Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmah Church.
Hi Emmah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Six years ago, I was at a crossroads in my life trying to figure out my purpose. I worked retail for over 10 years and realized that was not the path I wanted to take. I liked having conversations with people, but, it felt more like a transaction than a relationship. I have always enjoyed going to a barbershop to get my haircut, but, the haircut was never exactly what I wanted. So I decided to go to barber school, because I knew I could do it better than the boys. 13 1/2 months later I graduated and landed in a barbershop that was very well established in Downtown Des Moines. I was cutting next to people that had 7+ years experience; intimidating but also knew I would learn a lot quickly.
I was yet again at another crossroads in my life. Once I really started honing my craft, I knew I needed to be in a bigger market if I wanted to take my career to new heights. So, I decided after 3 years of cutting in Des Moines, I was ready to start all over again in Kansas City. I struggled a lot first moving to Kansas City; only starting out with one client. My first shop in KC, I was only there for 10 months when I decided to make one of the biggest decisions of my life; going out on my own and starting my own business. I always wanted to create a space where 1. you felt like you were coming into my house and we were just chatting it up while you were getting a great haircut, but 2. having a shop that is welcoming and opening to all; no matter your hair texture, sexual orientation, or what you believe. As a queer owed business, I strive to be a welcoming and safe space for the trans and non-binary folks in my community, but also a space that anyone can feel comfortable in – I want my shop to feel like a place where you relax, laugh and build community,
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Reading this question definitely made me laugh a little because I had multiple struggles and obstacles along the way. When I was at my first shop in Des Moines, I was making really good money first starting out, honestly the most money I’ve seen on a paycheck. I went down a slippery slope of becoming addicted to a lot of hardcore drugs. I will swear up and down that I was a high functioning drug addict, but if you ask any fellow barbers I was around they will say absolutely not. I was never sober for the first couple years of my career.
Covid lockdown was a fun and wild ride but looking back at it now, sober the last five years,,, it was honestly one of the darkest times of my life. I knew I needed to turn my life around not only as a barber to serve my community but for myself to stay alive.
Being sober has opened my world up for so many opportunities. Not only from starting my own business but getting bigger opportunities in Kansas City and surrounding areas.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Lab Barber Studio was created to provide a unique experience for all types of hair textures and/or gender. I’ve worked in bigger shops where there is constant noise and chatter going on and after a while it was just not enjoyable, I feel like having a private studio helps not only me to relax and be comfortable in a space but also for my clients to feel like they are the star of the show.
I am known for my custom mullets. One of my clients has even called me a Mullet Chaser. I have won a mullet competition at the Iowa State Fair and was a Finalist out of 12,000 other Sola Salon Pros with yet another fabulous mullet.
What sets me apart from others is my consistency and attention to detail, HELLO OCD! I also am a complete nerd so all conversations about Star Wars and Sci-Fi are always welcome.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me the most is that my clients respect me for who I am. What does that mean? You don’t have to be queer or bow down to me because I am queer (although that would be nice) but don’t be judgemental of my sexual orientation. If you don’t agree with who I am, that’s totally fine, there are plenty of other shops that gave give you a haircut.
Pricing:
- Haircut $50
- Haircut + Beard Trim $70
- $5 off First Responders, Military
- $5 off Crossroads Service Industry
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-lab-barber-studio.square.site/
- Instagram: @thelabkcbarber
