Cut above: Aspiring barber not afraid ‘to shoot my shot’
Manteca High senior Antony Terrazas (right) gives junior Tomasi Sovatabua a fade. Terrazas started cutting hair during the COVID quarantine and hopes to continue it as a career. (MOISES RAMOS)
By BRIAN COBIAN
The Tower
With steady hands and eye for detail, Antony Terrazas cuts hair in his garage. The 17-year-old senior at Manteca High School has been cutting hair for his friends and clients since he was a sophomore.
‘’What inspired me to cut hair was not just cutting hair,” he said. “There’s an art behind it and it’s something that really passioned me to cut hair.’’
Every day after school, Terrazas turns his garage into a barbershop. In his garage he has hair clippers, scissors, spray bottles, and razors — all the tools of a seasoned barber. He has several clients that attend Manteca High, including seniors Diego Esparaza and Daniel Bernal.
Terraza’s inspiration for cutting hair started by watching others cut his hair. He saw something in it that really made him love cutting hair. At the time, though, he never knew when he would start. Then COVID with its shelter-in-place orders happened and many barbershops closed.
At that moment he realized he could start his journey as a barber.
“What inspired me to cut hair was during quarantine when all barber shops were closed. That’s what really inspired me to get out there and shoot my shot,’’ Terrazas said. “It’s not really just cutting hair. There’s an art behind it that really impassioned me to cut hair.’’
When it comes to cutting hair there are times where some barbers tend to have issues. This could be things such as perfecting hairstyles, designs, new designs, and even new hairstyles. However, Terrazas believes there aren’t challenges when it comes to cutting hair.
He sees these moments as opportunities to grow and learn. Terrazas is self-taught and spends time studying his craft online.
"I taught myself just looking at videos,” he said, “and also asking for advice from local barbers and some friends that are barbers to. … It’s not really challenges. It’s just knowing the different types of textures of people’s hair, such as hair being thick, thin, dark, and even light hair.”
Manteca High senior Antony Terrazas (right) gives junior Tomasi Sovatabua a fade. Terrazas started cutting hair during the COVID quarantine and hopes to continue it as a career. (MOISES RAMOS)
Over the years, Terrazas’ clientele has steadily grown. Two of those loyal clients would be Esparza and Bernal, both seniors attending Manteca High who have been local to Terrazas for two years. Both could have searched out a more experienced barber, maybe one with a studio or shop, but they’ve chosen to return to his chair for every cut.
Consistency is key for Bernal.
"It’s because he gives me the same results in stuff that I’m looking for, unlike some other barbers," he said.
Added Esparza: “He’s the best barber in Manteca.’’
What is next for Terrazas? His goal is to keep improving and gain more popularity — and clients — throughout the city of Manteca and beyond. He attacks his future with confidence, poise and a laser focus. He speaks with the tone of a young man certain of his future. Like many young entrepreneurs, Terrazas isn’t afraid of failure or challenges, or the work it will take to become successful.
“Some advice for new people wanting to get into cutting hair would be definitely go for everything as a beginner, such as designs, eyebrows, and beards,” he said. “Anything that comes out that people ask for, just go for it and just try it. It’s better to get your practice in and not get your practice in late.’’
Manteca High students Sophia Panameno and Arlette Castillo contributed to this report.
Manteca High senior Antony Terrazas (right) gives junior Tomasi Sovatabua a fade. Terrazas started cutting hair during the COVID quarantine and hopes to continue it as a career. (MOISES RAMOS)