About The Barber Collective: Tacoma’s Queer-Owned Barbershop
The Thing About Finding a Good Barbershop
Every dapper person, in every city, Googles “good barbershop near me” before they move there. It’s one of the first things you figure out — not because hair is everything, but because the right shop is more than a haircut. It’s a place. A feeling. A community.
You’ve probably walked into somewhere that didn’t feel right. Maybe it was the décor. Maybe the music was aggressively wrong. Maybe it was an uncomfortable conversation in the next chair. Maybe it was something you couldn’t name — just a quiet, creeping sense that you were being tolerated, not welcomed.
That’s the exact feeling The Barber Collective was built to eliminate. Not just a safe chair, but a safe space.
The Grit City of Destiny — lets get your head right.
The Garage Years
Owner Georgette Watje opened TBC’s first location in her garage in 2020. Quarantine was in full swing. The entrance was through the alley. There was no sign.
Word spread anyway.
Georgette is a 40-something lesbian barber who has lived a few different lives — grew up in Western Maryland, came into her own in Baltimore, found her love for the outdoors in Colorado, and landed in Tacoma because this city pulls people. She Googled “a good barbershop” every time she moved. She kept coming up short in the ways that mattered.
So she built the thing she was looking for.
What TBC Actually Is
The Barber Collective is an LGBTQIA2+ inclusive barbershop and salon. We’re a team of two barbers and two stylists, working out of the Tacoma Armory building at the corner of S Yakima Ave and 11th Street. Regardless of the location, TBC remains rooted in it’s vision. A safe space for the Queer Community to revel in self care.
We do haircuts. We do fades. We do beard trims. We do color, cuts, perms, braids, locs, and consultations. We work across all hair textures, all gender expressions, all vibes.
What we don’t do is make you feel like you have to explain yourself to get a great haircut.
What TBC Wants for You
Do we want you to leave looking sharp and tag TBC in a selfie? Absolutely. That’s good for business and we won’t pretend otherwise.
But honestly? What we want most is for you to walk out that door feeling like yourself — maybe a sharper, more confident version of yourself — and pass that forward somehow. Be a little more generous, a little more open, a little more you out in the world.
That’s the whole thing. That’s always been the whole thing.
You Are Needed Here.
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.
Quela (Que)
Stylist
They/them/she-ish
“I pride myself on inclusivity and aim to bring a positive attitude to every interaction and appointment.”
BAM
Barber
(She/Her)
Her approach to barbering is simple: deliver great service for every person, every texture, every style. Working as the only woman in traditionally male shops, she made sure her chair was a place that anyone could feel welcome and confident that they were getting her best. She takes pride in caring for clients beyond the cut, and even created some of her own products to meet the specific needs of some of her clients.
Alongside traditional short shear cuts, fades, and beard care, Bam has a long-standing passion for caring for locs, offering a variety of loc services as well as basic braiding. (Please note: any first-time loc or braiding service will require a consultation—if it’s a good fit to move forward, the consult fee will be applied to the service)
When she’s not in the shop, she’s substitute teaching or spending time with her son, their dog, or her sprawling extended family. She loves weight training, jiu-jitsu, gardening, and occasionally attempting to paint and draw.
TBC in the Press
SEATTLE REIGN FC
R City R Stories
The News Tribune
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.”
OUt NW
More Than a Haircut
December 22, 2023
“If you’re looking for a place where you can keep your look sharp and be celebrated in your journey of being your true self, consider booking an appointment at The Barber Collective. After all, it’s more than a haircut.”
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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Appointments
We are appointment-only. Booking online is the best way to secure your spot. If you’re in a pinch, it’s worth reaching out directly — last-minute openings do occasionally come up, and we’re happy to let you know what’s available.
There is an option to join the waiting list when attempting to book an appointment. You can request a certain barber/stylist’s waiting list or first available waiting list.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Easiest way is through the booking app/site. You can even reschedule within seconds. We really appreciate advance notice — it helps us offer that slot to someone else.
Great question — here’s a quick guide:
• Short Clipper cut — clippers involved, sides/back trimmed close with shears on top
• Transformation cut — significant length or style change (e.g. going from long to short, or a dramatic restyle)
• Shag/mullet styling — for shaggy, layered, or mullet-style cuts of any length
• Beard trim — beard shaping, clean-up, or first-time trim
• Bang trim — fringe only
• All Scissor Short Cut — no clippers used, shears used on sides, back, and top
• Skin Fade — super short sides and back usually to skin on the bottom working up to a longer clipper length with shears used on the top
Still unsure? Just reach out and describe what you’re going for — we’ll point you in the right direction.
Hair Types & Styles
Yes! We work with all lengths. If your hair is shoulder-length or longer, reach out before booking so we can make sure we schedule the right amount of time for you.
Absolutely. We have experience with a range of curl types and textures. If you or your person has had bad experiences elsewhere with curly hair, just let us know in advance — we’ll make sure the right barber/stylist is matched to you.
Yes, dry cuts are something we can accommodate. Just mention it when you book or reach out ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
Yes — this is very much our wheelhouse. We love working on everything from classic barbershop cuts to dramatic, layered, gender-creative styles. Bring a reference photo if you have one!
Yes. We take reference photos seriously and won’t alter a style to fit assumptions about your gender or what “you should look like.” If you bring a picture, we’ll work toward it.
Yes! We’re happy to help you manage and style a grow-out, whether you’re transitioning between cuts or working toward a specific longer style.
Yes. If you’d like a design cut into an undercut or existing style, reach out when booking so we can discuss the details.
Color services are available with select barber/stylists. Reach out through the contact form to ask about availability and to schedule a color consultation or touch-up appointment.
Beards
Yes — beard trims, shaping, and clean-ups are all available. You can book a standalone beard trim or combine it with a haircut.
Kids
Yes, we welcome kids! If your child has sensory sensitivities or anxiety around haircuts, please let us know when booking — we’re a small, quieter shop and are happy to work at a pace that’s comfortable for them.
Identity & Inclusivity
Yes, wholeheartedly. TBC is a queer-owned, gender-affirming shop. Everyone is welcome here regardless of gender identity, expression, or how you want to present. We won’t make assumptions about what cut “suits” you — we’ll cut what you ask for.
Yes. We specialize in gender-creative and affirming cuts and regularly work with clients across the full spectrum of gender expression. You’re in the right place.
Payments & Gift Certificates
Cash is Queen, but we also accept Venmo and card payments. You don’t need tap-to-pay — you can send payment through the Venmo app directly using our handle.
Yes! Reach out through the contact form or stop by the shop to purchase a gift certificate. You can also ask about availability for purchasing one online.
Practical Info
Street parking is available on and around Yakima/10th/11th. Reach out if you’d like specific recommendations based on your route.
Your satisfaction matters to us. If something isn’t right, let us know and we’ll do our best to make it right.
Some skin sensitivity after a first clipper cut is common, especially on the neck. Let your barber know at your next appointment and we can take steps to minimize irritation — such as adjusting the clipper guard or technique. In the meantime, we highly recommend witch hazel. This is a gentle cleanser/skin soothing applicant.
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.