Meet BSBA Member Annie Ustayan, American Vintage Barbershop
What's your perfect day in Belmont Shore?
My perfect day in Belmont Shore would consist of grabbing a morning cup of coffee on 2nd Street and walking down to either Bay Shore, or the Bike Path/walkway on Ocean Blvd and enjoying the fresh morning air and scenery. An afternoon lunch at Open Sesame would follow, ending the day with retail therapy in Belmont Shore.
If you could visit another place in this reality or another, where would you go?
I would visit Heaven. I would ask Carlos, if I make him proud with running our shops and I would thank him for giving me this opportunity to provide for our children.
Classic, modern and specialty mens haircuts. Offering traditional straight razor shaves performed by expert barbers in a cool, relaxed atmosphere. Appointment based, and welcome walk-ins upon availability.
203 Covina Ave
Long Beach, CA
562.987.2887 <--- Make your appointment today!
How’d you get your start?
My late husband, Carlos Gomez and I decided that it was time for us to open up our own barbershop after he had spent years working on perfecting his craft. While starting a small business is very risky and stressful at times, we were ready for the challenge. I was working in a Cancer Diagnostics Lab and fully supported us while he got our business up and running. We opened the doors in May of 2011 and began our journey as business owners. After gaining experience, we built up the confidence to open up a second location in Whittier Ca all while our family was growing with 2 baby girls. Sadly, Carlos tragically passed away in 2015 in a motorcycle accident. I decided to keep our shops open and run them myself to honor him, his hard work and dedication. We are now going on 12 years at American Vintage Barbershop.
What led you to having your business in Belmont Shore?
As newlyweds we decided to move to Belmont shore as he was working in Long Beach at the time. After living in Belmont Shore for a few months, and completely falling in love with the community, we decided that this would be the place we start our new business. Plus, what better way to commute to work than with a short walk down Covina Ave.
What skills do you incorporate into running your business?
My role at American Vintage Barbershop is strictly behind the scenes. I take care of the finances, as well as marketing and social media. Not to mention, I come in every Monday, when the shop is closed to make sure the shop is nice and clean for the week ahead.
What holds more value for you: creativity or knowledge?
Both creativity and knowledge are very important in owning a business. To me, knowledge and learning/adapting came easier than creativity. Once I established the knowledge it takes to run a business I found that at times I would struggle with the creative aspect. Coming up with new ideas and having a vision doesn’t come naturally for me, but I think I’ve gotten better at it with experience.
