State Street Barber a cut above the rest

Johnny Sisneros has been on State Street for a few years now, serving the residents of Shafter, as well as a big customer base scattered over Kern County. Sisneros opened his shop a few years after making his start at the Phat Boys Barber Shop in Wasco.

Johnny was toiling at a 9-5 job in the sun, working hard and not really liking what he was doing. He then decided to take his talent of cutting people's hair and see if he could make a living doing it.

Sisneros said that he grew up as the oldest of five boys. With money tight, Sisneros was recruited by his mom to cut his younger brothers' hair. She bought him a clipper set, and he learned to make a really good cut for his siblings. This grew into cutting hair for other family members and friends. Sisneros said that he really enjoyed cutting hair, but didn't even consider making it a profession at the time.

He then decided to take the chance and he went to barber college. After putting in his 1,400 hours, which was the standard at the time, he ventured out and joined the Wasco shop. Sisneros built up a clientele, with his work creating word of mouth that Sisneros says is the best advertising in the world. "You give some great cuts, and people will tell other people, and the word is out, letting you grow your customer base," Sisneros said.

Asked how he kept up with the current trends, he said that the internet is a great source for what is hot, as well as the customers that come in wanting a certain cut.

With a lot of shops going to appointment-only, Sisneros said that a good amount of his business is scheduled in advance, but he will never turn a walk-in away if he is available. "You never know when that walk-in will turn into a steady, loyal customer," commented Sisneros.

The shop is very clean and cool, and has a modern feel that gives the customers a chance to relax. Sisneros also has some rave reviews online when it comes to children. Several reviewers have said that they wouldn't have anyone else cut their children's hair. "He is great with our kids; they just love getting their hair cut there," said one reviewer online.

The sentiment is a common one as the shop has a steady number of regular customers and first-time walk-ins..