All About U Barber Lounge and College opened its doors with a clear mission: to teach the barber’s trade while shaping lives.
Here, students learn more than how to handle clippers. The school’s focus is on building character and preparing students for life beyond the chair.
Since 2017, the college at 1524 Theodore St in Joliet has become a place where education and personal growth go hand in hand.
That foundation is strengthened by Master Barber Latoya Medina’s hands-on mentorship style. Students describe her as not just an instructor, but a life coach and support system.
For students like Victoria, the lessons extend beyond cutting hair. The approach shapes how they see themselves and their future.
This place has been a second home to me, she said. The environment feels very family-oriented. It holds you accountable to grow, not just as a barber, but as a person.
Medina has built a sense of community on purpose. She encourages students to value themselves first, believing that self-respect leads to better service for others.
The love of barbering comes from you. The love you have for yourself will pour out into someone else. That’s why it’s important to love you,” Medina said.
Each week, students gather for Motivational Wednesdays. These sessions are about encouragement, honest conversation, and building trust among classmates.
“I’ve learned so much about their lives,” Medina said. “There was a student who was battling drug addiction, and because he came here, he said All About U saved his life. God said, ‘Create a safe haven,’ and this is it.”
The school’s supportive environment reaches both new and longtime students. Leo, who recently moved from Louisiana and enrolled, found support when he needed it most.
A lot of stuff was happening in my life. I didn’t have anyone to talk to, and I wanted to quit,” he said. “One day, she looked at me and knew something was wrong. She told me that whatever I’m going through, give it to God. When you feel like you’ve got nobody, she reminds you that you do. It changed the way I think.
All About U Barber College brings together students from different backgrounds. The school gives them a place to belong and a chance to grow.
Medina’s philosophy is simple: everyone deserves a chance.
It’s not always about money, Medina said. If money is tight, I can help you with scholarships. If someone wants to be here, we figure it out.
Students learn to work with all clients, including people with disabilities. For Medina, barbering is not just a trade. It is a way to serve others.
We don’t judge anyone here, Medina said. People come from different walks of life. Our job is to serve them and understand them.
Ultimately, while students graduate with practical barbering skills, many say the most valuable lessons have nothing to do with clippers.
She teaches you about yourself first, Victoria said. Then you learn how to cut hair. I’m grateful to have received a scholarship for an opportunity to better myself.
For those who pass through its doors, the journey is not simply about becoming a barber.
It is about personal growth, building strong character, and emerging as a better version of themselves—prepared for success in both barbering and life.
For information on All About U Barber College contact Master Barber Latoya Medina
All About U is located at 1524 Theodore St., Joliet, 60435
