The buzz of clippers fills the air as Gunn High School senior Reza Nasser leans in, carefully shaping a fade. His client, a classmate from AP Spanish, laughs mid-conversation, trusting Nasser’s steady hand. Cutting hair is more than just a hobby for Nasser — it’s a way to learn, connect and get closer to his entrepreneurial dreams.
With hours of practice and learning from other barbers, Nasser seems like barbering could be his first business. But his actual first venture was B&R Kicks, a reselling business he started his freshman year to address shortages in affordable fashion.
By the beginning of junior year, B&R Kicks gained widespread recognition in the Gunn community.
“A lot of people at school want certain shoes or clothes but don’t know where to get them or don’t want to deal with overpriced sites,” Nasser said. “I can connect them to items they’re looking for at a reasonably fair price.”
Nasser said he sources shoes and clothes directly from retailers during limited drops, then resells them with a modest markup.
Nasser sells an array of popular brands, which include Stussy, BAPE, Chrome Hearts and Essentials.
During his sophomore year, Nasser started the haircutting business named Fadez by Reza. The business offers affordable cuts, including fades, tapers and line-ups, charging between $15 and $25 depending on the style.
“With sneakers it’s more like flipping a product, but with cuts it depends on me,” Nasser said. “The thing with haircuts though was that I had to put in hours of practice on friends and family before I actually charged anyone.”
With over 1,400 Instagram followers and 100 unique customers, Nasser said his favorite part about the job is meeting new people.
“It’s fun to talk with so many people because I get to learn their stories during the cut,” Nasser said. “I think it’s more valuable than just making money.”
Nasser said he is excited to continue growing his businesses with clients from both Gunn and Paly.
“It’s been good so far, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and try to grow,” Nasser said.
He said he pursues business because of the independence and responsibility it gives him.
“Since elementary school, I’ve been obsessed with creating something on my own,” Nasser said. “That’s why I would always experiment and try new hobbies.”
Nasser said a big inspiration in his ventures are his parents, who have supported him throughout his journey.
“I watched my parents work so hard, so I wanted to follow their example,” Nasser said. “It was great because they never doubted me, even when I had bad days.”
Despite his determination, Nasser said the beginning of his journey as an entrepreneur was marked with hesitancy and risk.
“I was using my own money, not loans or anyone else’s,” Nasser said. “At first, it was hard to get customers since I didn’t have reviews or experience. It was discouraging at times, but I reminded myself that a lot of big businesses start small, and that I just needed to stay consistent.”
Nasser said students who aspire to be entrepreneurs should stay courageous.
“For me, the hardest part was credibility,” Nasser said. “As a teenager, people don’t always take you seriously. I had to prove myself by being professional, showing up on time and delivering quality whether it was sneakers or haircuts.”
Nasser also said he would recommend students interested in entrepreneurship to take chances.
“If you want to start something, just go for it,” Nasser said. “Don’t wait for a miracle to happen or wait until you’re older. Just put in work and consistency and results will come for sure.”
