This month, we at Miami Barber Institute (MBI) proudly celebrate our sixth anniversary—six years of empowering futures, building confidence, and shaping careers through the timeless craft of barbering.

Since we first opened our doors in 2019, our mission has been clear: to transform talent into opportunity. What started as a small local school has grown into a respected institution, helping more than 600 graduates earn their Florida Barber Licenses, open their own barbershops, and turn creativity into a lifelong vocation.

At MBI, barbering is more than a trade—it’s a calling. It’s about art, service, and connection. “Barbering restores more than appearance—it restores confidence,” said Luis Castillo, our President. “Every student who comes here learns that behind every haircut, there’s a story. A haircut can lift someone’s spirit, change their outlook, and open new doors. That’s the heart of what we do.”

Two Programs. One Vision.

We proudly offer two state-licensed programs: the Barber Program and the Restricted Barber Program, both approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Board of Barbers.

Both programs are available in a hybrid format, combining online coursework through the CIMA by Milady learning platform with hands-on training in our professional barbershop.

Our Barber Program provides a complete foundation in haircutting, shaving, styling, and chemical services, preparing students to earn the Florida Barber License.

Our Restricted Barber Program focuses on core haircutting, shaving, and grooming skills required for the Florida Restricted Barber License.

Every class emphasizes technical skill, sanitation, professionalism, and entrepreneurship, giving our students the confidence to succeed in today’s grooming industry.

“We meet students where they are,” added Castillo. “Our hybrid programs make it possible for working adults and parents to pursue their education without giving up their responsibilities. What matters most is that everyone receives the same level of excellence and personal attention.”

Accredited, Respected, and Accessible

We are licensed by the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education (CIE License #7277) and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE)—a recognition that reflects our ongoing commitment to national standards of quality and accountability.

Thanks to this accreditation, our students are eligible for Federal Financial Aid and Veterans’ benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. These opportunities make professional education more accessible for those who may have once thought it out of reach.

“Accreditation, Financial Aid, and Veterans’ benefits are not just milestones—they’re lifelines,” said Castillo. “They allow people from all backgrounds to take that first step toward stability, creativity, and independence.”

Giving Back Is Part of Who We Are

Community service has always been a cornerstone of who we are. Through our Free Haircut Program, our students give back to the community while refining their technical and communication skills.

We partner with local schools, nonprofits, and veterans’ organizations—turning every haircut into a moment of connection and care.

“When a student gives a free haircut to a child, a veteran, or someone preparing for a job interview, they discover the true power of this profession,” Castillo shared. “They realize that a barber’s chair is more than a workstation—it’s a place of trust, dignity, and transformation.”

Looking Ahead

Six years later, we continue to grow—bilingual, hybrid, accredited, and community-driven. Our students and graduates represent the diversity of Miami: Hispanic, African American, Haitian, and many others, all united by a shared commitment to excellence and service.

As we enter our seventh year, we’re expanding hybrid learning opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to prepare professionals who not only master their craft but also uplift others through it.

“Our success isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in lives changed,” Castillo reflected. “Every graduate, every handshake, every smile in the mirror reminds us why we started. And we’re just getting started.”