SOLA SALON STUDIOS TWIN CITIES SPOTLIGHT: Q&A WITH MASTER BARBER GREG EPPS

1. How did you decide to be a barber?

As a kid growing up in Missouri, the first day of school was a big deal. It was a time to show off your new shoes, your new clothes, your Trapper Keeper, and of course, your fresh new haircut. The only problem for me was I never went to a barbershop. In an effort to save money, my Dad would cut my hair. Between you and me, the cuts never turned out that great. Finally, after years of bad cuts (and I think my Mother's sympathy for me), my Mom took me to a barbershop. I could not believe the atmosphere and camaraderie around me. It was truly amazing! This is when I knew I wanted to become a barber.

 

2. What do you most like about your career?

That it doesn't feel like a job. When you are doing something you love, it doesn't feel like work. I love the art of barbering! It is amazing how you can transform someone and make him/her look completely different than when they first walked in. I treat all of my clients like celebrities. Once they receive their fresh cut, they look and feel like a celebrity!

 

3. What do you like most about Sola?

I like that I am able to have control over my career. There is more freedom being my own boss. I like that I can control the environment and atmosphere from the shop set up to the amenities. The amenities I offer are top shelf...whether you want to watch a football game, your favorite TV show, listen to your favorite music, play a little Xbox or PlayStation, or quench your thirst with a variety of beverages I have on hand. Sola has given me the opportunity to open my own shop, Expensive Taste Barbershop. I know with all of my hard work, I will obtain the great connections and networking to share my art and passion with the world.

 

4. What do your clients think about your barbershop at Sola Salons?

Expensive Taste Barbershop is more than just a shop. It is an experience! My clients enjoy my passion for the art of barbering and how everything is set up. It is a place where you can come to relax, get things off your mind, have a shoulder or even an ear to lean on and help you confidently grow into the person you want to be, while getting the best haircut!

 

5. You were one of the first to sign-up for Woodbury, months before construction even started. How did you know that Sola would be the right decision to make without having the store to walk into?

I had no worries. I knew opening my own shop was always something I wanted to do. This was the perfect time to do it. Location was definitely key to my decision. I knew I wanted to be closer to home and Sola is in a great neighborhood. Faith has a huge place in my life. I always put my faith first and knew with hard work, my shop would succeed.

 

6. What do you think is the biggest difference between a “barber” and “cosmetologist hair stylist” someone who cuts hair?

I believe barbers are known for their precise cuts and fades, while cosmetologists are known for cutting, styling and coloring hair. Barbers are advanced with straight razor shaves and the cuts they can perfect with their clippers. I like to think of myself as an artist with every client that walks through my door, being a new sculpture. This is what makes up the art of barbering.

 

7. How did you come up with the name Expensive Taste Barbershop?

I grew up in a bad neighborhood in Missouri. Both of my parents worked hard to provide for my sister and me. We didn't have much growing up but I knew if I wanted nice things, I would have to work for them. Seeing others with nice things made me realize that I also preferred the finer things in life...or an expensive taste. This is how I came up with the name Expensive Taste Barbershop. It is not about the haircut cost being expensive it is about looking, and feeling "expensive" with a great cut!

 

8. How can someone set up an appointment?

They can book online at www.vagaro.com/ExpensiveTasteBarbershop

 

Expensive Taste Barbershop is in Sola Salons, located in Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center in Woodbury, MN. Expensive Taste Barbershop offers everything needed in a full service barbershop for a reasonable price. Our services include bald fade, brush fade, all even, style cut, line up, taper, afro taper, gumby fade, mohawk, frohawk, designs, clipper shave, high top box fade, hot lather razor face and neck shave. I pride myself in being a barber, and my goal is to provide each client with the ultimate barber experience with exceptional services that keep you coming back for more. WATCH MY VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE