Your cart is currently empty!
A Lil Bit About TBC
What does every dapper person in every city have in common? They Google “a good barbershop” before moving there. Finding a good barbershop is SO much more than “how do their cuts look?” Have you ever walked into a barbershop and/or salon and something felt off? Maybe it was the decor. Maybe the music. Maybe it was the smell. Maybe it was the 20 eyes of judgement as you walk through the door.
Owner Georgette Watje is that 40-something, lesbian barber who opened her first shop in her garage during a Quarantine. How the hell did she get here? Born in Western MD, Georgette became an adult in Baltimore. She found her love for the outdoors in Colorado. Now in Tacoma, she has the best of all of those previous worlds combined. And she Googled “a good barbershop” before moving to each one.
The Barber Collective is a space where the focus is you and your hair. What do you want your hair to say about you? Georgette wants to help you tell that story. Does she want you to leave feeling dapper AF and eager to tag TBC in a selfie? Of course. But more than anything, Georgette wants you walking out the door feeling great and eager to pass the love forward.
The Grit City of Destiny — lets get your head right.
The TBC Crew
all are welcome
Georgette watje
Owner
(she/her)
Owner of The Barber Collective in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, Georgette has made a name for herself in hairstyling with her inclusive approach. After 9 years in social work and 3 years in logistics, Georgette opened The Barber Collective in 2020 to provide a welcoming space for all. The shop celebrates all haircuts, regardless of gender. Georgette’s belief that “hair is genderless” has resonated with clients who appreciate the freedom to express themselves.
Georgette’s background as a social worker shapes her commitment to inclusivity and creating a safe space. During the pandemic, she transformed her garage into a barbershop, adapting to challenges. Her story and dedication have redefined the barbershop experience and connected with the Tacoma community. Georgette also supports local establishments like Campfire Coffee, Bar Rosa, and The Tshirt Men. Her journey from social work to a gender-inclusive barbershop showcases her resilience, innovation, and commitment to empowering individuals through hairstyling.
nae
Stylist
(THEY/THEM)
Nae’s name is Naomi, but the cool kids call them Nae. They’re a queer stylist here in Tacoma, a transplant from Boise, Idaho about 8 years ago when they moved here for college. Nae is a musician/songwriter, crafting supply collector, and bartender/server. In general they enjoy getting to know people, reading, getting crafty, baking, cooking, getting outside, and making stuff. Nae’s aim is to provide a fun and safe space in their chair, and help people feel seen and heard in all the ways they deserve. Let’s chat and get you feeling exactly like YOU.
Shanna
Barber
(she/her)
Shanna is a new barber in Tacoma, originally hailing from from SoCal she has called Seattle, Tacoma, and now University Place home for over three decades. Shanna obtained her barbering license from Bates Technical College following a stint at Pierce County Planning & Public Works.
Transitioning from hard hats and tool belts to a new professional identity, Shanna sees her barbering tools as an extension of her personality. Having “retired early”, she’s often questioned about her decision to embark on a second career in barbering. For Shanna, the allure of building relationships, boosting others’ confidence, and giving back through volunteering made her pivot to barbering inevitable. To her, haircuts are deeply personal.
Beyond her career, Shanna has found joy in marrying her soulmate and cherishing the company of their two furry companions. Together, they revel in adventures, from exploring the stunning Puget Sound by boat to discovering the treasures of Tacoma.
Shanna is excited to welcome new clients, and looks forward to connecting with you in her barber chair.
Courtney Edgerton
Acupuncturist
(THEY/THEM)
Courtney is an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialist. They have always been driven by a profound passion for helping people live their lives to the fullest. With an awareness that health is an important component to a fulfilling life, they have dedicated their career to guiding individuals on their path to optimal well-being. Courtney aims to treat the whole person, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of health.They enjoy treating everything from digestive issues and pain to psychosocial emotional aspects of health.
Courtney has a passion for helping members of the LGBTQ+ community with support in gender transition, hormone support, fertility, preparation for and recovery from surgery, addiction and recovery assistance, depression/anxiety, body pain and more. Courtney prioritizes honoring individuals’ identities to ensure they receive healthcare tailored to their needs, emphasizing safety and comfort for the most effective and personalized care.
In their daily life, Courtney enjoys tap dancing, making music, playing rec sports, and exploring the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest.
Press
The News Tribune
Queer-friendly barber shop in downtown Tacoma to move into new space after lost lease
March 11, 2024
“An LGBTQ-owned and centered barber shop in downtown Tacoma will move into a new space at the Armory next month after its lease was canceled in late February.”
SEATTLE REIGN FC
Intentionalist
Business Spotlight: The Barber Collective
July 6, 2021
“Meet Georgette Watje, the owner of The Barber Collective in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood and a firm believer that hair is genderless and a form of self expression.”
R City R Stories
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
WE FEELIN’ THE LOVE
Georgette has been my barber for five years now. Cuts have always been quick, perfect, with serious attention to detail.
“I’ve been going to G for a while now and couldn’t have been more happy that she opened her own spot. G’s skills with the scissors are equally matched with the cool vibe of her shop and her ease of making conversation. Supporting G as a local business owner goes further than just getting a great cut. She is an inspiration to me for being an ally to some many in the community, she not only speaks it but lives it as well. If you haven’t gotten a dope cut from G, I couldn’t recommend it more.”
“Love getting my haircut by Georgette. Always delivers a dapper classic cut that gets me a lot of compliments. A blend of old school with a stylish twist. Good conversation too. The new shop has a great feel with lots of vintage character. Thanks Georgette”
LOVE GEORGETTE. Will totally listen to your wants and needs of your look, and you will leave her chair feeling awesome.