Today we’d like to introduce you to Chiquita Oden.
Hi Chiquita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Initially, I began cutting hair in 1994 with my younger brother as my first client. Hair quickly became a passion of mine and while away at school, I rapidly grew my clientele. After joining the military word began to spread that a young lady from Chicago could cut and once again I now had a clientele. I became the go-to barber for both enlisted service members and officers. After my honorable discharge from the United States Navy, I decided to attend Silk N’ Classy barber college in Dolton, IL where I graduated top of my class and found my way into the entertainment industry cutting various athletes and musicians.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Initially, the road seemed difficult as most men when they come into a barber shop send their children to the women barbers. Once these children began to request me and their parents noticed my attention to detail my clientele grew even more. The biggest struggle I’ve had is being a full-time barber and a disabled veteran who constantly deals with a shoulder injury acquired while serving on active duty.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to consider myself a hair artist. Each client presents a different canvas and it is my job to create a masterpiece that they fall in love with, return, and recommend me to their family and friends. I am most proud of having been named one of the top female barbers in the hair industry in my first two years as a licensed professional barber stylist. I specialize in short, clipper-cut styles. The biggest quality that sets me apart from others in my industry is my determination to educate and help the clients that I service. I am currently in pursuit of my PhD in Psychology so that I may also professionally counsel those clients of mine who need someone they can feel safe with in terms of their mental health care needs.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans include obtaining my state licensure as a therapist and counseling behind my chair, once again making the barbershop the backbone of the community and removing the stigmatism of seeking mental healthcare regardless of what outsiders may think. At the present time, I am awaiting a future test date for my Barber Instructor’s license to help educate the future generation of barbers.
Pricing:
- Children $25
- Teens $30
- Adults $45+
- Housecalls $150
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Pltnmbarber22
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TheManeAttractions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiquita-oden-98a41533/
- Twitter: @pltnmbarber22
Image Credits
VizualArts Photography
