Meet Nicole Karl

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Karl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been drawn to the creative side of life. Even outside of barbering, art has been a consistent passion—something that’s both instinctual and deeply fulfilling. People have often told me I have a sharp eye for detail and aesthetics, and I’ve always gravitated toward outlets that allow me to bring that to life.

Barbering was a natural starting point because it let me turn creativity into something practical and personal. It’s a profession rooted in transformation and self-expression—not just for the client, but for the artist behind the clippers. What makes a creative career so rewarding is that it allows you to shape experiences, evoke emotion, and constantly evolve. And when you’re always evolving, staying inspired becomes second nature—burnout doesn’t stand a chance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started in cosmetology—immersed in scissor cuts and blowouts—before trading it all for smooth fades and clean shaves. Stepping into barbering meant starting over, grinding from the ground up, and completely rebranding myself to define how I wanted to be seen in the world of men’s grooming.

I went from employee to independent, learning every lesson the hard way: you’re only as good as your last cut, and if you don’t put in the work, you don’t move forward.

One of the biggest challenges has been staying humble and kind in an industry that often rewards ego over authenticity. But I’ve made it a mission not to blend in, but to stand out—with integrity, not arrogance. Because for me, it’s never been about the money—it’s about the art , the people, and the stories behind every cut.

Now, with my tools in hand and a heart full of purpose, I’m taking this passion abroad—cutting overseas, connecting with cultures, and sharing my love for the craft one fade at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being temporarily located in my hometown of San Diego it’s simple
Bali Hai for killer views and great food
Lue Lue’s at the Lafayette for live music and good times.
And for a fresh cut I’ll always recommend Pappy’s Barbershop
hands down the best shop in town—well established with solid barbers and great vibes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While I’m proud to be largely self-made in my barbering journey, I’ll always shine a light on the clients who’ve sat in my chair over the past 15 years—they’ve been my greatest teachers, and everything I do is dedicated to them. That said, I also owe a major shoutout to the House of Reuzel and the Old School Barber Academy in Rotterdam. Schorem’s unapologetically classic style, dedication to education, and deep respect for tradition lit the spark for me early on and laid a foundation that continues to guide my craft to this day.

Website: https://Www.pappysbarbershop.com

Instagram: Xo.nicoleelizabethh

Image Credits
Photography by : Tyler Aghas
Instagram @the_digital_daze