Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess & Aaron Banks. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Jess & Aaron both started their hair career back in 2012, at the Aveda Institute in Portland, OR. After many years refining their skills, working behind the chair, and taking advanced classes in barbering, they settled in a niche of the hair industry – specializing in short hair, clipper cuts, and barbering techniques. Sturgeon Hair & Barber Co. opened in August 2022 and is a space that hopes to offer clients something a little different.
Sturgeon Hair Co. makes a huge effort to omit gender branding. The industry is saturated with luxury Men’s Salons, and we wanted to create a space where the branding reflects that everyone is truly welcome. We believe anyone can rock a fade! There is a tremendous need for non-gender specific, safe space barbershops in the twin cities. We are incredibly passionate about this concept and we know this is the future for our industry! So, we invite anyone and everyone that wants a classic or trendy shortcut to visit Sturgeon Hair Co. We couldn’t have created Sturgeon without the support of our amazing clients and fellow industry professionals giving us invaluable advice (shout out to TJ Kort of YTB Studio). We are so grateful!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has had some ups and downs, but our passion for the craft of cutting hair has kept us going! We have both apprenticed and done extensive training programs – being patient while building a skill set, has probably been the hardest but most worthwhile struggle. There was a point in both our careers when we decided to specialize in barbering techniques.
Putting in the time to refine those skills so we could actually provide a good product and keep our clients coming back was so important. It was a long game. It’s hard when you’re a new stylist, learning all the skills it takes to succeed in this industry! Especially when you have huge aspirations for your career. It’s a process and it was important for us to go through all the avenues to refine our craft. After almost 18 collective years cutting hair, we finally realized it was time to take the leap and fulfill the dreams we had back in 2012. It was worth the wait!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sturgeon Hair & Barber Co.?
Sturgeon Hair & Barber Co. is located in NE Minneapolis, specializing in short haircuts, fades, tapers, clipper cuts, and artistic razor cuts.
We are proud to be a non-gender-specific hair shop specializing in barbering techniques. Our environment is calm and relaxed and we provide quality shortcuts that grow out beautifully. We believe in haircuts that suit your lifestyle -wearable, custom, and easy to style. We offer a wide variety of short hair styling products that are non-toxic, plant-based, and gender-neutral. Come visit us for your next cut!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Social media has been a great resource for networking in the hair industry. Creatives tend to be visual, so use instagram to post images of your work, and reach out to those that inspire you! Follow stylists and brands that offer advanced education and go to as many classes as you can!
Salons often host advanced education courses, and those courses are not only an amazing way to learn new techniques but to network with local industry professionals! And if you’re looking for a more in-depth mentorship, reach out to salons and barbershops that offer intensive training programs or apprenticeships!
Pricing:
- Haircut: $42-$45
- Haircut+Beard trim: $60-$63
Contact Info:
- Website: SturgeonHair.com
- Instagram: @SturgeonHair
Image Credits
Onyx Beach by Emma Halet
