Brecken Anderson, a recent graduate of Chippewa Valley Technical College’s (CVTC) Cosmetology program, opened Brecx Barbershop on Barstow Street in Eau Claire in December at the age of 21, according to a Mar. 24 announcement from CVTC.
Anderson’s journey highlights how nontraditional paths can lead to early entrepreneurship and career satisfaction. As she neared high school graduation in 2022, Anderson said she was uncertain about her future and did not want to make a lifelong decision at just 18 years old.
“I didn’t want to choose at 18 what I was going to do for the rest of my life,” Anderson said. Her mother, who worked in student services at Eau Claire North High School, decided to enroll her daughter in CVTC’s Cosmetology program when she saw her struggling with indecision. Initially hesitant and lacking interest or experience in beauty services, Anderson recalled with humor: “I never got into nails. I couldn’t braid. I don’t like touching people.”
Despite her reservations, Anderson joined the program in January 2024 and completed it by December that year. Through hands-on learning and support from instructors, she discovered an interest specifically in men’s hair care. She began cutting hair informally outside of class before connecting with a local barber who offered her an opportunity early on.
Encouraged by family support—her mother’s encouragement and her father’s help renovating the shop—Anderson established Brecx Barbershop with unique decor sourced from thrift stores and online marketplaces. The shop features an automobile-inspired theme with creative touches such as Rolling Stone magazine pages used as flooring.
Anderson credits CVTC for providing an affordable route into a field where she feels comfortable building both skills and confidence. Now settled into business ownership, she has forged a career path tailored to her interests through determination and family assistance.
