Cutting Toward Success: How Daniel Salvador Built a Barbering Career While Studying Full-Time at CSULB

Daniel Salvador sits in a barber chair at Presidential Barber Lounge, reflecting on his journey from a self-taught hobbyist to a full-time barber and student entrepreneur building his brand at age 20.

For many students, college is a time to explore passions and test career paths, but for Daniel Salvador, a Business Marketing major at California State University Long Beach, it’s also been a time to build a brand. At just 20 years old, Salvador has turned his interest in barbering into a full-time career, cutting hair at Presidential Barber Lounge in Lakewood, California, where he rents his own station. His journey shows what’s possible when ambition meets discipline, and how student entrepreneurs can thrive even while balancing packed academic schedules. Salvador is redefining what it means to be a student entrepreneur, one haircut at a time.

From Hobby to Hustle

Salvador's barbering journey began in the summer of 2022, when he picked up clippers and started experimenting after learning the basics from YouTube. “At first it was just a hobby,” he says, “but I’ve always tried to push myself toward growth in every aspect of my life — school, sports, faith — so turning my interest into a small business just felt like the natural next step.”

What began as casual cuts for friends evolved into a paid service within a year. By September 2023, Salvador was officially working in a barbershop, not for the money but for the experience. It was there that he realized barbering could be more than a side gig, it could be his future.

His early days were grueling: “I’d go from class at 8 a.m. to cutting hair until 7 p.m., and then work a fast food job until 2:30 a.m.,” Salvador recalls. “Some weeks, after paying booth rent, I’d profit only $10. But that time gave me a real appreciation and respect for my craft.”

By March 2024, his hard work paid off. He built a steady clientele, honed his skills, and finally left his fast food job to focus on barbering full-time.

Balancing Clippers and Coursework

Today, Salvador's schedule is a masterclass in time management. Two days a week are devoted entirely to schoolwork and business development, from studying and attending classes to editing videos, maintaining his website, and managing appointments. The rest of his week is spent serving clients, traveling for house calls, and competing in statewide barbering competitions.

“It’s a pretty busy schedule to keep up with,” Salvador says, “But staying busy has been and will continue to be the key to my success.”

Still, he’s candid about the challenges. “Time management is easily the hardest part. Juggling multiple jobs, school, and personal life at 20 is tough — but I try to see these barriers as blessings preparing me for life’s next challenge.”

Entrepreneurship on Campus: Support and Gaps

Salvador's story reveals both the potential and the pressure that comes with being a student entrepreneur. While CSULB offers strong resources for business-minded students, including the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship led by Dr. Wade Martin, and opportunities through the Beach Investment Group, there’s room to expand resources that address the realities of student-run businesses.

Hands-on guidance around financial literacy, small business funding, workspace access, and licensing could help students like Salvador navigate the jump from side hustle to sustainable venture. His experience demonstrates that passion and perseverance can take students far, but more institutional support could amplify those efforts.

Looking Ahead: Beyond the Chair

Salvador finishes a haircut as the client smiles, highlighting the everyday interactions that define his small business' culture.

Salvador's goals extend far beyond his station at the Presidential Barber Lounge. By Spring 2026, he hopes to open his own ten plus chair barbershop, a major milestone that would allow him to step into a leadership role. Long-term, he plans to explore new ventures and ultimately move into business consulting, helping others build and scale their own dreams.

“Barbering will always have a special place in my life,” he says. “But after graduation, I want to use what I’ve learned to help others grow — not just behind the chair, but in business too.”

Redefining Success

After three years of cutting hair, balancing school, and building his clientele from scratch, Salvador's definition of success remains simple but powerful.

“Success to me is building something meaningful through hard work and purpose,” he says. “My goal is to provide for my future family and make my current family proud. Every step I take moves me closer to that.”

Through his dedication, Daniel Salvador shows what’s possible when students turn their side hustles into something greater. His story serves as a reminder that success doesn’t always wait until after graduation, sometimes, it’s already taking shape right in the classroom, or in Salvador's case, behind the barber’s chair.