Tuesday, March 24, 2026
CVTC Cosmetology alumna opens barbershop at age 21
Brecken Anderson wasn’t sure where her life would take her until her mom registered her for the Cosmetology program at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Now at 21, Anderson opened Brecx Barbershop in Eau Claire in December, specializing in short cuts and styles.
As high school graduation neared for Brecken Anderson in 2022, she was laissez-faire about her future.
“I didn’t want to choose at 18 what I was going to do for the rest of my life,” Anderson said.
While many of her classmates were finalizing college plans, Anderson was unsure whether she wanted to continue school at all.
That’s when her mother, who worked in student services at Eau Claire North High School, stepped in. She saw her daughter struggling to decide on a path, so she made a bold move. She signed her daughter up for CVTC’s Cosmetology program.
At first, Anderson was not thrilled. She had never been especially interested in hair and did not picture herself in the beauty industry.
“I never got into nails. I couldn't braid. I don't like touching people,” Anderson said with a laugh. “So, when she signed me up for it, I really didn't think I would like it at all. But I went through with it and ended up really liking it.”
Anderson joined the program in January 2024 and gave the program a real chance.
That decision changed everything.
Anderson graduated from CVTC’s Cosmetology program in December 2024 and discovered a passion for barbering along the way. While she enjoyed the hands-on learning and supportive instructors at CVTC, it took her time to figure out exactly where she fit in the field.
By the end of the program, she determined that men’s hair was her niche.
She had already been cutting hair in her garage outside of class, building experience and confidence. Soon after, she connected with a local barber who gave her an opportunity right away. Despite warnings from others not to focus on men’s hair or rent a chair so early in her career, Anderson trusted her instincts.
That confidence eventually led her to open Brecx Barbershop in December on Barstow Street in Eau Claire at the age of 21.
When a retail space became available, Anderson saw an opportunity and took it. Her mom once again encouraged her to go for it. Her dad helped make the dream real.
Anderson’s dad spent weekends helping transform the space by handling plumbing, lights and other building projects so Anderson’s dream could become a reality. Anderson also leaned into her creativity, furnishing the shop with thrifted, antique and Facebook Marketplace finds that gave it a distinctive style.
With a moody man cave meets automobile theme, the aesthetic is fun, comfortable and interesting – right down to the Rolling Stone magazine pages turned flooring in the wash area.
For Anderson, CVTC offered an affordable and practical path into a career that fits her.
Now, the Eau Claire native has built more than a business. She has built a future on her own terms with a little push from her mom, a lot of help from her dad, and the skills she found at CVTC.
