Candace & Steven Gray/Mr. C’s Barber Shop & Salon

Candace and Steven Gray found YEP while searching online for local small business assistance. They had an idea for an entertainment center that would offer networked console (Xbox, Playstation, etc.) and PC gaming stations so group oriented games could be played in real time, but were unsure how to get a business started. They enrolled in YEP, completed the online business training, submitted a business plan to the YEP Business Plan Competition, and were selected as one of the winners. After winning the competition, Candace and Steven fully intended to pursue their entertainment center business, but were presented with an opportunity to take over ownership of a local barber shop named Mister C’s. They saw an opportunity to not just continue running this business, which has been around for over 40 years, but take it to the next level. Under their ownership, the shop was updated to give it a more modern look and business has been steadily growing over the last year. They also give back to their community by providing free haircuts to local youth in group homes and offering low-cost haircuts to military personnel. When asked how participating in YEP helped them with their entrepreneurial endeavor, Candace said “YEP was extremely helpful in providing information on how to start and run a business.  Although our current business was already established, as new owners we had to take steps to help the business grow”. She continued, “The program has taught us the importance of advertising for instance, and how to write a solid business plan.  All of the online training was an excellent educational tool that has prepared my husband and me to go forward with another business venture we hope to launch in the near future.  YEP has given us the tools necessary to be successful entrepreneurs.”

Mister C’s Barbershop and Salon is located at 5839 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92114 and can be reached at (619) 264-6728.