Today we’d like to introduce you to GiL Vargas.
Hi GiL, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into barbering began in an unexpected place—a youth detention center in Massachusetts. While cutting hair for young boys there, I saw firsthand how something as simple as a haircut could restore confidence, dignity, and a sense of identity. That experience sparked a passion that would ultimately shape my life and career.
Determined to pursue the craft, I moved from Massachusetts to California and enrolled in cosmetology school. Just before graduating, unforeseen circumstances forced me to return home. Rather than walk away from what I had started, I made a pivotal decision: I transitioned from cosmetology to barbering in Massachusetts. My cosmetology training gave me a strong foundation in shear (scissor) work—an area many barbers tend to avoid—which helped set my work apart early on.
I spent the next seven years honing my skills as a barber, refining my technique, and learning how to truly serve clients beyond the chair. After meeting my wife, I relocated to Brockton, Massachusetts and stepped away from barbering for about five years, working for a water company. When that chapter unexpectedly came to an end, I felt a clear calling to return to the craft that had always felt like home.
I reentered the industry at Mission Barbershop in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where I worked for a year and a half before making another major move—this time to Spartanburg, South Carolina. I’ve been cutting hair here ever since, and it was in South Carolina that my vision became clear. I realized I wanted something different: a more intentional, personal experience. Not a multi-chair shop, but a space where every client felt known, valued, and cared for.
With over 10 years in the barbering industry and more than 15 years of combined experience in customer service and barbering, I poured everything I’d learned into creating Kin Collective Barber Lounge. Just eight months into business, Kin Collective was honored as a Top 3 Barbershop in Spartanburg, SC for 2025 by BizRate, based on Google analytics and client reviews.
I’m excited to continue serving the Upstate with exceptional service, precision haircuts, and an elevated experience. At Kin Collective Barber Lounge, you’re not just a client—you’re KIN.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Many struggles presented itself along the way. From heart ache to unexpected moves across the country. Then moving to South Carolina to start over as well but it all lead to Kin Collective Barber Lounge. I wouldn’t change a thing in my story.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kin Collective Barber Lounge . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kin Collective Barber Lounge is more than a barbershop—it’s a space I built on craft, culture, and connection. I specialize in precision men’s grooming, offering everything from clean fades and classic cuts to detailed shear (scissor) work, beard grooming, and elevated grooming experiences. My focus is on consistency, professionalism, and creating an environment where every client feels known, respected, and well taken care of.
What sets Kin Collective apart is the foundation behind it. My approach to barbering is rooted in technical skill and intention. With a strong background in cosmetology and advanced shear work, I bring a level of detail and finish that separates my work from shops that rely heavily on clipper-only techniques. Every service is tailored—no rushed cuts, no assembly-line feel—just thoughtful, high-quality grooming.
I’m also known for the culture I’ve created. Kin Collective was designed to feel like a lounge, not just a barbershop. It’s a place where men can relax, have real conversations, and trust they’ll leave looking and feeling their best. Community matters to me, and that shows in how I treat people in the chair and how I show up locally.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built—one rooted in trust, consistency, and excellence. Being recognized as top 3 barbershop in the area is an honor, but what matters most to me is the loyalty of my clients and the relationships built over time.
I want readers to know that Kin Collective Barber Lounge is for those who value quality, craftsmanship, and experience. I’m not chasing trends—I’m building a standard. Whether someone comes in for routine maintenance or a full transformation, my goal is simple: deliver exceptional service every time in a space that feels like home.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business is that skill alone isn’t enough—character, consistency, and genuine service matter just as much. Barbering wasn’t always viewed the way it is today. There was a time when being a barber carried prestige, respect, and professionalism. Over the years, that perception has declined as the craft became rushed, transactional, and trend-driven. One of my goals is to be part of the change that restores honor and excellence to barbering as a true profession.
Business is hard. There are long hours, unseen sacrifices, and seasons where growth feels slow or uncertain. I’ve learned that shortcuts may bring quick results, but they never build something lasting. What does last is showing up every day with integrity, continuing to sharpen your craft, and treating people like people—not transactions.
Serving clients genuinely has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. When you care about the person in the chair, listen to them, and give them your best every time, the rewards go far beyond financial success. Trust is built. Loyalty follows. Relationships are formed. Those relationships are what sustain the business through the highs and the lows.
I’ve learned that elevation starts with standards—how you present yourself, how you speak, how you work, and how you serve. My aim isn’t just to run a successful barbershop, but to contribute to a shift in how barbering is viewed: as a skilled, respected, service-driven profession again. When you lead with purpose and serve with authenticity, the business grows—but more importantly, the work becomes meaningful.
Pricing:
- Haircut $40
- Haircut & Beard $50
- Specialty long haircut $45
- Shears (scissors) only $50
- Kids cut basic $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gilvargas-kincollective.booksy.com/a/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kin_collective25?igsh=NmN0Y3BndWRuaTly&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JyJuhttH8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://share.google/yZrl5sXJd4OYGn5qJ
