Barbering is one of the oldest professions in the world. History chronicles through paintings and artifacts that Egyptians began barbering in 5000BC. Cutting instruments of the time were of bone, flint, antler, and shells. As civilization advanced, barbering and hairstyling developed from its early culture into a recognized profession of the educated and affluent. The cultural, esthetic, and technical heritage provides the basis for the prestige and respect ascribed to the title of barber today.
As a profession, barbering has risen from tribal beginnings to carry the practice of haircutting, styling, and shaving to all parts of the world. Barbers once served as surgeons, dentists, and wig-makers. They have adapted to the eras into which they were born by using the tools at hand from the earliest scissors to the hand clippers of the 1890s or the high-quality electrical appliances available today. Barbers have had to adapt to trend, politics, and technological advances to maintain their profession and their livelihoods.
The hot modern-day barbershop trend is exploding. More and more men are wanting a comfortable space where they can get a great haircut and relaxing shave performed by a trained, professional barber. The barbershop industry has performed well in the United States. For the last five years, revenue has increased at an annualized rate of 1.8% to $3.7 billion, including a 1.0% rise in 2018 alone. Increasing population in towns and cities has contributed to revenue growth by providing barber shops with a more extensive customer base. Furthermore, barbers are generating more money per person in 2018 than they did in 2013, as specialized services are becoming more popular.
Some may be surprised to know Texas City has moved well into providing opportunities for those desiring to work in the barbershop industry. Gulf Coast Barber College located at 1536 Texas Avenue in Texas City is a full service, family-owned and operated institution of learning for those keen on becoming licensed professionals. Dominique and Whitney Grayson established this institution on the foundation of providing a well-rounded, cutting edge education where students become skilled barbers, industry leaders, and community professionals. Gulf Coast Barber College opened its doors in January 2019.
Concurrently, Gulf Coast Attainable Housing Foundation was established to be a central hub for opportunities and assistance to Texas City and surrounding communities. Gulf Coast Attainable Housing Foundation Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). The mission of the foundation is to provide quality affordable housing programs to low and moderate-income people, single-parent families. The foundation exists to eradicate homelessness among veterans to include the chronic homelessness found throughout Galveston and surrounding counties. The Grayson family founded this foundation to share a heart of compassion with those most vulnerable in our communities.
The Grayson family relocated from Kansas City with three children to the Houston area in search of more significant employment opportunities along with being living closer to family. Dominique has been able to utilize his skills as an Information Technology professional while Whitney sought out a career in barbering. Whitney saw a career as a professional barber as a perfect complement to her busy life as a mother. Barbering provided Dominique with the flexibility she needed as a mother and wife as well as the opportunity to be entrepreneurial. Dominique soon found her talent while serving at another institution of learning for barbering education. It was there Dominique cultivated her love for her passion for the industry. She soon honed her skills as an entrepreneur as well. The Graysons model a family first, community service organization providing cutting edge unmatched professional barbering services in our city. Stop in, get an excellent haircut for a fantastic value. While you are at it, take a tour of Texas City’s own Gulf Coast Barber College.
