Chris Boyd truly loves being a barber: Every day is different, every haircut is different, and all clients are different. Plus, "I'm the boss," he said.
"The best part of the job is when a client comes to me asking for a service and isn't quite sure what they're looking for," he said. "I love to take what they have given me and turning it into something special that exceeds their expectations. Putting a smile on a client's face is what makes this job terrific."
And yes, he added, "The banter can sometimes be insane in the shop. It all depends on the age-group that's [the shop] in at the time."
Boyd said the biggest job challenge he faces is dealing with the different personalities that sit in his chair. "I'm a basically shy and quiet type of guy, so, if I am dealing with someone that's loud and likes to talk, I can get uncomfortable fairly quickly," he said.
Boyd met his partner, Michael, in 2008, while living in Orlando, Fla.
Michael took the simple approach, simply telling Boyd: "You're cute."
"We [will] have been together five years this October," Boyd said. "Michael proposed [last] December. We are waiting, and hoping, to set a date once Illinois passes marriage equality."
Boyd showcases his sporting passion on the flag football fields, and Michael often is videotaping the action.
"Playing CMSA sports allows me be with other great guys in the gay community and I don't have to worry about being judged or dealing with petty stereotypes. And there is also great competition as well as great camaraderie," Boyd said. "The funniest thing that has happened since playing flag football happened while playing in the Pride Bowl this year [this past June]. I caught a pass and stopped running because I thought I had made it to the end zone. As it turned out, the end zone was another 10 yards away. After hearing my teammates yelling for me to run, I eventually made it and scored a touchdown."
Boyd will be on a Chicago team in the national Gay Bowl in October.
"I'm looking forward to helping bring the trophy back to Chicago," he said.
THE STATS
Age
29
Neighborhood
Hyde Park
Relationship status
Engaged
Job
Barber at Orlando's Barber Studio
Hobbies
Going to the gym, playing video games, reading, music, and going to the movies
Favorite movie
Love & Basketball
Favorite TV show
Modern Family
Four people (living or dead) who you'd like to have dinner with
"My mother (passed), grandmother (passed), President Obama and Dr. [Martin Luther] King"
Biggest obstacle overcome
"It was getting over my mother's death. Even though she isn't here physically, she's with me spiritually."
Little-known fact
"I love collecting gym shoes; I have close to 200 pairs."