HoweEnterprise.com
December 9, 2019
Barber Shop
Owner Roger Alcala gives one of his first haircuts at his new location in Howe. (Continued from page 1)
“We do everything. You can get a straight razor hot lather towel shave and every cut includes hot lather around the neck and ears,” said owner Robert Alcala who says barbering is a lot of art. “The new generation of barbers seems to care more about the shoes or the clothes that they wear. The real art of barbering has been changed so we try to keep it like old school and we cater to everyone. We take pride in our work—I’m a detailer.” Along with Alcala are two other barbers Zack Perez and John Hale. Perez has been with Good Fellas for just over a year in Anna while Hale, who has been a barber since 1964 has been with Alcala for four years. “I’m here for the old guys,” said the very likable Hale who is a former Industrial Arts teacher of 29 years where he retired from Garland ISD. He’s also a veteran of the US Marine Corps. While he grew up in Pleasant Grove, he eventually operated a five-chair barbershop in Kerrville before moving back to North Texas. “My dad and uncle had a barbershop and mom and dad had a beauty shop so all of us kids and cousins went to barber school,” Hale said. Alcala, age 42, is originally from Los Angeles, CA where he wanted to cut hair since he was a teenager. He would practice cutting his nephew's hair, but without
funds to attend school he found himself with a lawn business that he eventually had to get rid of because of an issue with heat where he had heat strokes. Moving to McKinney, TX in 2006, he decided he was going to try and find a school that he could afford so that he could do what he’s supposed to do in life—cut hair. He found Sol Barber Academy in Lewisville (now located in Dallas). “I went there and talked to the owner and they gave me an opportunity so I started going to school there,” said Alcala. “I learned how to cut hair and learn the basics and I’ve been a licensed barber since 2013. My main goal to get my license was to open up my own shop and not work for anyone.” In September 2014, he opened up his own store in Anna called Good Fellas Barber Shop. After being there for five years and watching Anna evolve into a larger city, the landlord went from small-town rent to big city rent which forced Alcala to look elsewhere. “It’s been stressful and I couldn’t do it without the help of my wife and family and first of all God,” said Alcala. “The City of Howe welcomed us with opened arms and we appreciate that so much.” Alcala said he was stressing because he contacted the landlord three months before the lease was up because he likes to do things (Continued on page 8)
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