’t long after that that I found myself behind a chair at the very barbershop I came in as a customer…cutting beside the man I admired early on.

I still remember my first day, as I was setting up my tools, thinking to myself, “Wow, this is really happening”. That will forever stay with me; and it has kept me grounded to this day.

Fast-forward a few years later—I hit a glass ceiling at my local barbershop. I was super grateful for all I had learned, but I knew there had to be more.

I thought the next step was to open a barbershop of my own…but there were different plans for me. A client mentioned a new studio that would be opening in the city called “KINHOUSE”, lead by a gentle man who has a similar background, had done very well for himself, and was looking to do something different.

I honestly can’t tell you what drew me in to this opportunity, but I knew it was the one to take. I left my local Queens barbershop and risked losing my entire clientele just for an opportunity at something new…something different. 4 years later, I’m so glad I took that risk. What I have learned since is invaluable, and the beauty of what we do, as in life, is that I am always a student.

I’m so glad this industry found me.