Few symbols in retail evoke a feeling of nostalgia similar to the slow, spinning, and iconic red, white, and blue barber pole that calls out to customers. But more than a beacon for business, the pole underscores the collegial essence of a barbershop, where a haircut connects neighbors one snip at a time. In the Village of Grayslake, 40 miles north of Chicago, community alignment is at the core of the business plan that Maira Soto created when she opened Good American Barber Company in 2022.

“Here at Good American Barber Company, experience is very important to us, because we want to make sure that when you come in, you feel like family,” said Maira, who grew up in Grayslake. “We’re very family oriented. We’re very community oriented. So, we want to really reflect that with the experience that you’re getting here.”

The shop, which specializes in short hair cuts for men and women as well as traditional shaves, pays homage to Maira’s heritage as a Mexican American.

“The name of my shop, Good American Barber Company, originated from my background. It’s essentially my love letter to my family,” explained Maira. “My parents are Mexican. I am a first generation Mexican American. Moving from Mexico to this country, and what they did for us kids was the gift to dream and to pursue that dream. It’s also a reminder to immigrants and first-generation citizens that you are a good American, and you can definitely pursue your dream and make it happen.”

Dreaming big

Growing up with four brothers in a big, yet tightly knit family, Maira fondly recalled the many hours spent at barber shops with her siblings. She said she was so taken by the barber/customer relationship that she initially pursued a career as a hair stylist at a salon. In fact, while in high school, Maira attended a technical school and earned her cosmetology license. But after working in a salon, she said she realized the salon world was not her calling. Opting for a career as a barber, as opposed to pursuing a traditional college education, was not an easy decision according to Maira.

“I had a tough conversation with my family that college might not be an option for me,” Maira recalled. “I kind of leaned more toward barbering. It’s always been an interest of mine.”

With the support of her family, Maira dove into her craft, working for 15 years as a barber while patiently evolving to achieve her dream to open her own shop.

“From the beginning, I always wanted to open a barber shop, but I knew I had to be patient and save,” Maira explained. “I just saved and put away as much as I could. While I was saving money, I was also gathering experience and seeing what it would be like to open a shop.”

Today, Maira says her parents could not be any prouder of her achievements.

“When my parents talk to me about my business, they say how excited they are for me, how happy they are for me, and that I’m really living my life to the fullest.”

Barber pole means welcome

Maira and her team of five barbers work hard to ensure the focus of the shop extends beyond great haircuts and clean shaves. They want to make every client feel valued.

“Not only am I transforming a person with a haircut or a shave, but I’m also connecting with them on a deeper level,” Maira said with a warm smile. “It’s a very intimate setting to have someone buzzing around your head while getting to know little things about their personal life. To be able to change someone’s mood in a matter of a half hour, I think is very powerful, and very impactful.”

To enhance to the shop’s hospitable vibe, Maira’s beloved dog and shop mascot makes the rounds on a regular basis.

“Finn has been with me for a good chunk of my barbering career,” said Maira with a loving smile. “He just brings joy into the shop and an extra personal touch that you get at mom-and-pop barber shops.

“He definitely represents my growth from a young barber to now being a shop owner.”

What truly makes Good American Barber Co. stand out?

“The personal touches,” emphasized Maira. “When you come in, we’re greeting you. We make sure you feel valued and you’re getting the attention you deserve versus going to a chain place.”

Warm sunshine in Grayslake

Maira said she decided to open her business in Grayslake because she lives in the community. “People really do help one another here. They want to see you succeed. Grayslake has welcomed us with open arms,” Maira said. “The love and support they’ve shown us has been amazing.”

And in return, Maira wants to pay it forward with top-tier care for every client who walks though her door.

“We matter because the customers are supporting our dream and passion for barbering,” remarked Maira. “We’re going to give you an unforgettable visit,”

Maira extends her love of community beyond business hours and has made connections with other barbers in the area. She invites them once a month to her shop to talk over ideas, challenges, and other community issues related to their common business interests.

She also sponsors high school and middle school sports teams and is a strong supporter of veterans’ issues in the community.

Support is the key

Maira may be a young entrepreneur, but she wants other retailers who are dreaming about opening their own business to learn from her experiences.

“The advice I would give is once you think you’ve got a location, look into the Chamber of Commerce,” said Maira. “What kind of support do they offer? Are there any benefits to joining? And don’t forget to check with the village and what incentives do they have for small businesses?”

Maira explained to us doing that research can make all the difference in setting up new retailers for success.

“The Chamber of Commerce has been fantastic,” added Maira. “If there are any issues or anything, they’re always very quick to respond and have pretty good incentives here. It truly has been a wonderful experience in Grayslake. Everybody has been very supportive and they just really like to root for small business here.”

Maira clearly establishes a positive culture at Good American Barber Co. making sure that customers get more than a just haircut or trim.

“When I think about myself as a young barber to now, I am proud of myself,” said Maira with confidence. “I didn’t envision this specifically, but I knew that my joy of helping people and being in a place that’s community-oriented was the goal. That’s what I wanted, to have that feeling.”