Elgin native returns to open modern barber shop
Wendy Carrillo is eager to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, Gordon Wendt of Elgin. He was a barber and now she plans to open a barber shop in their hometown.
Carrillo has been working long hours to prepare for the Aug. 23 opening of 21 Fadez at 30 Tyler Creek Plaza in Elgin. The shop actually represents more than a family tradition. For this cancer survivor, the shop means continuing to help her family, leaving a legacy one day, and providing a service for the community.
“I wanted to return to work and do something to help support my family,” said Carrillo, 39. “I got the loans and wanted to give the barber shop a new twist, sort of old school compared to the new school type of barber shop.”
It's been a long four years for Carrillo.
After discovering a lump near her thyroid and experiencing other symptoms, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
She's been through two rounds of treatments and is currently in remission. She remains vigilant with follow-up exams and tests.
Throughout the recent years of cancer related struggles and taking care of her family, she always had the dream of starting her own business.
While Carrillo's grandfather died before she was born, she heard about his work as a barber.
She also was part of a long-line of relatives all born and raised in Elgin, although she has since moved to West Dundee.
So she is looking forward to keeping the barber tradition alive and keeping ties to her hometown after being a hair stylist and a pet groomer for about 15 years.
With the love and support of Secundio, her husband of 21 years, her mother Malia Wendt and other family and friends, she pushed forward with her dream.
Now, 21, Fadez will offer old-fashioned hot shaves with cream and hot towels for men and provide haircuts and other services for women and children.
“We are also sending our son, Joshua, to barber schools,” she said. “It will help his future.”
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