Success Story: Highland Barber Shop

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Success Story: Highland Barber Shop

Highland Barber Shop is a family business celebrating 50 years in 2022.

Antonio “Tony” Camara opened it up in 1972 to provide a great haircut at a great price. This core value is still at the heart of the shop, shares Raland Camara, one of the original owners’ four sons.

The boys grew up helping out, a first job often sweeping the floor. Raland has been running the shop since both parents have now passed, and he also works as an engineer at Northrop Grumman. He proudly notes how the business helped put all four brothers through college.

His mother found the SBDC through a newspaper article and reached out for assistance. “They have been very helpful to me as I took an active role in running the shop with my mom’s health issues during the pandemic. They were great advisors.

“They helped guide me in terms of licenses and product resale, with COVID support processes and strategy. We weren’t successful in getting government funding due to the income tax structure of the shop. The advisors were helpful in identifying this issue and clearing up the confusion.”

Yet Raland and the business have persevered, working with the SBDC off and on – more so lately in planning 50th anniversary celebrations including partnering with the National City Chamber of Commerce as well as getting creative with marketing. “I would advise reaching out to the SBDC because they just might be able to help you in an area that you just might not expect. I originally reached out for funding support and ended up getting solid advice in terms of running the business.”

Learn more about this inspiring business at highlandbarbershop.com.