After a career of listening to customer stories as a licensed barber, Elizabeth Manuel is telling her own story of a successful shop owner in the male dominated grooming industry. Published through Halo Publishing International, Manuel’s book, Beautiful, Beautiful, the Haircut’s Not Bad Either, will inspire readers to follow their hearts and be strong, capable leaders in their own chosen field.
The book details the obstacles and rewards of ‘making it’ in a traditionally male profession. “My courage in battling stereotypes and gender biases has led to a joyous career and a great deal of stories,” the author said. “It is a testament to both self-reliance and resilience in a highly volatile and character filled workplace.”
At age 32, with three children, Manuel said she ended a 16-year marriage to a controlling husband. While married, she wasn’t “allowed” to work, but once divorced, she needed income to support her family. She tried various jobs including factory and office work, but she finally found her calling as a barber, a job that directly deals with people one on one. Manuel said her first big break in the business was 34 years ago at a shop in Independence, Ohio, a suburb that borders Cleveland, where she worked for eight years.
And while she’s happy to have mastered the talent of barbering, she’s even prouder be the successful owner of Elizabeth’s Barber Shop on Broadview Road in Parma. Manuel said the 28 years as a shop owner proved to her that if you have faith and work hard, you can have anything you want.
“You can fulfill your dream if you keep a positive attitude when faced with disappointment,” she said.
Halo Publisher Lisa Umina said Beautiful, Beautiful, the Haircut’s Not Bad Either is the story of a life accomplished through challenge. “People will be inspired to follow their dreams,” she said.
Manuel said her daughter, Josette, has worked with her the past 25 years and a grandson learned the trade and has joined the family business. The author continues to barber a couple of days a week.
