Today we’d like to introduce you to Rey Peraza.
Rey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Bartow, Fl. I began as a “backyard” barber. I was a regular in the barbershop and knew firsthand how much potential barbering had as a career. It was what I needed to get myself out of a troubled lifestyle. I made the decision to become a professional and attended Artistic Hair and Beauty Academy in Lakeland Fl where I became a licensed master barber. I immediately began working after I graduated for the number one rated shop in Lakeland at the time. I also began my apprenticeship under Omar “Yogi” Smith, an amazing master barber from Brooklyn, New York. I continued to Barber for the next 7 years.
During that time I received many job opportunities which allowed me to work in different areas of the field with a wide range of demographics of clients. I refined my skills Specializing in fades, texture, men’s facial care, and shaves while also focusing on other aspects of the industry such as color and chemical services. I feel that to be a true master of your craft you must be well versed in all aspects of the craft. I made sure to make myself one of the most well-rounded barbers in the industry and honor the title of a master barber. I was also a co-owner of Plaisír Hair & Spa an all-inclusive coed salon and spa. In the following years, I further refined my skills. Executing countless amounts of haircuts, colors, facials, and chemical services and thousands of straight razor shaves. A true master in the industry, I ended up where I call “home” at Elevate Barbershop in Tampa Fl.
I soon decided to branch out furthermore and I began my education career with Paul Mitchell in Tampa, where I oversaw and managed the barber program. Finding a newfound passion in the education industry I faced a dilemma in the demanding schedule of orchestrating a program for a major corporation and being a single Father, Time is the most valuable asset for me. So I opened Eminent Education and Barbering LLC. An independent education company providing private group and 1-on-1 education, and continued education for established professionals and businesses. Individually tailored courses for anyone looking to better themselves, refine their skills, and take their career to the next level.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting the technique of barbering is a struggle in itself. It takes repetition and determination. Countless amount of hours mastering the craft. Consistency is key. I also am a single father of a 6-year-old boy named Prince. He is my motivation, and taught me patience and determination. I also opened a barbershop in Savannah Ga with a great friend who unexpectedly passed in his early 20s. That impacted me in a way where I had to step away from the industry for some time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Eminent Education & Barbering is an independent education company providing continuing education courses for both established professionals and newcomers in the beauty industry. Eminent offers a wide range of Individually tailored courses including more practical methods such as shaves, men’s and women’s hair cutting and styling, facials, color services, and many more.
Eminent also offers courses focused more on the theoretical side, such as sales psychology, ergonomics, professional image, and marketing courses. High-level education is personally taught by a master barber for anyone in the industry looking to better themselves, refine their skills, and take their career to the next level.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is being able to find the right balance between my career and being a father. Having my own business allows me to build my schedule around my son’s schedule so that I never miss a practice, game, or event.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rperaza.Booksy.com
- Instagram: @Rey_masterbarber
