We feel it’s important to tell the stories of our mentors. It’s a way to document their talents and gifts and the doorways they have opened for others.
This page is dedicated to the history that was made during Joe Gonzalez’s career as a barber. We honor the legacy he leaves and will continue on as he has taught us.
Joe attended Moler Barber School and was licensed in 1967. He worked at San Juan Barbershop on Division in Humboldt Park through the late 70s. In 1977, he left San Juan to open up his own shop, Joe’s Hair Styles for Men, on Armitage and Humboldt Boulevard. He closed down this shop in 1993 to take over Angelo’s Barbershop on Armitage and California and was there until 2004. In 2004, he sold Angelo’s and returned to his original location to re-open as Joe’s Hair Studio.
William Hernandez has worked alongside Joe since 1975. Together, they served families across several generations. Customers knew Joe as “The Christian Barber,” and referred to the shop as “The House of Peace.”
Ricardo Sepeda met Joe and William in 2016, while still a barber student. He visited the shop regularly to learn from the master barbers. Joe took an interest in Ricardo and even though he was still in school, Joe offered Ricardo the opportunity to take over as the owner of shop once he became a licensed barber.
After nearly 50 years of service, Joe decided to retire. He has left Ricardo with big shoes to fill and a legacy of excellence to uphold.