Meet Spencer Chestnut Jr | Barber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Spencer Chestnut Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Spencer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a decision that flowed from both necessity and inspiration. I had been working at a salon for a number of years, and while I truly enjoyed the work and the connections I made with clients, the limitations of my job began to weigh on me. One of the most frustrating aspects was the vacation policy—just five days off per year, and they had to be taken all at once. It felt stifling, knowing that my time off was so restricted, especially when I often had clients who needed flexible scheduling.

This limitation prompted me to think about my future. I loved my craft and wanted to grow both personally and professionally, but I realized that I would have significantly more freedom if I were running my own business. So, I began to explore the cost of opening my own salon. At first, it seemed daunting; the idea of starting something from the ground up was intimidating, but I knew I needed to dig deeper.

As I crunched the numbers, something surprising emerged. Once I factored in the overhead, equipment, and supplies needed, I found that it would actually be a little cheaper to own my own salon than to pay 30% of my earnings to someone else every month. That realization was both shocking and liberating. I was now in control of my financial future and could create a space that reflected my vision and values.

I started to picture what my salon could look like, the type of environment I wanted to create for my clients, and how I could build a team that shared my passion for the beauty industry. I wanted a place where both clients and stylists felt at home, with a focus on creativity and collaboration. I envisioned more flexible hours and a client-centric approach to services that would truly prioritize the needs and preferences of those I served.

The more I imagined this dream, the more determined I became. I took a leap of faith, invested in myself, and opened my own business. It has been a journey filled with challenges and lessons, but every step has been worth it. Now, not only do I have the freedom I longed for, but I also get to create a positive, welcoming space for others. Who knew that all it took was a bit of frustration and a lot of imagination to start chasing my dreams?

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m excited to share a bit more about my journey and the passion behind my business. Since starting in 1998, I have navigated the evolving landscape of the beauty industry, which has gifted me with rich experiences and invaluable lessons along the way. My wife and I recently took a leap of faith by renovating a house into our new salon. This transition has allowed us to create a cozy, intimate environment where our clients can relax and feel pampered.

In today’s world, the beauty industry is constantly changing. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is finding dedicated talent who see hairstyling as a lifelong career. This shift has inspired us to embrace a smaller, more personalized setting. By focusing on the quality of the experience rather than scaling up, we’re able to cultivate deeper relationships with our clients and deliver tailored services that meet their individual needs.

Another exciting aspect of our business is cross-marketing with barbers, stylists, nail technicians, and other potential collaborations in our building. This synergy not only enriches the services we offer but also fosters a community spirit that resonates with our clients. We are also eyeing the possibility of expanding into a warehouse space, which could open up even more opportunities for our business and those we partner with.

The road hasn’t always been easy. Like many small business owners, we’ve faced our share of hurdles—from market fluctuations to adapting to new technologies. However, these challenges have taught us resilience and creativity. Embracing change has been essential to our growth story. We’ve learned to listen closely to our clients’ needs and adapt our services and environment to better serve them.

Most importantly, I want the world to know that our brand is built on passion, community, and a commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere where clients not only receive great service but also leave feeling valued and heard. As we continue to grow and explore new avenues, I am excited about what the future holds for our business. Thank you for supporting us on this journey! I look forward to welcoming you into our new space soon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited Birmingham for a week, I’d want to give them a mix of history, nature, and delicious food! We’d kick off the trip with a visit to the Civil Rights Institute to truly appreciate Birmingham’s rich history. After that, a stroll through the historic 16th Street Baptist Church is a must.

For a taste of the outdoors, we’d explore the beautiful trails in Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. The views are incredible and provide a nice escape into nature. On game day, we’d definitely catch an Alabama football game—there’s nothing quite like the energy of a college football Saturday, ROLL TIDE!

As for dining, we’d dive into the local food scene. I’d take them to Highlands Bar & Grill for a fine dining experience and then hit up Saw’s BBQ for some authentic Alabama barbecue. We’d also have to stop by The Pizitz Food Hall to sample a variety of cuisines all in one place.

To round off our week, we’d hang out at Vulcan Park for sunset views of the city. With a mix of culture, outdoor adventures, and amazing food, it would be a trip to remember!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my amazing parents for their unwavering support and love. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Other: Vagaro.com Spencer Capelli

Image Credits
Capelli credits for pictures