NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
In a time where the economy isn't so strong, it's not a bad idea to get into the hair cutting and hair styling business.
At Nashville's Barber & Style Academy they are getting ready for you.
"They look like they need to be groomed when they come in. I groom them, then they look like a million bucks when they go out," student Shante Randolph said.
Everyone at the academy is on the road to cutting hair, even those sitting in the chair. At barber school, everyone gets a turn in the chair.
"Well, we're all students. So, we have a tendency to mess up sometimes, but we're getting better. Practice makes perfect," student Tracy Payne said.
On this day, Payne's head and face is in the hands of Thomas Woodmore. And right now, Woodmore needs to be an 'A' student.
"Once it's gone, it's gone. Ain't no going back," Woodmore said.
In the academy, Randolph is finally going forward with her hair plans. She enrolled in January, with a little bit of experience.
"Actually, I started practicing on my brother when I was 12. I gave him a military line that was my first haircut. His line was way back here, so he had to salute far," she said, laughing.
When they graduate, with more than 1,500 hours of training and classroom work, they'll fill barber shops in Mt. Juliet, along Nolensville Road and places where competition isn't as high as it is along Jefferson Street.
They learn all styles, all cultures and all conditions.
And customers are welcome to get a trim, too. You don't have to be a barber in training to sit in the chair.
After a quick wash and a wrap in rollers, you're on your way. The same goes for the new and training barbers.
"If I can help someone build their image, I'm building their confidence. And I know I'm building their performance. So I'm making a difference in the community," Randolph said.
If you're willing to give them a shot, an adult haircut at the barber academy, located at 26th and Jefferson streets, goes for $7.
Like any salon, the more complicated your hair the more expensive it will be.
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