Breaking Barriers & Building Confidence

 

Silianna Gonzales Finds Her Future in Barbering

Through Carteret’s Barbering Program, Silianna “Sili” Gonzales turned passion into purpose while building confidence, community connections, and a future she is proud of.

For Silianna Gonzales, barbering started with something simple: wanting better haircuts for her son.

What began as curiosity quickly turned into something much bigger, a career path that would challenge her, inspire her, and help her discover confidence she never knew she had.

Known to most as “Sili,” the 23-year-old Morehead City native balanced life as a single mother, student, and employee while pursuing her goals through Carteret Community College’s Barbering Program.

“I wanted to learn for my son,” she shared. “But I was also curious about turning it into a career.”

Already interested in women’s hairstyling as a hobby, Sili saw barbering as an opportunity to expand her skills and create a future built on flexibility, creativity, and connection.

Taking a Chance and Finding Confidence

When Carteret Community College launched its first-ever Barbering Program, Sili decided to take a leap of faith.

“What stood out to me was that it was the first barbering program offered,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

The program’s location and flexible schedule made it possible for her to balance school with work and motherhood, but it was the hands-on learning environment that truly transformed her experience.

Throughout the program, Sili learned much more than haircutting techniques. She gained valuable communication skills, developed confidence, and learned how to create meaningful experiences for clients.

“This career is not just about a haircut,” she explained. “It’s about the overall experience for the client.”

From straight razor shaves and fades to coloring, perms, and non-surgical hair replacement techniques, the program gave her practical experience that prepared her for real-world barbering.

Working with real clients also helped her step outside of her comfort zone.

“You never know what someone is going to want or what type of personality they’ll have,” she said. “It taught me how to connect with people and truly understand what they want.”

One of the most meaningful parts of the program was participating in community outreach events, including providing free haircuts at local organizations and events such as Hope Mission and the Boys & Girls Club.

“Seeing someone’s confidence spike after you hand them the mirror is always the best,” Sili shared.

Those experiences reminded her that barbering has the power to positively impact people far beyond appearance.

Support, Growth, and Overcoming Challenges

A major part of Sili’s journey has been the support she received from her instructor, Mr. PJ.

“He doesn’t hold you back,” she said. “He throws you into the fire.”

That teaching style encouraged Sili to trust herself, take initiative, and become comfortable in situations that once intimidated her, especially considering she had never touched clippers before entering the program.

Mr. PJ also helped students learn how to build clientele, promote themselves professionally, and connect with potential clients in the community.

“We practice cold approaches and learn how to talk to strangers about our services,” Sili explained. “Now I can confidently build rapport with people and promote myself.”

The Barbering Program’s supportive environment helped Sili grow personally as much as professionally.

“This program has given me the mindset that I’m capable of doing anything,” she shared.

Balancing school, a full-time job, and raising her five-year-old son was not easy.

“Being a single mom while working and doing school part-time is not for the weak-minded,” she said.

But despite the challenges, Sili persevered and became the very first student to graduate from Carteret’s Barbering Program. On Thursday, May 19, 2026, she proudly crossed the stage as part of the college’s inaugural Barbering class, an accomplishment that represents years of determination, growth, and hard work.

She also credits Carteret’s support resources, including the SECU Scholarship, for helping her continue her education and purchase the supplies needed for the program.

“Being able to receive the scholarship made it possible to continue the program,” she said.

Building a Future with Purpose

After graduation, Sili plans to work in a barbershop before eventually opening a business of her own.

Her long-term dream combines two of her passions: fitness and barbering.

“One day I’d love to open a gym with a barbershop inside,” she said.

She also hopes to specialize in non-surgical hair replacement services for clients experiencing alopecia.

“My goal is to give people confidence every time they leave my chair,” she shared. “And maybe even a little therapy session too.”

For anyone considering barbering or thinking about enrolling at Carteret Community College, Sili offers simple but meaningful advice:

“Know your ‘why,’” she said. “If your reason is strong enough, you’ll keep showing up even when things get hard.”

She also wants future students to know that support is available and success is possible.

“You have multiple resources to help you get supplies and pay for school,” she said. “All you have to do is show up, be a sponge, and grow your skills.”

For Sili, barbering is about much more than a career.

“Barbering to me is doing something I love and creating a career where I can fully immerse myself while helping people feel and look their best.”

Her story is a reminder that with determination, support, and opportunity, students can build not only careers, but confidence, purpose, and a future they believe in.

For more information about our Barbering Academy program visit our website at carteret.edu or contact Herman “PJ” Scott at [email protected]