Meet Owensboro’s First & Only Barbertender

Whitney Cox was born and raised in Owensboro, KY. This 33-year-old Hilltopper grad and mama to 9-year-old Paxton has been working hard to make her dreams come true, and the word "no" is not in her vocabulary. "I’m a mother first, and I always want my son to see me fight for my accomplishments. I want him to learn that they don’t come easily. But to never give up on your goals. Keep pushing forward, no matter how many people tell you that you will fail."

During the COVID pandemic, Whitney graduated with her bachelor's degree in business and took the first job she could get. "We all know how hard it was to find a job. And boy was I miserable. But I never gave up. I always felt like I was meant for more. So that is when I opened the mobile bar (2023). I was terrified and didn’t even know how I was going to make this work," Whitney shared, "I remember calling my dad crying, asking if we could go get a beer after work to just vent about it and try to rack our brains together."

Finally, The Craft OBKY was born. You've probably seen the adorable trailer set up down at Friday After Five in downtown Owensboro. If you're like me, you've enjoyed at least...a few cocktails whipped up there or at events around town. Whitney is so sweet, super creative, and she has an amazing attention to detail.

Whitney's drive and determination led her to look for something else to pursue during the slower season for The Craft. "I ended up going to barber school. During my time in barber school, I ran into a few issues with people disrespecting me as a female, or just simply saying, “women shouldn’t be barbers” “women barbers won’t be successful”. So yet again I felt like I was being hit with a “NO, you can’t do this”. And if there is one thing about me, telling me no, you can’t do this and be successful. My words and actions will scream WATCH ME."

If there is one thing I love, it's a woman who knows her worth and knows she is capable of greatness. "I’ve built myself up enough with the support of my family and friends, that I’m indestructible to the criticism. I’m going to make noise in this barber/bar industry." She's already done that with the title "Barbertender."

When I asked how she thought of that clever title combining both of her passions, she said, "So funny, my brother Nick and I were joking around one day and he blurted out, 'you’re like a barbertender now.'" Whitney was in barber school at the time, and he came in so she could practice. "The barbertender life kind of chose me."

Right now, she is a barber at Headquarters Barber Shop in Wesleyan Park Plaza and loving it. They've made her feel like family since day one. While she has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon, Whitney would love to eventually have her own shop where she can combine both careers into one building."A place where people feel safe and welcomed." Enjoy a nice drink while getting a great haircut? Sounds pretty perfect.

"I also want to encourage more women to pursue their passions, their talents, and their own success. Being a woman business owner, I want to help others reach their goals in becoming their own boss as well. For now, my main goal is to make sure that when someone sits in my chair, they walk out not only looking better, but feeling better."

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Whether it is helping someone feel their best with a fresh haircut or celebrating their special occasion with a signature cocktail, Whitney's goal is the same. "I always want to be a light in someone’s dark days. I feel like I was put here for that reason. To radiate love and encouragement to others. It’s no different with my mobile bar. When someone books me for a wedding, I strive to make their wedding memories the best, and ones that will last a lifetime."

For booking barber services, you can go to http://The-Barbertender.square.site or email thebarbertenderobky@gmail.com

For booking bar services, you can go to The Craft OBKY Facebook page and send a message or email thecraftobky@gmail.com.

You can also find Whitney on TikTok or Instagram @the_barbertender.

Here she is from the Morning Show on The Country Station 92.5 WBKR.