My Journey

My name is Alec Tadashi Shoji, and I am a licensed barber in Washington State. I opened STUDIO SHOJI at 26 years old in November 2026.

My passion for hair started in 2018, cutting my friends’ hair in the dorms at Gonzaga University. I continued cutting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually building a following as “the_GU_barber” and cutting hair for students on campus and locals throughout Spokane.

After graduating from Gonzaga, I entered the corporate finance world for almost five years, but never put down the clippers. I continued cutting hair on the side for friends and family while working full-time.

In July 2026, I decided to walk away from finance and go all-in on barbering. Since then, I’ve earned my barber license and had the opportunity to apprentice under some of the most talented barbers in Washington State.

I’m incredibly excited to share my space and my passion for hair with you. See you soon!