Meet Nicole Karl

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

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to open my own barbershop. The opportunity to open The Velvet Razor overseas was especially meaningful because it gave me the chance to bring that vision to life and serve as a real-world test run for a future full-scale shop.

From the beginning, my goal was to create more than just a place to get a haircut. I wanted The Velvet Razor to be a private, one-on-one experience for service members and their families—something completely different from the typical on-base barbershop. Instead of pulling a ticket and waiting in line, clients book an appointment and step into a warm, welcoming environment designed for relaxation and connection.

Every detail is intentional: the music, the atmosphere, the aromas, the hot towel service, the lather, and the quality of the haircut itself. I want every client to leave feeling clean, refreshed, valued, and genuinely cared for.

What makes The Velvet Razor special is the relationships that are built over time. Many of my clients come in weekly, and I have the privilege of getting to know them and their families throughout their entire assignment—from shortly after they arrive to the day they PCS. Those consistent visits create a sense of trust, community, and family that goes far beyond a haircut.

At its core, The Velvet Razor is about giving back to the military community by providing a level of personal care, comfort, and connection that isn’t always expected from a routine grooming service. It’s my way of serving those who serve others every day.

What should our readers know about your business?
Velvet Razor was created from a dream I’ve had for years of owning my own barbershop. When the opportunity came to open a private studio overseas, I saw it as a chance to bring that vision to life.

What sets The Velvet Razor apart is the experience. I wanted to create something different from the typical walk in based spot . My studio is appointment-only, allowing for a private, one-on-one experience where clients can relax, enjoy a warm atmosphere, and receive personalized service, and quality grooming in a comfortable setting.

After 16 years in the industry, I’ve learned that barbering is about much more than haircuts—it’s about relationships and making people feel their best. Serving military members and their families is especially meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to provide a level of care and attention they may not always receive in their busy day-to-day lives.

Opening my own studio has come with challenges, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’m most proud of creating a space that reflects my passion for barbering and my commitment to making every client feel valued, welcomed, and taken care of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Okinawa for a week, I’d want them to experience a little bit of everything that makes the island special. We’d spend our mornings exploring the coastline and grabbing coffee, then head to some of Okinawa’s beautiful beaches like Araha Beach and Sunset Beach.

For food, we’d definitely stop for some cocos Japanese curry, taco rice, fresh sushi, We’d spend an evening walking around American Village, checking out the shops, grabbing dinner, and watching the sunset over the water.

A few must-see spots would be the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Kokusai Street, and the Fukushūen Garden to feed some koi fish . Okinawa’s slower pace of life—taking in the ocean views, enjoying local culture, and appreciating the unique blend of Japanese, Okinawan, and American influences that make this place so special.

One of my favorite things about Okinawa is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, amazing food, beautiful beaches, or just a place to relax and unwind, the island has a way of making people fall in love with it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, family, friends, mentors, and the clients who have supported me throughout my journey. My husband deserves special recognition because he’s been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. Opening a business overseas comes with its own challenges, and having someone who believes in your vision, encourages you when things get difficult, and celebrates every win alongside you makes all the difference.

I’d also like to thank the mentors and fellow barbers I’ve met throughout my 16-year career. Every lesson, opportunity, and piece of advice helped shape the barber and business owner I am today.

Finally, I’d like to recognize the military community here in Okinawa. The Velvet Razor has only been open for a few months, but the support I’ve received has been incredible. I’m grateful to every client who has trusted me, supported a small business, and allowed me to create the kind of personal, one-on-one experience I’ve always dreamed of providing.

Website: https://Www.thevekvertrazorbarbershop.com

Instagram: Xo.thevelvetrazor

Facebook: The velvet razor parlor 901