Angel Alvarado likes to take his time. When he’s giving a client a haircut at his Everett barbershop, Double A Cuts, he never rushes. But when he first met Josh and Laycee Gwyther of Executive Beauty Suites, he knew immediately that he wanted to move his business there.
“There was no point in looking around at other locations — this is where I feel comfortable. It’s home. It was the best decision I could ever make, honestly,” he says.
Alvarado started cutting hair out of his garage in 2019, and got a job at a Lynnwood barbershop after completing school and getting his professional license.
“That was a great experience — I learned a lot and had time to grow. But even though it was nice, I knew I wanted to start my own business.”
No one in Alvarado’s family has experience running a small business, which made his partnership with Josh and Laycee Gwyther even more meaningful.
“They explained the process very well and told me exactly what I needed. They really care about what YOU want, and make sure you’re doing things right so you’ll be successful. Getting ideas from someone in the business has been really valuable for me.”
Best fade in the Pacific Northwest
This fall Alvarado entered Battle of the Barbers, the largest barber competition in Washington, to test his skill against barbers up and down the west coast. He earned second place for fastest fade, completing a straight razor line up, shaved sides (and no knicks!) in just nine minutes. But remember that Alvarado prizes quality over speed, so the real honor was earning first place for best fade.
“I did a fade all around and added a design at the back. You didn’t have to add a design, but I think that really caught the attention of the judges.”
At his Executive Beauty Suites shop, Alvarado enjoys having a private space where he can give his clients one-on-one attention and ensure they walk out with exactly the cut they ask for. And whenever he has questions about tax accounting, marketing or growing his business, Laycee and Josh are happy to help.
“They’re so willing to help me grow my business — they don’t have to do that!”
Follow Double A Cuts on Instagram @doubleacutzz, and book your appointment at doubleabarbershop.booksy.com.
Executive Beauty Suites empowers new and established entrepreneurs by providing an environment where independent businesses can thrive at 111 SE Everett Mall Way, Building F, Everett. Learn more at exbsuites.com.
