Meet Enrique Mendez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Enrique Mendez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Enrique, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from where I come from — both geographically and culturally. In the city of Chicago, where hustle isn’t just a mindset, it’s a necessity. I started cutting hair at 15, not because it was trendy, but because I knew I wanted to create something of my own. I didn’t wait for permission — I just got to work.

Eventually, I made my way into downtown Chicago, which was a major level-up. Being surrounded by that energy pushed me to think bigger, so I took a leap and opened 3 barbershops in Austin, Texas. That time taught me a lot about growth, risk, and building systems that could work beyond just my chair. I even ventured in the bar/ service industry for a bit — always learning, always evolving.

But I came back to Chicago with a purpose. This city raised me, and I wanted to plant stronger roots here — which is why I re-branded and created Headliners Studio, a barbershop and supply store with a online store that provides clients and barbers with necessities at home and behind the chair. I’m Latino, a father of two, and everything I do is about building something real, not just for me, but for my kids — and hopefully their kids. For me, it’s about creating generational wealth and showing them that legacy doesn’t have to come from money — it comes from discipline, vision, and relentless effort.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an entrepreneur and barber, but more than that, I’m a builder. I started cutting hair at 15 in Cicero, Illinois, and that skill became the foundation for everything I’ve built since. What started as a hustle turned into a career, then into a brand. I’ve opened shops in downtown Chicago and Austin, Texas — and recently, I returned to open a new shop in Chicago with a renewed focus and vision.

What makes this journey exciting for me isn’t just the cuts — it’s the culture. Barbershops are community hubs. They’re places where trust is built, stories are shared, and people leave feeling better than when they walked in. I’ve always wanted to create spaces that reflect that — where quality, consistency, and experience are everything.

Outside of the barber world, I’ve explored the bar industry and other ventures, but the mission remains the same: build something that lasts.

Right now, I’m focused on elevating the brand — from expanding services to curating exclusive experiences in the shops. I’m also working on some community-based events and collaborations that I’m excited to announce soon.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were consistency, adaptability, and vision.

Consistency was everything in the beginning. At 15, cutting hair in Cicero, I didn’t have a blueprint — just clippers and drive. Showing up every day, putting in the reps, building trust with clients — that’s what laid the foundation. Skill matters, but consistency builds reputation.

Adaptability came next. As I moved from the neighborhood to downtown Chicago, then to Austin, and back to Chicago again, I had to adjust to new markets, different clientele, and bigger business responsibilities. I learned how to pivot, how to delegate, and how to evolve with each move.

Vision is what keeps me going. I’ve always seen past the chair. Every cut, every conversation, every decision was part of a bigger picture: building something that could outlive me. That vision helped me take risks, open multiple shops, and think about legacy, not just income.

For anyone starting out, my advice is this: don’t rush success. Get great at your craft, stay consistent even when no one’s watching, and stay open to change — because the path won’t be linear. Most importantly, define your ‘why’ early. If you’re just chasing money, you’ll burn out. But if you’re chasing purpose, you’ll build something real.”

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without a doubt, my dad has been the most influential person in shaping who I am — both personally and professionally. From as early as I can remember, I watched him work tirelessly without complaining. He didn’t just talk about work ethic — he lived it. Whether it was long hours, taking care of the family, or finding a way to make ends meet, he always showed up. That example stuck with me.

But it wasn’t just the grind — it was how he carried himself. My dad taught me that being kind and genuine doesn’t make you weak; it makes you stand out. In business, especially as a barber and entrepreneur, relationships are everything. The way you treat people matters, and I learned that from watching him treat everyone — no matter who they were — with respect and humility.

His hustle, his motivation, and his ability to push through challenges without losing himself inspired my own journey. Every time I face a setback, I think about how he would handle it — with grit, grace, and no excuses. He gave me the blueprint without ever needing to say much — he led by example. And that foundation has helped me build everything I have today.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://head-liners.com
• Instagram: kike__mendez