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Since the age of eleven, Montoya, who prefers to be called Toya, wanted to become a barber. Now, at the age of 24, she has the license to prove that dreams do come true.

Against a homey atmosphere, with Motown legend Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it on” playing in the background, stands a confident female barber, cleaning her station, preparing for her next client. I sit and watch intently as Toya precisely executes her craft. Once Toya finishes she has time to sit and reflect.

“I decided to not let my past and unfortunate circumstances hinder my progress and delay my dream any longer,” she said. “What’s done is done, I have moved on.”

When I ask her what she takes into account when she meets a potential customer, Toya says she pays close attention to “the dynamics of a person’s face and head. Customers expect and come to a barber to know what looks good on them and complements their face.”

Toya was convicted of burglary in 2005 and sentenced to one year of probation. From her point of view, she was guilty by association and that was worse than actually committing the crime herself. After numerous failed attempts to gain employment, she found herself stepping through the doors of Safer Foundation in 2008, an organization recommended by her godfather. Upon registration, Toya found that more would be required of her in order to “step up her game.”

First she needed to complete Safer’s “This Blunt’s not for You” course, a four-week marijuana cessation course. Then, she attended a Job Readiness training for one week. She accomplished all of this while volunteering in Safer’s resource room, assisting clients with the development of resumes and also helping out at the front desk. Toya quickly became a well-known face around Safer Foundation’s Chicago headquarters.

While volunteering, she took steps to get involved with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program. The program offered the financial assistance needed for her to enroll at Chazep Barbering School, where she earned the necessary hours to become a certified barber.

“The day I passed my State Board Exam and became a barber was the happiest day of my life,” she said.
Once she passed the exam, Toya confronted one final obstacle. Due to her conviction, she would have to comply probationary requirements with the Department of Professional Regulation. Under these guidelines, she has to submit quarterly evaluations from her employer regarding her work ethic. Most people would see this as a deterrent, but Toya used it as another positive stepping stone to her success.

“I have a great support system in place,” she said. “You have to be aggressive in this field because people can try to take advantage of you. I’m very confident of my skills and in the future I plan on owning my own business.”

In a male-dominated profession, Toya takes pride in the fact that she’s the only female barber at her shop.
“Look out, fellas!” she said.

-- Cherron Pillow