TYLER, Texas — Antonio Medina turned his dreams into reality Sunday, opening his own barber shop in Tyler called 903 Cutz.
"Not only am I opening my own shop at 17 years old, but I enjoy talking to people, I enjoy new conversations, new clients, I just like helping people out with their hairstyles, because some people don’t feel themselves with a haircut," owner Antonio Medina said.
He says being able to provide quality cuts helps people stay positive and fuels their confidence the rest of the week.
"I feel proud of myself, to me it feels like the bare minimum, and I want to keep striving for more," Medina said.
His parents saw his growth firsthand -- from cutting at various shops, to cutting at home, and saving up every penny during the summer to have his own place.
"It’s been a really long journey, but he’s finally got what he wants, to open up a shop, he's happy, we’re happy and we’re proud of him," his father Placido Medina said.
During the grand opening, Antonio and his barbers offered free haircuts to the first 50 customers.
"I wanted to show love to the community," Medina said.
This is because the community has shown love to him.
"It makes me happy to have support for the community, because not only do I enjoy giving back to the community but whenever they come and support, it makes me excited and wakes me up every day in the morning just to show up to work," Medina said.
903 Cutz is located at 1211 W. Gentry Parkway in Tyler.