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.
cassandra Ward
Barber
(she/her)
Cassandra is a Queer Mom to my 8 year old daughter. She moved to the PNW from Nebraska a few years back and is proud to call Tacoma home. Cassandra has been barbering for a little over 2 years and enjoys an active lifestyle, including hiking, rollerblading while teaching her daughter to roller-skate, and exercising.
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.
Press
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
Great place. Fairly new to Washington and this is my second visit here. I’m glad I found this place. Cassandra is an excellent barber. The beard looks amazing and she has a gentle hand when shaving my head. Relaxing experience with and amazing barber.
LOVE GEORGETTE. Will totally listen to your wants and needs of your look, and you will leave her chair feeling awesome.
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”
Cassandra is an amazing stylist. Super friendly, great conversation and the shop has a great vibe. She takes the time to listen and ensure you’re getting what you want done. I’m taking my kids there now too. Finally found my go-to person!