Dee Swan, founder of Chicago’s Black Swan Barber Lounge, turned a childhood spark into a thriving business and mentorship hub (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
With the arrival of Pride Month in June, what began as a desire to stay close to and follow in her older brother’s footsteps and a simple pair of clippers turned into something much more.
There is something magnetic about seeing a Black woman in her craft, wielding clippers like an extension of herself, confidently commanding a space men have traditionally dominated. What makes her story even more powerful is that she’s not just a barber; she’s a leader, a mentor and a symbol of resilience on Chicago’s South Side.
Dee Swan is the proud owner and founder of the Black Swan Barber Lounge.
The Beginning: Clipper Dreams at 15
Dee’s journey began in the most unassuming way at the tender age of 15. Her inspiration came from the bond she shared with her older brother. When he landed a job sweeping floors at a local barbershop, Dee wanted to be right there beside him.
But she knew she had to find her path since that role had already been taken. So, she picked up a pair of clippers and made a decision that would shape her future: she would become a barber.
“I remember finding some old clippers in the basement and thinking, ‘You know what? Why not?’ I asked one of my friends from school, ‘Hey, let me cut you up real quick.’ He was like, ‘Alright, cool.’ He needed a haircut, and I needed the practice. So, I brought him to the house, gave him a cut, and yeah, I definitely messed him up,” Dee laughs. “It was low… I wouldn’t say it was nice, but that was the start. That was the beginning of my career for me.”
Enter: Black Swan Barber Lounge
Black Swan Barber Lounge owner Dee Swan with fellow barbers (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
Dee always knew she wanted to open her own shop. After years of grinding as a truck driver, learning and praying, she finally did. But she had to figure out what to call her dream before she could hang her sign.
“I’ve always known I wanted to be an owner. I never wanted to work for anyone else, but I also understood that I’d have to go through the proper channels to get there. It took a lot of prayer, faith and belief. I had a plan, and for me, it was all about timing, God’s timing, for sure,” said Swan.
How did the name of the barbershop come about?
“I didn’t want to just name it after myself; that felt too easy. I wanted something unique, something that represented me but was also powerful.”
The name came to her after years of brainstorming and deliberation. Drawing inspiration from her last name from her father and her mom’s last name, Black, she stumbled upon the image of the Black Swan. “It wasn’t the white Swan that resonated with me. It was the Black Swan. It had red eyes, silky and beautiful with this fire to it. It was different, dominant, powerful, and beautiful. That was me.”
Since opening, Black Swan Barber Lounge has grown exponentially. Initially located at 63rd and California, Dee relocated the shop to a new location, 4136 S. Archer Ave, where she has been for three years.
In partnership with SGA Youth and Family Services, Dee recently launched a barber training program for youth ages 16 to 24.
“We’re going to show them what the life of a barber is really like—not just the technical skills, but the mindset and entrepreneurship that come with it,” she said.
On July 26, she’ll again join forces with SGA for a neighborhood event, offering free haircuts and continued support to the community she’s genuinely invested in.
The shop is more than just a place to get a cut. It’s a community hub.
“We do annual back-to-school drives, Father’s Day events, and toy giveaways for the kids. When I first started, it was just me and a vision. But over time, people saw the work and reached out to support.”
Growing Up in the Gardens
Raised in the since torn-down Stateway Gardens housing projects near the old Chicago White Sox stadium, Dee grew up as one of six siblings with a single mother. Life wasn’t easy, but the bond within the family was unbreakable.
That connection with her brother played a pivotal role in her early years. Though his stint at the barbershop lasted less than a week, it was enough to spark something in Dee.
While her brother moved on, Dee remained committed, continuing down the path they had started together. Like many others, the barbering industry hasn’t always created space for women, and sometimes, they face limited opportunities and systemic bias.
But Dee’s journey is a powerful reminder that persistence matters. Her story inspires others to persevere, even when the odds are stacked against them.
“I used to walk into barbershops and ask if I could shadow them, just to watch and learn, but I was turned away a lot. Those first seven or eight years were really tough. At that time, there weren’t many YouTube tutorials like there are now, so I had to teach myself. I’d find whatever few videos I could and study them repeatedly,” she said.
Through hard work, self-training and saving money while working as a truck driver, Dee turned her early struggles into the foundation of her success. Today, she’s a trailblazer dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of barbers.
Representation Matters
Black Swan Barber Lounge owner Dee Swan with a mentee (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
Being a Black female barber in a male-dominated industry isn’t just about cutting hair; it’s about breaking stereotypes.
“I hope when people see me, they see possibilities; it’s not just for women, but for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong somewhere.”
Dee also reflected on what Pride Month means to her,
“It’s grown so much over the years. For me, Pride is a moment for everyone to embrace who they are and express their authentic selves truly,” she said.
“Everyone has a unique journey, and Pride brings together people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Chicago has many diverse identities, yet we all unite for one shared purpose. That’s what makes it so beautiful. Pride is a time when everyone can be free—it’s not about labels; it’s about love and self-expression.”
Lastly, when I asked Dee if she could go back in time and tell her younger self something, Dee didn’t hesitate.
“I’d tell her to do it the same way. Relentlessly. Stay motivated, keep God first, and keep being kind. That’s what got me here.”
So, where is “here,” exactly? Right on the edge of five years in the game. Two locations down. A legacy is still being written.
Catch Dee’s latest videos on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, but if you’re in Chicago and looking for a fresh haircut or some inspiration, head over to Black Swan Barber Lounge.
View this post on Instagram
About Post Author
