We had the good fortune of connecting with Carley Fant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carley, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
When we began brainstorming our vision for Tiger’s Eye Barbershop, our top priority was creating a safe and welcoming space for the Atlanta community. Our client’s trust, loyalty and support continue to make our vision a reality. The vibrancy felt in the shop is created by our clients who allow us to be the people they trust with their hair in a relaxing but creative environment. 2020 was a year that will never be forgotten. Through the devastation and despair caused globally by Covid-19, I constantly found myself looking for the silver linings. I can honestly say the love and support felt through our community kept us going. There were so many tough decisions to be made that no one previously had to think about. I was so afraid once we reopened that with all the precautions in place the shop would lose its soul a bit; however it was quite the opposite. You’re going through these crazy and terrible times together and my clients were such a huge source of relief, hope and continued faith in humanity. You’re seeing all these people throw fits at businesses requiring masks and you see it from this angle of sorrow for everyone having to go through that. If I could say “thank you” a million times for the patience and understanding along the way, it wouldn’t be nearly enough. We felt no resistance for safety protocols and only love and encouragement from our amazing family of clients and for that I am eternally grateful. Our success is equal to the love, support and trust we receive daily from our Tiger’s Eye family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For years the barber industry has been male dominated which was challenging early on in my career. I think guys would be hesitant to have a woman cut their hair if they were traditionally used to it being a man. There’s this idea of how can you know how to trim my beard if you don’t have one, etc. Although for the most part times are changing, there are shops that still won’t allow women to work in them or to have their hair serviced. As a queer, women-owned business, we strive to make a more progressive environment while maintaining the best aspects of barbering. We see hair as long or short, not assigning gender to Keratin. We want to provide a space where we do all hair be it long, short, straight or curly, while also cultivating a creative art space. We would love to connect with more local artists and small businesses in the future and I’m excited to see what unfolds with these collaborations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is my hometown and I could go on and on about how much love I have for this city. You can go on a hike, grab some amazing food and check out a live show all in the same day. Some of my favorite spots: Piedmont park on a pretty sunny day. There’s a vibrancy in Piedmont Park that can’t be matched. I could sit on a blanket and people watch until the sun goes down. Live Music: Terminal West is my favorite small, intimate venue. They do an amazing job booking artists that you will likely never see in that size venue again. Terminal West holds some of my favorite music memories. Other favorites would include Variety Playhouse, Center Stage, Aisle 5 and the Tabernacle. Restaurants: Homegrown for breakfast, Emerald City for bagels, Agave for southwestern meets southern, Ecco for cheese and pasta, The Local for wings and beer, and The Wing Bar for to-go orders Nature: Sweetwater Creek, Arabia Mountain, Chattahoochee River (don’t open your mouth) , Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Oakland Cemetery and Doll’s Head Trail Art: ABV Gallery, Atlanta Living Walls, Krog St Tunnel and obviously The High Museum of Art

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many pieces that collectively created the outcome of where I am today. I come from a very hardworking family that instilled many valuable traits early on. They gave me the freedom to make my own choices and take my own path in life while understanding that you must work hard to get to where you want to go. When you begin your career in any field I believe you are a product of your education and the foundation that’s placed early on. I thank each and every educator that’s showed me the ropes. I had the honor of apprenticing under many stylists at Three-13 Salon in Marietta. For me the apprenticeship in cosmetology not only provided the basis of my cutting skills, but also taught me valuable lessons in customer service and hard work. I later attended CEI in Atlanta for my barber license and learned more in depth knowledge within the barber community. The community of barbers both in my school settings and online is very special. Barbers are constantly posting insight and knowledge that they’ve gained along the way, sharing tutorials and inspiration. It’s such a special network of people that are looking to push one another to be the best they can be. It’s all about community over competition. While working in other shops I was lucky enough to cross paths with Helene Kelman, my business partner. I’m very grateful to have found someone with the same vision, passion and dedication. It’s been so exciting to see us both grow and evolve both as a business and as individuals. I’m very excited to see what the future holds and I count her in my blessings daily. I would also like to give a shout-out to my partner, Sara Lorraine who continuously pushes me to be a better person, provides me with so much support & love, and is an incredible sounding board for all life’s challenges. Also to my friends who inspire me daily and remind me that life is such a beautiful experience. I cherish my loved ones and wouldn’t be half of the person I am without them.

Website: https://tigerseyebarbershop.com/

Instagram: @carleyfant & @tigerseyebarbershop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tigerseyebarbershop

Image Credits
Mike McLenighan David Clifton-Strawn Grey Hardy

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