Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joe Fedda, owner of Upper Kutz, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Upper Kutz Barbershop is a male hairstyle-focused barbershop specializing in all hair types, fades, razor shaves, beards, facial masks, and waxing. We take care of all age clients and focus on precision and quality.

Tell us about yourself

I moved from Ontario to Alberta in 2011. My story is very different than most. I was a 3rd-year auto tech apprentice but got into a major MVA in 2009 that left me blind for about three months, but after surgeries, I was able to see from my right eye but left legally blind in my left. Doctors pushed me to get out of the industry, so I ended up getting into barbering out West. I loved it and perused it as a career path. I had a passion for it. I then opened up my barbershop in 2016 in a central part of Calgary.

I started my business because I have always been driven to be my own business owner and make my dream into something real. Not expecting it to be a barbershop, but that’s why life is so amazing it’s never exactly what you had in mind. Sometimes for the better! I grew up in low-income housing with a rougher past that gave me the drive and motivation to never want my family to experience what I did. My wife and kids are the reason why my business has become the success it is. They are the reason why I wake up every day and give it my 110%. I don’t only want to give the best cuts but also want to give the future generations motivation to never let life and the obstacles break you! Preserving is what everyone can do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being one of the best top-rated barbershops in the city when I started with no clientele, not knowing many people, and having an amazing team building together.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Separating business from family because family and time are the most important things to me, but in owning a business, some sacrifices have to happen to reach your goals.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Don’t stress about what you can’t control. Never allow fear to make you give up, alter or change your dreams. Always keep in mind that teamwork makes the dream work, without them, there is no you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You can’t teach someone passion, so finding passionate people who love what they do are always worth investing in to join your team.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://upperkutz.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upperkutzyyc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperkutzyyc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/upperkutz1

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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