Barber School
Cosmetology
Nails
Foundation
Barbershop
After-school Services/Camp​

About Us

Westchester Barber Academy is a highly regarded MWBE (Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise) certified corporation dedicated to providing comprehensive training, licensing, and employment opportunities for individuals aspiring to become professional barbers and beauticians. With a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we offer a robust program that includes a Barber & Cosmetology school, a thriving barbershop, and strategic partnerships with 20 different organizations across the state of New York.

Our Barber & Cosmetology school is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to excel in the industry. Through a combination of theory and hands-on practice, our experienced instructors guide students through a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of barbering and cosmetology. Students learn the latest trends, cutting-edge techniques, and industry best practices, ensuring they are well-prepared for a successful career.

In addition to our educational programs, we operate a fully functioning barbershop where students gain valuable real-world experience. Under the supervision of licensed professionals, our students have the opportunity to provide services to a diverse clientele, honing their skills and building their confidence in a professional setting.

Furthermore, Westchester Barber Academy has established strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Riker's Island, the Administration for Children’s Services, charter schools, and public schools. Through these partnerships, we extend our training and employment opportunities to individuals who may face barriers to education and employment. By collaborating with these organizations, we aim to empower and uplift communities by providing valuable skills and career prospects.

Moreover, we are proud to have the WBA Foundation as our non-profit 501(c)(3) arm. The WBA Foundation is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged individuals who aspire to become barbers and beauticians. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and community initiatives, the foundation strives to create equal access to education and career opportunities in the industry.

At Westchester Barber Academy, we are passionate about nurturing talent, fostering diversity, and making a positive impact in the community. Our MWBE certification, comprehensive programs, strategic partnerships, and charitable efforts all contribute to our mission of empowering individuals and transforming lives through the art of barbering and cosmetology.

The Beginning of a Barber Academy ​for Mt. Vernon, NY

​​In 2014, Charnay Phaire, the executive director of Westchester Barber Academy, implemented an after-school program for 7th- and 8th-grade students at the local Amani Public Charter School. The program was open to any student wanting to learn, no matter their academic performance. The program was a success.

Not only were students learning a trade skill, they were also becoming community-minded entrepreneurs with an extensive support system of peers and barber professionals. As the after-school barbering program expanded, we realized we had a chance to do something big, which led to the creation of Westchester Barber Academy.
Westchester Barber Academy operates in several capacities...
​
  • A service offering in-house and off-site barber services
  • An after-school program that provides students with an Introduction to Barbering course
  • A workshop for barbers preparing to get their New York State Master Barbering License
  • A consultation for entrepreneurs looking to open barbershops in Mt. Vernon and nearby local areas
  • A licensed barber school for students aged 17 and older looking for an alternative career path or career change (launch July 2019)
  • A non-for-profit foundation arm that leads various community outreach initiatives (i.e. recently won a grant to train barbershops in the local area on HIV Prevention)
We go beyond barbering...

Learning a trade skill is a great way to engage your mind and prepare for a career but we want to go beyond that. We don't just focus on teaching the technical skills involved in barbering but the soft skills that can take students from barbershop worker to barbershop owner, including:

  • Personal branding
  • Business operations
  • Financial budgeting and reporting
  • Networking
  • Community activism

Learn how we can help you ​today

History

Westchester Barber Academy got its start in 2016 after 3 successful years of running as an after school program created to mentor inner city students at one of the local Charter Middle Schools in Mount Vernon, NY. The program was founded by then Charter School Director- Mr. Charnay Phaire, who started the after school program as a way to mentor inner city middle school
students by teaching them the skill of barbering. The program’s success inspired Mr. Phaire (who was a longtime Barber) to start the Westchester Barber Academy to always equip people with a skilled trade to create jobs and business owners, all while serving the local community. WBA uses the comradery of the grooming interaction as a way to transfer information (such as men’s health, financial literacy, character development, etc) from person to person.

Mission

The mission of the Westchester Barber Academy develop aspiring appearance enhancement professionals and equip the with the necessary skills needed to become active community minded contractors & entrepreneurs.

11 Pillars:
​Faith, Community, Character, Respect, Perseverance, Empowerment, Pride, Passion, Ambition, Accountability & Professionalism

Barber School & Barber Shop Located in Westchester County, NY


​Westchester Barber Academy is an MWBE certified Barber Corporation aimed at building community minded independent contractors & entrepreneurs. People who are community minded change the narrative for their community! We believe in the proverb, “ if you give a man a fish, you feed him for the day. If you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime” ! 
CHINESE PROVERB

“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for the day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for life.”


​This ancient proverb has served as the foundation of our organization since we began our after-school youth barbering program in 2014. Our courses are designed for students over the age of 13, at any level of academic performance. By teaching students skills that they can use for a sustainable career, we empower them to take control of their lives while also learning the value of serving their community

After-school Youth Barbering Program
​


​Our after-school program allows students aged 13 to 17 a chance to serve their community while learning technical and soft skills they can take with them after high school. Students commit to a year-long Introduction to Barbering course where they will not only learn the skills needed to become a successful barber but also how to market themselves and network with their peers. Students of any academic performance are welcome to participate.

Barber School

Upon enrollment to our barber school, students begin a four and half month course in preparation for the Master Barber Licensing Practical Exam. 

While learning the technical skills of the trade, students also develop the skills needed to start their own business, including barbershop operations, branding and financial budgeting.  Students are also given their own barber toolkit to take with them after graduation.
This organization is phenomenal. Not only do they train barbers and hairstylist, but they are a blessing to the community. WBA came and provided haircuts to our school community and the level of care they gave was top notch. We are grateful for their partnership and their service to community.
5/5 Stars
The Westchester Barber Academy volunteered their service at P.S. 48’s Back-To-School Giveback & the barbers did a phenomenal job providing wonderful hair cuts for the students! Such an amazing experience for the families—they were so excited & grateful! Amazing job!
5/5 Stars
Westchester Baber Academy did such an amazing job at our community event very well spoken respectful and was good with youth love them and look forward to working with them again!!
5/5 Stars
Westchester Barber Academy brought life through cosmetology to our scholars! We hosted two self-care days at Intellectus Prep and WBA came through to give our scholars hair cuts and hairstyles to boost their ego and their confidence. A bit of pampering is always fit for self-care. Aligned in our missions to provide an experience for the youth and empower them through entrepreneurship, the WBA family brought inspiration to our scholars who are not so far in age. Seeing people who look like themselves mastering a lucrative trade was impactful. Several scholars have now been exposed to cosmetology in a different way. WBA will be a part of all of our self-care days from here on out! A huge thank you goes to Mr. Charnay Phaire the CEO and Founder of WBA. Thank you for all you do for our community!
5/5 Stars
The students came out to an Easter event in Mt. Vernon, NY, and provided FREE Haircuts for everyone. They are very professional and skilled barbers. They were so courtesy and knowledge about hair. Every client was more than satisfied with their Haircuts.
5/5 Stars
❮ ❯

Call us and kick-start your journey to independence!

Westchester Barber Academy

206 South Fulton Ave.
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
(914) 664-4960 
[email protected]
​© westchesterbarberacademy​. All rights reserved.
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