Anthony Nguyen

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Anthony Nguyen, and I’m the founder and owner of Ikigai Concept, a private barber studio in Huntington Beach, California. I was born and raised in Orange County, California. Before pursuing barbering, I worked in corporate accounting but eventually decided to follow my passion for creativity and craftsmanship. After gaining experience at barbershops throughout SoCal, I opened my own studio to provide a more personalized, quality-driven grooming experience.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Ikigai Concept is a private barber studio located in Huntington Beach, California, specializing in precision haircuts, modern grooming, and personalized one-on-one experiences. My goal has always been to create something beyond the traditional barbershop experience, a space where quality, attention to detail, and genuine relationships take priority over volume.

The idea for Ikigai Concept came from my own journey of finding purpose in what I do. After transitioning from a career in corporate accounting into the barbering industry, I spent years developing my craft and gaining experience in different barbershops throughout Southern California. During that time, I began to understand not only the technical side of barbering but also the importance of creating an experience that makes people feel comfortable, confident, and valued.

In October 2024, I took the leap and established Ikigai Concept. I wanted to build a space that reflected my personal philosophy, where every haircut is approached with intention and every client receives my undivided attention.

What sets Ikigai Concept apart is its emphasis on quality over quantity. Operating as a private studio allows me to dedicate time to each individual without the distractions or rushed atmosphere that can sometimes come with a busy barbershop. Whether it’s a detailed skin fade, a classic scissor haircut, or a completely new style, I focus on understanding each client’s hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences to create something that feels natural and works for them.

I also believe that consistency and trust are just as important as technical skill. My goal isn’t simply to give someone a great haircut once, but to build lasting relationships where clients know they can expect the same level of care and attention every time they visit.

Ultimately, Ikigai Concept is about more than grooming. It’s about giving people a place where they can slow down, feel taken care of, and walk away with a renewed sense of confidence. The philosophy behind the brand is simple: Find Your Purpose. For me, I’ve found mine through barbering, and I hope that passion is reflected in every experience I provide.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

I’d say just go for it. You’re never going to feel completely ready, and there’s always going to be something you have to figure out along the way. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s honestly where you learn the most. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and try not to compare your progress to others. Everyone’s journey is different, and as long as you believe in what you’re doing and keep putting in the work, things will eventually start to come together. At the end of the day, the biggest risk isn’t failing—it’s never giving yourself the opportunity to see what you’re capable of.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One piece of feedback that really stuck with me was when a client told me that his haircut was the best he’d had in a long time. It was such a simple compliment, but it meant a lot to me. As a barber, I put a lot of time and effort into perfecting my craft, so hearing something like that reminds me why I do what I do. Knowing that someone genuinely appreciates my work and leaves my chair feeling confident is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I’d love to see Ikigai Concept grow into something bigger while staying true to the values I built it on. One of my goals is to eventually open my own barbershop and create a space that reflects my vision and approach to barbering. I also hope to find an apprentice I can take under my wing, someone who shares the same passion for the craft and is eager to learn. I want to be able to pass down the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years and help someone else grow in their career. Ultimately, I want Ikigai Concept to become more than just a business. I want it to be a place where passion is nurtured, knowledge is passed down, and opportunities are created for the next generation. If I can help someone else find their purpose through barbering, the same way I found mine, that would be one of my greatest accomplishments.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest struggles has been building a consistent clientele while managing the responsibilities of running a business on my own. When I first opened Ikigai Concept, one of the biggest challenges was adjusting to the uncertainty of not knowing how busy each week would be. Some weeks were better than others, and it was easy to question whether I was making the right decisions. I learned to overcome that by staying patient, remaining consistent with the quality of my work, and focusing on building genuine relationships with my clients. Instead of worrying about things I couldn’t control, I put my energy into providing the best experience possible and trusting that the growth would follow. Building a business has definitely tested my patience and confidence, but it’s also taught me resilience and the importance of believing in myself. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always happen as quickly as you’d like, but every challenge is an opportunity to become better at what you do.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I definitely want to give a special shoutout to my girlfriend, Krystal, who is also the mother of our son, Landon. I know running a business comes with long hours and sacrifices, and I’m incredibly grateful for her patience, understanding, and everything she does for our family. I also want to thank my friends and family for their continued love, encouragement, and support. Whether it’s through a simple conversation, a word of advice, or just being there when I need them, it means more than they know. None of this would be as meaningful without the people I love by my side, and I hope to continue making them proud.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

I’m always grateful for the opportunity to connect with new people and share something I’m genuinely passionate about. If you’d like to learn more about me and Ikigai Concept, feel free to visit my website at www.ikigaiconcepthb.com, where you can explore my services and book an appointment. You can also find me on Instagram at @antuanthebarber, where I share my latest work and a little more about my journey. Whether you’re looking for a fresh haircut or simply want to learn more about what I do, I’d love the opportunity to meet you and welcome you into my studio. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story, and I hope to see you in my chair soon!