Dayna Gamba, barber at Rectify Barbershop and Beauty Alcove in Mansfield, MA.
Dayna Gamba, barber at Rectify Barbershop and Beauty Alcove in Mansfield, MA.

Meet Dayna Gamba, barber at Rectify Barbershop and Beauty Alcove in Mansfield, MA. As a BaByliss 4 Barbers educator, Gamba combines her cosmetology background with her barbering expertise to teach the finer points of cutting and styling short hair styles. She shared with MODERN:

MODERN SALON: What do you love about being in the hair industry?
DAYNA GAMBA: I love that it’s constantly evolving and allows room for growth. It sets new trends, the standards are high and everything is exciting, especially now. You’re seeing a lot of barbers and stylists coming together to really create some amazing work. It’s super cool.

MS: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
DG: You would never know it by looking at me, but I’m a farm girl! In August 2017 we started a non-profit farm sanctuary. So far we’ve rescued four horses, two donkeys, lambs, goats and chickens; all from kill auctions. I’m currently learning how to groom them all properly, it’s not easy! 

MS: How did you become an educator?
DG: Determination and surrounding yourself with people who have the same mindset as you puts you in contact with the big name companies. I found that the moment I decided that I wanted to educate, is the moment that changed my perspective. I started sharing my knowledge right away. I shared it with my colleagues, my clients, I shared it on social media. Any chance I could, I was doing one-on-one hands on classes. All those tidbits count. Then one day, I received a phone call, “Would you like to attend a BabylissPRO training to become an educator?” Dreams come true, only when you wake up and chase them.

MS: What was your biggest career challenge and how did you overcome it?
DG: The whole process of becoming a barber was by far the toughest challenge in my career. I was already established as a stylist but I really wanted more. Something was missing. I was intrigued with the clean barber looks I was seeing on Instagram, so I decided to go to school part time and work part time to get my apprentice license. I got my license and started working full time in a really awesome shop, which essentially changed my life, but I went from charging $75 for a men’s cut in a salon to $23 in the barbershop. I felt frustrated on how undervalued barbers are. I turned that frustration into determination and within 3 years those same clients that were paying $23 for a haircut are now paying $85. It feels good to know that hard work, continuing education and attending expos all really does pay off.

MS: What’s your go-to outfit?
DG: Black jeans, soft T-shirt with a slouchy blazer and a hat.

MS: What are you most proud of?
DG: I’m super proud to be a barber, honestly. When people ask what I do for an occupation, it feels really good to tell them.

MS: Three words that describe you:
DG: Determined, polite, silly

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