Carlos Perez
FounderCarlos Perez, is a father, a barber, and business owner that’s community-driven. My work extends beyond haircuts and beard trims, each client is a collaborator, and each chair is a site for listening. Designed as a place where neighbors meet, stories are traded, and local voices are amplified. Programming workshops, youth paid-apprenticeships, collaborations with schools, nonprofits, collectives and local businesses —anchors the space in accessibility and mutual support. Feedback from clients and collaborators shapes the shop’s services, designs, and outreach. I mentor apprentices with a curriculum that blends technical skill, business literacy, and community ethics.
“A cut should reflect who a person is and who they want to be, while feeling comfortable, durable, and true to their life. My shop is intentionally a place where anyone, regardless of background, can belong, be seen, and be treated with respect”.
BIO
Carlos Perez Graduated from Triccoci University in 2018, I began my career at Oak and Steel from 2018 to 2020. During the pandemic in 2020, I transitioned to 312 Men’s Barbershop in 2021 and later to Refined Barbershop in 2022. In April 2024, I opened Elevated Barbershop, where I hosted an educational class for Triccoci University in March 2025. I celebrated our anniversary with a Sip and Paint collaboration with House of Neon Brains on April 20, 2025, and participated in the Chicago Chess Club Tournament in May 2025. I also engaged in Career Day at Paul Mitchell and a collaboration with CoCreate in May 2025. In August 2025, I was involved in a Paul Mitchell Elevated demonstration, the Battle for the City graffiti battle, and Somos Arte Chicago back-to-school cuts. I continued to host events like Elevated Open Mic in September 2025, the Anime Fashion Show in October 2025, The Shit Show in November 2025, and Figure Drawing in December 2025.