Hey what’s up everyone. My name is Ivan Rodriguez. I've been a Barber providing the tristate area with quality hair transformations since 2016. 

I'm here, vulnerably writing this out because I really need your help. As is the case for many of us, I have a very hard time reaching out for lifeline when needed, but here it goes. 

The bottom line:  New Jersey State laws make it impossible for Barbers who were licensed in New York to simply transfer their license over to New Jersey. As per NJ state law, in order to practice in New Jersey, one must pay into another Barbering Program, train for another 900+ hours, and then wait THREE years post licensing to have the legal ability to manage a barber shop ("oversee services") under their name. They believe NY is not an equivalent transfer and the other 48 states are acceptable as apprenticeship hours. 

The backstory: 

I graduated from a Barber school in Albany, NewYork (a 900 hour program) in 2014. One year post grad, I moved my mother and I to Florida for a chance at better living conditions and improved overall health for my aging mother. I was able to do this with the support of my small clientele, even one year after graduating. Upon migrating back to New Jersey in 2017, I built a reputation for myself as a professional, as well as a huge community of people who supported me both professionally and personally . Years later, in October 2021, I earned the opportunity to establish myself in my own shop. I figured the time spent working under another Barber’s New Jersey license was over. I would finally be free of that, afterall, I earned it through many tireless hours on my feet making other humans feel amazing in their hair. 

As I eagerly filled out forms and went through the motions, I was beyond disheartened to discover that New Jersey laws have made it difficult for me to transfer my license from New York over to New Jersey. They reported that the curriculum taught in New York is not equivalent to what is taught in New Jersey Barbering schools- however, upon cross referencing the curriculum, I  learned that the two are nearly identical. 

After receiving multiple fines, I was told I must reapply for school and start ALL OVER!!! As you can imagine, this news broke my heart. Can you imagine FINALLY earning your very own shop- even in the middle of a Pandemic- and having it swept from under you over a technicality?! Can you imagine having to reinvest thousands of dollars and countless hours for something you've already passed?!   

Even after graduating Barbering school and completing all requirements to earn my license; educating at schools, barbershops, being chosen to participate in prestigious barber battles, I am unseen and disrespected by this law. I just want to continue to contribute to the growth of this city and state. We are an essential part of the community and people love to support us as they know it is mutual. I created a business to support my family, my loved ones, to be involved in the community- including paying taxes. This is my livelihood, my career, my passion and means of survival. 

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE:

This is an issue that can and WILL affect all NY licensed Barbers if NJ state laws remain this limiting. These laws have the power to unjustly take food away from families, simply off of formalities and the “opinion” of the people comprised of the board. Let’s help artist coming from New York continue being able to provide for themselves and be an asset to this state. This will also help current students in NJ who graduate from school be able to manage a shop or their own without having to wait another three years post graduation.