Hello Walnut Creek!
This week’s Tuesday Small Business Highlight takes us to a longtime local staple with serious roots. Meet Freddy and The Clip Joynte, a Walnut Creek barbershop that’s been part of the community for decades and continues to evolve with it . What began as a bold decision at just 25 years old has grown into a trusted space known for its energy, consistency, and loyal following.
Tell us the story behind your business. What inspired you to start it, and how did it all begin?
I started my career as an independent contractor, renting a chair in Pleasant Hill. Like a lot of barbers, I always had the dream of owning my own shop but at 25 years old, that felt pretty far out of reach.
When I decided to move into downtown Walnut Creek, I was simply looking for a chair to rent. I called a shop called The Clip Joynte, and the owner at the time, Vince Haller, answered. He told me he didn’t have a chair available but what he did have was a barbershop for sale.
I got there as fast as I could.
The shop had been around since 1962, and Vince was only the second owner. On my 25th birthday, I took a leap and bought the business—something I never thought would happen that early in my life. At the time, the shop was small, low-key, and tucked away on Locust Street with very little signage, but it had history and I saw the potential.
Even after the sale, Vince and I built a great relationship. He stayed on and rented a chair from me for over five years, which meant a lot. That mentorship and continuity helped shape the foundation of what the shop would become.
About 17 years ago, when the economy took a hit across the country, I made a big decision to relocate the shop to North Main Street where we are today. That move changed everything. It gave us more visibility, more growth, and helped us become a staple in the community.
Today, The Clip Joynte is a six-chair shop, and I get to work alongside an incredibly talented team. I’ve always believed you’re only as good as the people you work with—and I truly feel like we’ve built a dream team here.
What started as me just looking for a chair turned into a lifelong career, a business, and a community I’m proud to be a part of.
Why Walnut Creek? What made you choose this area to plant roots?
At the time, I had just moved back from Las Vegas and was kind of figuring things out. I had been moving around a bit and ended up staying with my sister while she was living in Suisun.
One day she wanted to come shop at Williams Sonoma in Walnut Creek, and I tagged along. I’ve always loved walking downtowns and checking out different shops, so we spent the day exploring the area and something just clicked for me I remember thinking that a rock ’n’ roll, skate-inspired barbershop would really stand out and do well here.
What’s something about your business that most people don’t know?
Honestly, controlling the vibe in the shop is one of the hardest parts.
It looks effortless when it comes to the music, TVs on, everyone relaxed but with such a diverse crowd, it’s a constant balancing act. It’s like being a barber and a DJ at the same time, always reading the room and adjusting.
At the end of the day, we’re not just cutting hair… we’re setting the vibe.
What’s been your most rewarding moment so far?
Celebrating 20 years of owning the barbershop has been the most rewarding moment.
My wife helped me put together an incredible event, and being able to step back and see all the love and support—from family, friends, my team, and our clients—meant everything to me.
It just made me feel really grateful. Moments like that remind me why I started and why I keep going.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a small business owner here?
Staying relevant and consistent through all the changes in Walnut Creek has been one of the biggest challenges.
I’ve seen this community evolve a lot over the last 20 years, and I’ve had to evolve whether that’s shifting from walk-ins to appointments. Also parking can be really tricky around Walnut Creek and I don’t want my clients getting parking tickets so appointments ultimately were a good decision.
It was about adapting without losing what makes the shop special. I just want to keep building something I’m proud of, no matter how the city changes around us.
If someone is visiting for the first time, what should they try or experience?
For a first-time visit, I always recommend our signature full-service experience.
It’s a full hour where you get the complete treatment a haircut, facial, and either a shave or beard trim. It really gives us the time to consult, understand your style, and dial everything in the right way.
You also get to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and finish with a rinse and style before you walk out.
What’s next for you? Anything exciting coming up that readers should know about?
Right now, the focus is continuing to run a strong, successful shop here in downtown keeping my barbers busy, growing our clientele, and staying on top of new styles and trends.
But The Clip Joynte has grown into more than just a barbershop. It’s a brand with real energy behind it. I can see that translating into other neighborhoods and communities throughout the Bay Area.
📍 1601 N Main St spc 102, Walnut Creek
Book an appointment on their website www.ClipJoynte.com and follow them on IG: @clip_joynte_barbershop
If you’re looking for more than just a haircut, this is a place worth experiencing for yourself. It’s businesses like this that help define the character and culture of Walnut Creek.
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