The Barber Education Academy is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation and is locally owned by Mr. Javier & Mrs. Wendy Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez serves as lead instructor and Mrs. Hernandez is the Chief Administrator. They have been married for 27 years and have 5 children, the youngest being 8 yrs. old and oldest 26 years old. Mr. & Mrs. Hernandez are firm believers of the importance of education. They have instilled the importance of education in their children since they were a very young age, furthermore they have always encouraged their children to pursue a higher education after high school graduation. They are very proud of what their children have accomplished throughout the years. The eldest graduated from United High School and attended Laredo College and TAMIU, where she earned a degree in Systems Engineering. Upon graduation she was hired by a very prestigious well-known high-tech company as an engineer. Their second oldest child graduated from United High School and is currently pursuing a degree in fine arts from Laredo College. Their third child graduated from LBJ High/Early College earning an associates degree in Arts from Laredo College while also graduating from High School and is currently pursuing a degree in engineering at TAMIU. Mr. Hernandez recalls the time when he decided to pursue a career in barbering at the age of 21. He willingly relocated to Dallas, Tx. to enroll in a barber school to obtain his barber license. During that time Mrs. Hernandez also earned a degree in business administration, later returning to Laredo to work for a nonprofit organization for many years. It was until 2007 when she was forced to stop working to start caring for one of their children who had been diagnosed with a life threating illness. Mrs. Hernandez would go on to dedicate her time to care for her child and the two children they had at the time. She also devoted her time to volunteer for Make- A- Wish, Relay for Life, Starlight Children's Foundation, Laredo Pediatric Cancer Support Group. In 1998 Javier graduated from Texas Barber Colleges in Dallas, Tx. He obtained his barber license and returned to Laredo where he began his career as a licensed barber working at a local barbershop earning $4.80 per haircut. Through the course of his career Javier practiced as a full-time barber in the city of Laredo Texas where he gained a reputation as a “Master Detailed Barber”. In 2010 Javier decided to pursue a career in the barber education field where he enrolled at Williams Barber College and commuted to San Antonio, Tx on a weekly basis to receive his Instructor License all while also earning a degree in Computer Network Systems at another San Antonio College. Javier has trained, employed, mentored, and inspired many local key stylist and barbers to fulfill their passion for the beauty and barber profession. In 2018 Mr. & Mrs. Hernandez joined forces and their professional background expertise and on November 26, 2018, The Barber Education Academy opened its doors where they proudly serve the Laredo community. The institution offers 2 programs, the Class A Barber Program, and the Operator to Class A Barber Program and offers affordable barbering services to the public. The Laredo community no longer must move out of town to pursue a career in barbering. In 2019 Mr. Hernandez was admitted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Exam Review Committee for the barbering department which he is very proud to serve and contribute to the barbering industry for the State of Texas.
On December 8, 2021, the institution a was awarded national accreditation by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. The commission’s evaluation process included an extensive self-study by the institution and intensive review by a visiting team of professional educators representing commission’s member institutions from other states. By meeting requirements for accreditation, we’ve demonstrated a commitment and compliance with all required standards that ensure quality and integrity on career & technical education is met.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
At The Barber Education Academy, we create a barber culture in traditional and trending styles in order to maintain all standards of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Our school aims to surpass all minimal standards that the department has put in place by providing the students with the most updated equipment, material content, technology, and subject expert matter professor and presenters available. The Barber Education Academy is equipped with licensed barber instructors with many years of barbershop experience who can provide professional training and mentoring. We aspire to prepare each student for professional and personal success in an ever-changing and dynamic industry by creating opportunities for every student to excel in the barber and the beauty trade. Our goal is to ensure all students pass the state board exam and graduate with pride and confidence to reach and surpass all their career goals. The Barber Education Academy is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, and is a partner school with Milady. The Barber Education Academy also provides training for students sponsored by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation & offers Veterans Educational Benefits/GI Bill.
