Meet Ryan Urmeneta | Entrepreneur & Barber

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

Hi Ryan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was a kid, I was always drawing — characters, little designs, whatever came to mind. That love for creating never really went away. As I got older, it just started showing up in new ways, beyond just pencil and paper. In high school during the ’90s, when the shave fade first hit the scene, I picked up a pair of clippers and started cutting hair for friends.
What started as fun quickly became a passion. I became obsessed with the craft — the blend, the sharp lines, the smallest details. Every haircut felt like a new canvas, and I was hooked.
For years, I kept cutting for friends and family while working a regular job. But after being laid off, I saw it as an opportunity — a sign to finally pursue what I truly loved. I enrolled in barber school, earned my license, and never looked back.
Barbering, for me, is more than just a haircut. It’s a lifestyle — the art of transforming someone’s look and giving them the confidence to feel like their best self. What started as a hobby has become my life’s work — and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In 2020, when the world was flipped upside down, I took a leap of faith and opened Blade & Barber right here in the heart of the South Bay. I didn’t just want to create a barbershop—I wanted to build a space rooted in culture, community, and quality. A place where people could feel connected, seen, and taken care of. Starting a business during a global pandemic wasn’t exactly the ideal situation. Most places were shutting their doors, and here I was, opening mine. It wasn’t easy. There were a lot of sleepless nights and tough decisions. But I believed in the vision. I knew I had the skills, the drive, and a genuine passion to serve people with excellence—and that belief kept me going.
The challenges came fast: social distancing, limited capacity, shutdowns, constant changes in regulations. But through it all, I stayed focused. I put in the long hours, stayed committed to my craft, and made sure every client that walked through the door felt valued. Blade & Barber didn’t just survive—we grew.
Now, 5 years later, Blade & Barber has become a South Bay staple. Yeah we’re known for our clean fades and sharp lines, but it’s more than that. It’s the vibe, the energy, the respect people feel when they step in. It’s a place where people come to feel fresh and leave feeling even better.
And behind the chair? That’s where the real magic happens. I’ve built a team I’m proud of—barbers who aren’t just talented, but who share the same values: consistency, character, and community. We’re not just coworkers—we’re family.
So what makes Blade & Barber different?
We put people first. Every client gets our full attention—no rushed haircuts, no shortcuts. Just real conversations, great service, and consistent quality.
We’re a strong, skilled team. I’ve brought together barbers who take pride in their work and in the culture we’re building.
We believe in mentorship. I’ve made it a point to pour into the next generation—helping new barbers grow, not just in technique, but in mindset and professionalism.
The vibe speaks for itself. From the music to the conversations to the energy in the room—it’s not just a cut, it’s an experience.
We’re rooted in the community. Blade & Barber was born in the South Bay, and we’re committed to giving back and staying connected to the people who helped build us.
At the end of the day, this journey has been about more than clippers and fades. It’s been about heart, hustle, and a whole lot of growth. I’ve faced the ups and downs of running a business, but through it all, I’ve stayed locked in.
There were moments I wasn’t sure how we’d make it—but we did. We stayed consistent. We stayed focused. And most importantly, we never stopped putting people first.
Blade & Barber is living proof that with vision, grit, and a love for what you do, you can build something powerful—even when the odds are stacked against you.

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.
First, I’d kick off the weekend right by bringing them by my shop for a fresh cut and a relaxing hot towel shave at Blade & Barber. After that, we’d hit up In-N-Out — can’t go wrong with a Double-Double, animal style. Then wrap up the night with dinner and drinks at Gen Korean BBQ in Torrance.

The following night, pregame at the Yard House at LA Live for dinner and drinks, then off the Lakers game at Staples Center. Nothing compares to the hype of a home game under the lights in the house that Kobe built.

Sunday’s all about that South Bay vibe, so we’d spend the day in Hermosa Beach for a proper Sunday Funday — ocean breeze, drinks by the water, and bar hopping at spots like Patrick Molloy’s and Tower 12. Perfect way to reset before the next adventure.

Next morning, hit the road and head to downtown San Diego. Just a quick two-hour drive, and the vibe shift is exactly what you need. Chill bars, great food, and a slower pace to recharge for a bit.

Then the following day, we’d go for a Baja day trip to Rosarito. Early start, cross the border at San Ysidro and cruise down the coast. Grab some street tacos, then check out the beach vibe at Papas & Beer for drinks and margaritas. Later night, we’d hit up Villa Ortega’s in Puerto Nuevo for legendary lobster and drinks. After that, we can either cruise back to SD or just crash in Rosarito — totally depends on the vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents and family, who supported me every step of the way. Their encouragement and belief in me made all the difference. I’m also incredibly grateful to my close friends — the ones who sat in my chair when I was still learning, who pushed me to take barbering seriously, and who constantly reminded me to chase what I love. Their support played a huge role in helping me turn a passion into a career, and I’ll always be thankful for that.

Website: bladeandbarberco.com

Instagram: @bladeandbarberco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bladeandbarberco