INA, Ill. (Aug. 29, 2023)—Studio RLC graduate and successful small business owner Nate Vaughn was recently featured in the popular magazine BarberEVO.
Nate Vaugn posing with the latest issue of BarberEVO.
Vaughn graduated from Studio RLC in 2016, obtained his barber license and opened Nate’s Barbershop, located in Energy. The tools he gained at Studio RLC were pivotal. But like many graduates from the studio’s cosmetology, barber, esthetics, and nail tech programs; Vaughn’s journey really started before Studio RLC. He started cutting his own hair back in 2011 while he was attending Herrin High School. Then he ventured into trying different hairstyles on his friends and family.
After graduating from high school in 2013, he attended MacMurray College where he played football while earning his Physical Education degree. He continued cutting hair for his classmates, team, and coaches. Unfortunately, two years into his studies, the college shuttered its P.E. program. On his drive home, he saw a Rend Lake College billboard advertising the new Barber program that was set to happen in the fall. Vaughn took that as a sign and made his decision to attend school right then.
Vaughn said that some of the highlights of starting his own business have been the excitement of taking unknown risks and the personal feeling of accomplishment. “I have something to leave my children,” he said. “Everything that I do is for the hope that my family will cherish this business and carry it on for generations.”
His recent feature in BarberEVO talks about Beards & Riff — a local, all-natural grooming product company that Vaughn swears by and uses in his own shop. “Beards & Riff has helped me take my business to the next level,” Vaughn said. “The owners, Wayne and Nathan, have become personal friends of mine.” BarberEVO is reportedly the most sought-after barbering magazine in North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The content they publish encapsulates the ever-growing industry in bi-monthly publications.
Vaughn is excited to be featured in such a popular barbering magazine. “It’s confirmation that what we are doing in our small barbershop is making a difference,” he said. “It gives me the motivation to be better for every client that walks through the doors at Nate’s Barbershop.”
His advice to those interested in starting a barber career is to not be afraid of taking risks. “If you don’t try, you’ll always wonder what if? Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams.”