STAFF

Our team is dedicated to providing quality service, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming experience for every guest. Whether you're here for a haircut, beard service, or massage, we're committed to helping you look your best, feel your best, and enjoy your time with us.

Ray Minor, 9 years

Owner, Licensed Barber, & Lead Instructor

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Ray Minor is a retired Illinois State Police Master Sergeant and co-founder of The Armed Barbers. Inspired by the traditional barbershop atmosphere he experienced growing up around his grandfather's barbershop, Ray believes a great barbershop experience is about more than just the haircut itself. He enjoys building relationships with clients, sharing conversation, and helping preserve the traditional barbershop atmosphere that inspired him to enter the profession.

Straight Razor Shaves • Traditional Haircuts • Flattops • Traditional Skin Fades • Bead Trims • Kid Hair Designs

Book with Ray

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Jarrett Fitch, 6 years

Licensed Barber & Instructor (License Pending)

Jarrett Fitch is a licensed barber and instructor who graduated barber school in 2021. Dedicated to his craft, Jarrett is passionate about providing quality haircuts and takes pride in delivering exceptional service. His goal is for every guest to leave the shop looking their best and feeling more confident than when they arrived. Outside of the shop, Jarrett enjoys spending time with his wife and son at home in Thompsonville, listening to music, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mid to Long Length Haircuts • Head Shaves • Traditional Haircuts • Face Shaves • Teen & Young Adult Styles

Book with Jarrett

Denys Minor, 12 years

Licensed Massage Therapist

Denys Minor is a Licensed Massage Therapist who has been serving clients throughout Southern Illinois since 2014. She is passionate about helping people reach their health, wellness, and healing goals through personalized care and therapeutic massage. Whether clients are seeking relaxation, pain relief, injury recovery, or ongoing wellness support, Denys strives to meet each person where they are and assist them along their journey to better health.

Outside of her practice, Denys enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her three children in their school and athletic activities.

Swedish Massage • Therapeutic & Deep Tissue Massage • Sports Massage • Pregnancy Massage • Physician-Directed Medical Massage

Book with Denys

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Barber Students

The Armed Barber College provides students with hands-on training in a real barbershop environment under the supervision of licensed instructors. As students progress through the program, they advance through different levels of proficiency, gaining experience and confidence with each service they perform.

The proficiency levels below provide an overview of each student's current stage of training and experience.

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Foundational

New barber student beginning hands-on training. Services are performed step-by-step

with direct instructor guidance and oversight to ensure proper technique and safety.


What to Expect:

  1. Slower-paced service (60 minutes)
  2. High level of instructor involvement
  3. Focus on fundamentals and learning
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Developing

Student actively building consistency and confidence. Services are completed with

close instructor supervision and regular check-ins throughout the service.


What to Expect:

  1. Improved speed and consistency (45 minutes)
  2. Instructor support as needed
  3. Growing technical skill and confidence
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Advanced

Experienced barber student or licensed cosmetologist in the crossover program. Services are performed with limited instructor supervision and a high level of independence.


What to Expect:

  1. More efficient service time (30 minutes)
  2. Strong consultation and execution
  3. Near-licensed skill level