Latest news with #haircuts
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
Mauricio Montoya gives a cut to a client at Empire Fadez in Newmarket, Ontario. The barber came to Canada with a backpack full of dreams and credits the country for his early success. Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Mauricio Montoya arrived in Canada with a work permit, his barber tools and a backpack full of dreams. Less than a year after immigrating from Costa Rica, the 26-year-old has established a name for himself at Empire Fadez, a popular barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya, who is admired for his contagious positivity and sharp haircuts, serves as proof that success does not always come easy—but it does come to those who are willing to work hard. Montoya's love for cutting hair began long before he stepped foot into a hair salon professionally. Advertisement 'First, I've always liked it,' he says, reflecting on his childhood fascination with barbers at work. 'One Christmas [my mom] asked me what I wanted and I said 'Oh Mom, please give me machines to start cutting hair.' I started to do it and loved it after.' That moment sparked a passion that would carry him through the challenges of immigrating, language barriers, and the emotional cost of leaving home. Language issues and a little luck Mauricio Montoya, 26, works on a client at Empire Fades, a barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya came to Canada on a work permit from Costa Rica, and hopes to become a citizen. In May 2024, Montoya arrived in Canada determined to make the most of what he described as a single opportunity. 'When I came here in May, [I] always [had] in my mind 'I have one opportunity' so I have to enjoy it,' he says. 'I never think about going back home, I never think about coming to Canada to waste my time… now this is my home.' He credits a loyal client back in Costa Rica for encouraging him to make the move Canada. 'One day he told me, 'Why don't you try in Canada?...If it's bad, come to me and I'll give you work in construction.' So I came, tried, and it worked.' Advertisement The biggest challenge he faced? Language. 'When I come and I don't It's very hard for people to understand. But everyday I try to be better and learn,' Montoya says. Cultural differences also came as a shock. 'Canada is multicultural, and I come from a country that is one culture… but it's nice because you learn about different cultures and I always love learning.' Despite the difficulties, Montoya found an unexpected lifeline in the Newmarket barbershop community. An Instagram message he received by chance led him to Empire Fadez—though the connection might have been fate. Advertisement 'I was in the back of the bus and saw a guy behind in a car… he looked like a barber,' Montoya remembers. 'Later the same guy messaged me on Instagram and said 'I like how you cut hair. If you want, come to Newmarket Empire Fadez and try it out.' Turns out he owned Empire Fadez. Shows you everything happens for a reason.' RELATED: Canadians share their perspectives, challenges and pride in Yahoo News' My Canada series For Montoya, Empire Fadez is more than a workplace. 'I love it. The first time I came here everyone hugged me. It's like a family here.' he says. Regardless of the language barriers, Montoya connects with clients using heart and intuition. 'I try to connect with everyone, first with my personality… Sometimes it's hard depending on the person… some have closed personalities but I still try to understand the haircut and ask for specifics.' His approach to barbering is remarkably humble and growth-minded. For a barber, Canada offers the best cut While Canada has become home, Montoya still acknowledges his Costa Rican roots daily. 'I've learned values back home in my country and they stay with me for life… In Costa Rica, we value happiness, heart, mind, and family,' he says. Advertisement Additionally, Montoya has grown to appreciate the structure and promise of Canadian life. 'Canada is a very good place for growth… If you work hard here, it's more accessible to get where you want.' The contrast between the two countries is something he reflects on often—not just in culture, but in career opportunities. 'Back in my country, you have a lot of opportunities too, but for my work you can grow bigger here… You go further being a barber in Canada than Costa Rica.' He notes that pricing plays a role too. In Canada, haircuts are generally more expensive, which allows barbers to invest in themselves and their tools—something that was more difficult back in Costa Rica. But for Montoya, it's not just about the money. 'The connections you make with clients in Canada help a lot,' he explains. Dreams of a shop of his own, Canadian citizenship Montoya has no intentions to slow down. His plans for the future are as grounded as they are ambitious. 'My goals are to have my own shop one day, and to teach other people how to cut hair.' Advertisement Working his way to a Canadian citizenship, he hopes to establish a strong foundation in Canada to support his loved ones back in Costa Rica: 'I want to be good here, so I can be good back home too.' He's aware of the obstacles that remain ahead, including those who don't always have good intentions. 'Some people just want to take advantage of you, especially when you have talent… but in life there are bad people. If you keep pushing, you will find good people.' For anyone on a similar path, Montoya has a simple message: 'Never ever give up. Everything in this life has solutions… Just believe and grow… love yourself first and after others will come show you love.' For now, he continues to advance his skillset, by developing his brand and making sure every client leaves with a satisfied experience. In Montoya's chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're getting a piece of his story and the resilience of a Costa Rican heart beating strong in a Canadian home.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Mauricio Montoya arrived in Canada with a work permit, his barber tools and a backpack full of dreams. Less than a year after immigrating from Costa Rica, the 26-year-old has established a name for himself at Empire Fadez, a popular barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya, who is admired for his contagious positivity and sharp haircuts, serves as proof that success does not always come easy—but it does come to those who are willing to work hard. Montoya's love for cutting hair began long before he stepped foot into a hair salon professionally. 'First, I've always liked it,' he says, reflecting on his childhood fascination with barbers at work. 'One Christmas [my mom] asked me what I wanted and I said 'Oh Mom, please give me machines to start cutting hair.' I started to do it and loved it after.' That moment sparked a passion that would carry him through the challenges of immigrating, language barriers, and the emotional cost of leaving home. In May 2024, Montoya arrived in Canada determined to make the most of what he described as a single opportunity. 'When I came here in May, [I] always [had] in my mind 'I have one opportunity' so I have to enjoy it,' he says. 'I never think about going back home, I never think about coming to Canada to waste my time… now this is my home.' He credits a loyal client back in Costa Rica for encouraging him to make the move Canada. 'One day he told me, 'Why don't you try in Canada?...If it's bad, come to me and I'll give you work in construction.' So I came, tried, and it worked.' The biggest challenge he faced? Language. 'When I come and I don't It's very hard for people to understand. But everyday I try to be better and learn,' Montoya says. Cultural differences also came as a shock. 'Canada is multicultural, and I come from a country that is one culture… but it's nice because you learn about different cultures and I always love learning.' Despite the difficulties, Montoya found an unexpected lifeline in the Newmarket barbershop community. An Instagram message he received by chance led him to Empire Fadez—though the connection might have been fate. 'I was in the back of the bus and saw a guy behind in a car… he looked like a barber,' Montoya remembers. 'Later the same guy messaged me on Instagram and said 'I like how you cut hair. If you want, come to Newmarket Empire Fadez and try it out.' Turns out he owned Empire Fadez. Shows you everything happens for a reason.' RELATED: Canadians share their perspectives, challenges and pride in Yahoo News' series For Montoya, Empire Fadez is more than a workplace. 'I love it. The first time I came here everyone hugged me. It's like a family here.' he says. Regardless of the language barriers, Montoya connects with clients using heart and intuition. 'I try to connect with everyone, first with my personality… Sometimes it's hard depending on the person… some have closed personalities but I still try to understand the haircut and ask for specifics.' His approach to barbering is remarkably humble and growth-minded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MB Cutzzz / Toronto (@mauriciobarber1_) While Canada has become home, Montoya still acknowledges his Costa Rican roots daily. 'I've learned values back home in my country and they stay with me for life… In Costa Rica, we value happiness, heart, mind, and family,' he says. Additionally, Montoya has grown to appreciate the structure and promise of Canadian life. 'Canada is a very good place for growth… If you work hard here, it's more accessible to get where you want.' The contrast between the two countries is something he reflects on often—not just in culture, but in career opportunities. 'Back in my country, you have a lot of opportunities too, but for my work you can grow bigger here… You go further being a barber in Canada than Costa Rica.' He notes that pricing plays a role too. In Canada, haircuts are generally more expensive, which allows barbers to invest in themselves and their tools—something that was more difficult back in Costa Rica. But for Montoya, it's not just about the money. 'The connections you make with clients in Canada help a lot,' he explains. Montoya has no intentions to slow down. His plans for the future are as grounded as they are ambitious. 'My goals are to have my own shop one day, and to teach other people how to cut hair.' Working his way to a Canadian citizenship, he hopes to establish a strong foundation in Canada to support his loved ones back in Costa Rica: 'I want to be good here, so I can be good back home too.' He's aware of the obstacles that remain ahead, including those who don't always have good intentions. 'Some people just want to take advantage of you, especially when you have talent… but in life there are bad people. If you keep pushing, you will find good people.' For anyone on a similar path, Montoya has a simple message: 'Never ever give up. Everything in this life has solutions… Just believe and grow… love yourself first and after others will come show you love.' For now, he continues to advance his skillset, by developing his brand and making sure every client leaves with a satisfied experience. In Montoya's chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're getting a piece of his story and the resilience of a Costa Rican heart beating strong in a Canadian home.
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
New York Master Barbers Reinvents the Classic Barbershop Experience in Franklin Square
New York Master Barbers in Franklin Square, NY offers precision men's grooming, from fades to hot towel shaves. Now ranking among top results for barbershop near me, this appointment-only shop blends old-school craftsmanship with modern service. In an age of rushed appointments, inconsistent cuts, and noisy chain shops, one Franklin Square barbershop is bringing back the experience men actually miss — real barbering, done with precision, pride, and purpose. At New York Master Barbers, the chairs are always clean, the fades are always sharp, and every client gets the time they deserve. Located just off Franklin Avenue and minutes from Garden City Plaza, the shop is quietly building a loyal following for its blend of traditional techniques and modern styling. 'We're not just cutting hair — we're preserving a craft,' said the owner. 'A great haircut isn't just about looking good. It's about feeling confident when you walk out the door.' Old-School Precision, Modern Service New York Master Barbers specializes in: Men's haircuts - $30 Kids' haircuts - $25 Senior haircuts - $20 Hot Shaves - $30 Beard and eyebrow trimming - $15 Shape ups - $15 Every service is appointment-only, so clients avoid waiting and get uninterrupted time with their barber. This no-rush atmosphere allows for attention to detail that's missing in many modern shops. According to a 2023 survey by Statista, 62% of men say a consistent haircut experience is more important than price — and that's exactly what this shop is delivering. A Staple in Franklin Square — And a Top Result for 'Barbershop Near Me' New York Master Barbers has quietly become a top-rated destination for men searching online for a barbershop near me in Nassau County. With dozens of five-star reviews and a growing local following, the shop is setting a new standard for what a modern barbershop should feel like. Clients come from Franklin Square, Garden City, Elmont, and West Hempstead — not just for the cut, but for the experience: clean workspace, sharp tools, skilled barbers, and real conversations. 'We get guys from all over Long Island who are tired of quick cuts that don't last or barbers who don't listen. Here, you get someone who knows your style and remembers your name.' Committed to Cleanliness and Craft Unlike many barbershops that treat walk-ins like numbers, NY Master Barbers focuses on: It's more than a haircut — it's a break from the noise. Where to Book Appointments can be scheduled through (516) 328-0724, and walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability. About New York Master Barbers Founded on the belief that barbering is a craft, not a commodity, New York Master Barbers offers classic cuts, beard care, and straight razor shaves with expert precision. Located in Franklin Square, NY, the shop serves clients across Nassau County with old-school service and modern results. Media Contact Company Name: New York Master Barbers Contact Person: Gali Khik Email: Send Email Phone: (516) 328-0724 Address: 208 Franklin Ave City: Franklin Square State: NY Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sport Clips Haircuts Hosts National Signing Days
Recruiting Top Styling Talent Ready for the Big Leagues GEORGETOWN, Texas, June 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Styling professionals looking to take their careers to the next level will get to swing big when Sport Clips Haircuts hosts its annual National Signing Days on June 17 and 18 at participating locations. Much like a draft day for the beauty industry, this two-day event offers guaranteed interviews, same-day job offers for qualified candidates, and a chance to join a team known for developing all-star talent. Known as the leading haircare provider for men and boys, Sport Clips is calling on licensed stylists and barbers ready to bring their A-game to a high-performance environment. With top-tier training programs, a team-first culture, and a track record of promoting from within, Sport Clips is scouting professionals ready to make a strong play for their future. "National Signing Days are about more than filling positions behind the chairs—they're about finding team members who want to grow, thrive, and succeed," said Julie Vargas, a licensed stylist who has grown her career to become Sport Clips Haircuts' vice president of career opportunities. "We provide the support and structure to help stylists advance their careers, and we're proud to welcome the next wave of talent during this event." Sport Clips locations across the country will open their doors for on-the-spot interviews and instant offers. Stylists will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card, which will be distributed to the winners after the event. Appointments are available Tuesday, June 17, from 4 - 7 p.m. local time and Wednesday, June 18, from noon - 3 p.m. local time. Interested professionals can register online to secure their spot and get ready to join a winning team. About Sport Clips HaircutsSport Clips Haircuts is the nation's leading men's and boys' hair care franchise with almost 1,900 locations open in the U.S. and Canada. Fully equipped for the sports enthusiast, Sport Clips surrounds its clients with televisions tuned to sports and sports-themed decor. Stylists are trained to be the pros in men's hair and enjoy a fun work environment with a guaranteed base-pay plus service commission, retail commission and tips. Sport Clips also supports the growth of its team members through continuing education, exciting contests, and award recognition. Sport Clips was recognized in 2025 as a "Best Company for Women" by Comparably. Through the Eric Gozur-Wayne McGlone Memorial Relief Fund, Sport Clips aids employees facing emergent financial situations. Sport Clips also provides "Haircuts with Heart" through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has donated $15 million to the VFW; national partnership with St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants; and other national and local philanthropic outreach. To learn more about Sport Clips and career opportunities near you, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sport Clips Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
