Tristian Cleek did not grow up with dreams of becoming a barber. He was on track to play professional baseball. Life is full of twists and turns. Maybe the major leagues lost out, but Olympia didn’t. Tristan not only became a barber and a certified instructor but also is the energetic owner of the Olympia Barber School. He’s been at the reins for the past three years, even though he is barely past his 25th birthday. Tristan is an example of what hard work and enthusiasm can accomplish.
His youthful energy combined with a life-long work ethic, propels the school. It’s a joyful place. “We have a sense of family here,” says Tristan.
Currently, there are 20 students attending on their ways to being licensed as barbers, cosmeticians or estheticians. “It’s very hands-on learning here,” he adds, nodding to the line-up of mannequin heads for cutting hair and the full-service barber shop that faces out the front windows.
“It’s a profession you can take all around the world,” Tristan continues. Students range in ages from 18-year-olds starting their first venture into adult careers, to those in their 50s looking for a career change. “People have the freedom to make a schedule, which is great with a family,” says Tristan. This is true for working after licensing, but it also applies to the school. Some students are part-time and other attend full time.
The barber program is 1,000 hours and takes about 6 months. A licensed barber shampoos and cuts hair, shaves with a straight razor and can do some facial waxing. They do not provide chemical services. Students learn the traditional hot towel shave. There is instruction in the classroom and on the mannequin heads who silently volunteer for practice cuttings. The barber shop is lined with chairs where students provide services for walk-ins. They are under the supervision of an instructor, so don’t worry.
The cosmetician program is 1,640 hours. That license allows you do what a barber does, as well as coloring hair, give manicures and pedicures, and do gel nails. The esthetician program is 750 hours. That licenses you for skin care including chemical facial peels, extractions, manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, but no hair cutting. Like the mannequins for haircutting, the students have heads to practice the eyelash extensions. For those interested in teaching, the school offers an instructor license program with an additional 500 hours.
Tristian is happy with his life’s trajectory. “It was all crazy. Barbering found me,” he recalls. Tristan went to college on a baseball scholarship. An injury during his first year knocked him off the sports path. Through he was doing fine in school, he opted out for a construction job. The money was good. At the same time, Maria Ferns, the mother of Tristan’s girlfriend Marloe, had ideas of her own. She was the owner of the Olympia Barber School and believed her daughter would marry a barber.
Maria’s constant questioning about Tristan being a barber led him to relent and enroll in the school. He didn’t stay. He kept working construction while thoughts simmered in the back of his mind, “How do I want the rest of my life to look?” Realizing his body would not last forever in construction, he quit that job and went to the barber school full time.
Tristan’s eyes were opened as he was introduced to the expansive beauty industry. “It was so much more than cutting hair all day,” he says. “It was a lot different than I expected, a whole new world.” He didn’t look back. He finished the program.
“Maria took me under her wing,” says Tristan.And then something happened. Maria, who was considering retirement, was involved in a car accident. That precipitated an arrangement with Tristan to purchase the school.
It turns out Marie was right. Her daughter is going to marry a barber, Tristan and Marloe are engaged.
The Olympia Barber School is also a place to get your haircut. No appointment is required. Walk in and you’ll be introduced and seated with your up-and-coming barber. For $5 you’ll get a cut. Students get to keep their tips, which can help pay for their required state exam. Be generous.
Tristan said that usually students graduate with 20 of their own clients. They job-shadow and often have a job lined up by the time they take their licensure. Many have completed up to 400 cuts. “They are ready to be in a shop,” emphasizes Tristan.
“The most fun for me,” he adds, “is watching someone new come in and embark on a new journey.” Maybe you are considering a change of direction in your life. The Olympia Barber School is open year-round and enrolling students at any time. The VA provides tuition support. For more information check out the Olympia Barber School’s website. For news, see the Olympia Barber School Facebook page.
Olympia Barber School
2747 Pacific Ave. A-2, Olympia
253.365.0899
