Jose Luis Trinidad-Alcaraz has worked at Van Buren Gentlemen's Salon since its opening on Dec. 1, 2011, and said he's "lucky" to be part of the team at such a classy men's salon.
"I'm very proud of the excellent reviews that my clients have given me," he said.
In 2005, Trinidad-Alcaraz opened his own barber shop in Los Angeles.
He was hired at Van Buren Gentleman's Salon on the spot after a phone interview.
Trinidad-Alcaraz works six days a week12-7 p.m., during the week, and then five hours on Saturdays.
"Each day at work for me is exciting and there are several best parts of my job," he said. "One is getting to know my clients and forming a very special bond with them. Another is completely transforming the look of a client, receiving their complete trust and seeing the smile on their face when I finish my job. I also love interacting with my co-workers."
Trinidad-Alcaraz said it was very difficult to leave Mexico for the United States. "To arrive in a new country where I did not know anybody except my father and a couple of my brothers, and to have to learn a new language, [that] was very difficult."
He was instantly hooked on Chicago.
"Nothing can beat summertime here when the whole city comes alive in such an amazing way. The city fits me and I fit the city," Trinidad-Alcaraz said.
THE STATS
Age: 55
Neighborhood: Pilsen
Relationship status: "My spouse, Christopher, and I have a civil-union certificate [and] are anxious to convert it to a marriage license." They met in 1988.
Job title: Barber at Van Buren Gentlemen's Salon, 235 W. Van Buren St.
Background: Born in Mexico, lived in Los Angeles for 35 years, and has called Chicago home since the summer of 2011.
Favorite movie: The Color Purple
Green thumb: "I love gardeningit's a lot of fun to grow vegetables, herbs, and all sorts of plants and flowers. Gardening can be kind of therapeutic because it helps me to relieve stress."
Favorite TV shows: Shark Tank, Modern Family, Trophy Wife and Super Fun Night
Little-known fact: "I love to see the reaction of some of my clients when we are having a conversation while I cut and style their hair. I tell them that, besides being a licensed barber in Illinois and California, I have a degree in ornamental horticulture."