A Family-Built Academy, Rooted in Waukegan
Founded in March 2024 by Eliezer Encarnacion and his son Sammy. Sammy brings discipline and leadership from the Chicago Police Department. Eliezer brings over a decade of barbering expertise as Tricoci University's Educator of the Year.
Students travel from Gurnee, Zion, North Chicago, Beach Park, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Kenosha, and across Lake County to train here.
Mission
Train confident, licensed barbers ready for real careers on day one.
Approach
Small classes, hands-on repetition, and instructors who still work behind the chair.
Less Than a Year with Premier.
We already figured out the path. You still have to walk it. Here is what that walk looks like, from the day you start to the day you build your career.
You start with a goal.
You walk in with a decision to change your life. We hand you the map on day one.
You learn the fundamentals.
Cutting, fading, straight-razor work, sanitation. The skills that never leave you.
You put it to work on real clients.
Real chairs, real people, real feedback. This is where confidence is built.
You always know where you stand.
Your hours, practicals, and milestones are tracked. No guessing how close you are.
You complete the requirements.
Hours in, state exam prepped, ready. The hard work meets its payoff.
You cross the finish line. Now you build your career.
Licensed, skilled, and ready to work a chair, open a shop, and pass it forward.
"We already walked this path. Our job is to make sure you don't have to figure it out alone."
Choose Your Path to Licensure
Every track is built around Illinois licensing requirements and real clock-hour instruction.
Barber Program
Cutting, styling, straight-razor shaving, sanitation, and business skills — everything required for full Illinois barber licensure.
Cosmetologist Crossover
Already a licensed cosmetologist? Cross over into barbering with a condensed course built around your existing skill set.
Fast-Track Course
A focused, accelerated path for students ready to move quickly toward their state exam and job readiness.
What Actually Separates This Academy
Educator of the Year
Led by a Tricoci University award winner with 25+ combined years in the industry.
Real-World Training
Work on real clients in a real salon from early on — not just mannequins.
Small Class Sizes
Direct instructor attention instead of getting lost in a crowded room.
Flexible Schedules
Full-time and part-time tracks built around work and family.
Payment Plans
Tuition options so cost isn't the reason you delay your career.
Career Preparation
Training covers the business of barbering, not just the technical skill.
Licensed CE Sponsor
Illinois BCENT-approved Continuing Education Sponsor, license #190.010984.
Competition Experience
Home of the Premier Barber Battle — sharpen your skill under real pressure.
Built on Real Accomplishment
Educator of the Year, Barber/Nail
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Certified Haircolor Authority
Redken 5th Avenue NYC
Premier Barber Battle
In-house student championship, first-place title belt
Licensed BCENT CE Sponsor
State of Illinois, License #190.010984
Eliezer Encarnacion
10+ years in barbering. 15 years as a licensed cosmetologist. In 2021, Tricoci University named him Educator of the Year for Barber/Nail.
His teaching style is direct and hands-on: high standards, real feedback, and mentorship that continues after graduation. He leads Premier as an Illinois BCENT-licensed Continuing Education Sponsor.
A Facility Built to Train Professionals
Picture yourself here — from your first day of class to your last hour before the state exam.
Meet Our Graduates
21 students have already crossed the finish line. Real people who walked the path and came out licensed.
What You'll Actually Work With
Students who need a full kit train with professional-grade tools from day one. Experienced barbers and cosmetologists crossing over can use their own.
- 01Wahl Professional A-Lign trimmer, Vanish shaver, and Magic Clip cordless clipper
- 02Derby Premium razor blades, cutting cape, and barber vest
- 03Black Ice grooming line: aftershave cologne, beard oil, and beard serum
- 04Pinaud Clubman finishing powder, styling powder, combs, and clips
Real Reviews From Real Students
Common Questions
Start Your Barbering Career
Serving Waukegan, Gurnee, Zion, North Chicago, Beach Park, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Kenosha, and all of Lake County.
Waukegan, Illinois 60087