Rebecca "RO" Washington, Owner and Instructor of Washington Academy of Barbering & Arts, has dedicated 25-plus years to the barber industry. Through those years, she has developed a passion and concern for the industry and its future. Rebecca set out to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming the owner of her own barber academy, where she could pour into the lives of individuals who share her passion. Her passion ensues beyond the classroom but also transcends to the community. Through Washington Academy, individuals who have had setbacks can transform those setbacks into successes just as she has.

 

Rebecca attended barber school in 1997 but started her barbering career in 1999. Since then, she has created milestones and crushed them. From winning 1st and 2nd place in barber battles, opening and owning two barbershops and a beauty salon in two different states at one time, to teaching at the famous Bronner Bros. hair show. Rebecca believed all these significant accomplishments, but she thought, "I don't just want to be a barber, I want to help create them and watch them soar. Nothing like being a part of someone's DNA." Having no kids of her own, the joy of watching her clients' kids grow and students perfecting the craft of barbering gave Rebecca the feeling of creating her own family.

 

Washington Academy is in its third year of operation and consistently enrolls students for day and night classes. Its 2,400-square-foot facility offers barbering, instructor training, and client services. It houses three administrative offices, two classrooms, a clinic floor, a shampoo room, and a student lounge. The school is currently in candidate status for accreditation with NACCAS and intends to become accredited with financial aid.