Razor Line Barber Shop is styling during the economic rebound.
First time business owner Ricardo Conde, 25, brought his barbershop to 268 Third Ave. in March 2013 with no prior business experience.
More than a year after opening its doors, Razor Line Barber Shop is thriving in a rebounding economy in downtown Chula Vista, an area struggling to draw foot traffic.
One of its signs of growth is the number of barbers Conde employs.
He started off with two barbers — including himself — and now employs four barbers.
Conde said he is currently seeking more barbers to add to his team.
Conde said the city has made it easy for him to operate but said he would like to see the city focus on bringing businesses to Third Avenue that would attract younger clients.
Business is going so well, he said, he has considered opening another barbershop; but for now he said he has decided to focus on this one.
Conde declined to say if his business has generated a profit or how much money he’s made or lost.
He said as a novice business owner he is very hands-on, working seven days a week including holidays.
Conde said one of the differences between owning a business and managing a barbershop is that every expense comes out of his own pocket.
“This is my first business so everything relies on me. Just making sure everything is run right.”
Conde said his main focus has been promoting his business and developing a long list of clients — clients he will depend on this time of year as business is expected to slow a bit.
“Usually around this time of year (business) slows down a little bit, but that’s where everybody relies on building a clientele,” he said.
“In this business you have to build your clientele to help you get through the slower parts of the season.”
Conde said the outlook for the coming year looks promising. He wants to build off last year’s momentum and continue to increase his customers.
