Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Knoll.
Hi Cole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Iowa. My upbringing was far from easy—it taught me grit, discipline, and how to rely on sports and community when things got tough. One of the biggest influences during that time was the barbershop an hour away from home. Every time I stepped inside, I felt connected. It was a space of laughter, lessons, and authenticity. A place that—still to this day—so many people can resonate with.
One day, my barber told me, “You should go to barber school.”
At sixteen, I took that advice seriously. I started building my clientele right out of high school, cutting hair wherever I could. Once I graduated, I enrolled in barber school—7 a.m. classes an hour away, then driving back home after to cut clients until 2 a.m. Some nights, exhaustion set in; other nights, I felt unstoppable. That’s where my passion and discipline were built.
After graduating, I dove into my career and quickly realized barbering was just the beginning. I had an entrepreneurial hunger. Not long after, I launched my second business—natural haircare products. I sold out multiple small-to-medium batches and even got my products into local stores. Those early wins showed me what consistency and faith could build.
Then life shifted. A major event led me to North Carolina, starting completely from scratch. New city. New people. New shop. Nothing familiar. I packed everything I owned into my car and drove to Charlotte, trusting God’s plan.
That first year in Charlotte was all grind and faith. I applied the same systems I built in Iowa and put everything I had into rebuilding my clientele. Before long, I was overbooked—cutting celebrities, athletes, and respected business owners. It felt surreal. But as I grew, I realized the purpose wasn’t just success—it was service.
Now, this season of my life and career is about giving back. Helping others who come from similar backgrounds. Building systems that empower barbers and entrepreneurs. Letting faith guide every step and bringing community into everything I do.
Because at the end of the day, this journey was never just about cutting hair—it’s about connection, growth, and purpose
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people, life brought its share of challenges — financially, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve faced seasons of uncertainty, loss, and moments where I questioned if I was really built for the path I chose. There were times I was driving an hour each way to barber school, working late nights until two in the morning, and still trying to balance life outside the chair. When I moved to North Carolina, I left everything familiar behind and started completely over with no guarantees. There were months where things didn’t add up, where I felt unseen, and where it would’ve been easier to quit. But through all of that, I learned how powerful response really is. Every setback taught me to slow down, shift perspective, and see obstacles as direction instead of defeat. Those tough moments are what built my mindset — they taught me that growth doesn’t come from comfort, it comes from how you respond when things don’t go your way. That’s been the biggest difference-maker in any success I’ve seen today
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ClipperCole barbering studios?
I’m a barber and entrepreneur based in Charlotte, North Carolina. I specialize in all short to mid-length styles and work with every hair type and texture. Over the years, I’ve developed a reputation for attention to detail, precision, and providing an experience that goes beyond just a haircut. My focus has always been on building trust — creating an environment where people feel confident, valued, and taken care of the moment they sit in my chair.
What really sets my work apart is the standard I hold myself to. I take pride not only in the quality of my cuts, but in the integrity behind everything I do — from how I communicate with clients to how I represent my brand. Barbering, for me, has always been about more than a service. It’s a craft, a community, and a space where people can feel seen and heard.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the foundation my business was built on: consistency, professionalism, and genuine connection. Whether I’m behind the chair, mentoring, or expanding into new ventures, I want everything I touch to reflect excellence and authenticity. My hope is that when people think of my brand, they think of more than a clean cut — they think of an experience rooted in care, character, and community.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I look to continue scaling, networking, and learning in areas I’m unfamiliar with. Growth for me means staying curious and never getting too comfortable. I want to build systems that allow any business I’m a part of to operate smoothly, stay consistent, and continue evolving. The goal isn’t just to grow for myself — it’s to create something that helps others do the same. Whether that’s other barbers, entrepreneurs, or people in my community, I want to share what I’ve learned and help others find stability and success in their own paths
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clippercole.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_clippercole
