STATEN ISLAND — Angela “Angie” Russo says she has never been “the average woman.”
“I’m more into sneakers, clothing and cars. I’m very in touch with male fashion, and I just like that whole atmosphere. And I feel like a woman definitely knows what a man likes, wants and needs,” she said, noting this helped dictate a career change from medial billing to becoming a barber and hairstylist.
Angela “Angie” Russo decided to make a career change from medial billing to haircutting and styling in barber shops.(Photos courtesy of Angela Russo)
After working in the barber industry for 10 years — including at a New Jersey salon and Against Da Grain Barbershop in Tompkinsville — she decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Russo opened her own unisex Concord-based barbershop, aptly named “The Shoppe” in December.
“Being a woman-owned barbershop has its challenges, but I love a challenge,” said Russo. “It’s a male environment; you have to hold your standards higher, and be strong and firm due to the environment. Some men do not like a woman boss.”
She also moved a business she opened in 2020, The Sneaker Room, which sells an array of popular footwear brands, from New Balance to Jordans, to the location.
The Sneaker Room is located within The Shoppe in Concord.(Photos courtesy of Angela Russo)
NOT YOUR ORDINARY BARBER SHOP
The Targee Street-based barber shop has a unique layout with four booth stations and an equal number of private suites. “The suites are offered to stylists or barbers with heavy client followings,” said Russo.
Offering an array of barber shop and salon services, Russo’s staff, in addition to herself, is made up of four barbers, two braiders and one stylist.
“My shop is unique because it is literally a one-stop-shop. I offer a lot of services, such as braids, dreadlocks, color, styling, skin care and retail all under one roof,” she said. “My shop is very diverse. When you walk into my shop, you will see nothing but…
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