Photography: Courtesy of Sofie Pok (@staygold31)
Sofie “StayGold” Pok (@staygold31) is an LA-based barber and BaBylissPRO International Educator who has become a trailblazer in modern barbering. Her signature clipper cutting techniques and highly sought-after artistry have made her the go-to barber for celebrities like Usher, Post Malone, Nas, and James Charles.
Learn more about this talented artist and her journey to success in a traditionally male-dominated industry, below.
About Sofie Pok
Pok’s unique ability to blend craftsmanship with innovation and visual media has earned her a loyal following of almost 500K followers on Instagram as well as distinguished awards such as “Barber of the Year” at the American Influencer Awards, Barbercon’s “Female Barber of the Year,” and Behind the Chair’s “Fade Shot of the Year” and “Men’s Shot of the Year”.
She’s also the co-founder of STMNT (@stmntgrooming), a professional grooming brand designed by three pioneers in barbering. Today, you can find Pok creating viral educational content, traveling the country teaching her signature techniques, and inspiring fellow artists to push the boundaries of what barbering can be.
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Photography: Courtesy of Sofie Pok (@staygold31)
10 Questions With Sofie Pok
SalonCentric: What have been some of the big challenges you’ve faced as a female barber?
Sofie Pok: Early in my career, building a clientele, earning respect, and finding opportunities in the shop were big challenges. But looking back, those obstacles shaped me. Barbering teaches you so much more than the craft itself—it’s about building relationships, creating a comfortable space for people, and growing your confidence through daily experiences. The real challenge wasn’t about earning respect; it was about building belief in myself to keep pushing forward.
SC: What is your reaction to people who question whether or not they can trust a female barber?
SP: Honestly, it’s frustrating that this question still circulates, but the industry is evolving. Social media has done a lot to challenge outdated mindsets by showcasing the incredible work of female barbers. Representation matters, and now, when you walk into shops or scroll online, you’re seeing women dominate the craft. The idea of “trust” is being replaced by respect for skill, and that’s progress.
SC: Do you think you’ve had to work harder than your male counterparts to find success as a barber?
SP: It’s true, especially in the early days of my career. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry meant constantly proving myself. Comments like “she’s pretty good for a girl” were common, and they pushed me to work harder to stand out.
However, with the rise of social media, things have shifted. Social has become such a powerful tool for all of us—it creates buzz, builds relevance, and allows talent to shine on a much larger scale. It’s changed the game, giving everyone the chance to showcase their work and grow their presence in ways that weren’t possible before.
SC: What's the best way to help eliminate gender stereotypes within the barbering industry?
SP: Leading by example is the most powerful tool I can control. Whether it’s through live education, content creation, or sharing my story in an interview like this, I aim to show that barbering isn’t just about picking up a tool and doing the best fade. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself—using your skills, personality, and character to make a lasting impact on the industry and the world. It’s about leaving things better than you found them and showing others what’s possible.
Photography: Courtesy of Sofie Pok (@staygold31)
SC: Based on your experience, what can stylists and business owners do to be allies and help break down gender barriers?
SP: Allyship starts with creating a safe and supportive space where people feel comfortable to grow, ask questions, and address concerns. Beyond that, shop owners and teams should invest in continuous education—providing extra training, encouraging classes, and fostering an environment that builds both skill and confidence.
Often, the root of feeling out of place comes from a lack of confidence in one’s abilities. By supporting your team’s growth and investing in their development, you not only elevate the individuals but also strengthen the brand and culture of the shop.
SC: How are you working to reshape the industry for up-and-coming female barbers?
SP: My goal is to keep evolving into the best version of myself—whether that’s at shows, online, or in my personal spaces. If I can reflect who I strive to be at the highest level, it might inspire others to do the same. It’s about raising the bar, elevating the craft, and showing that being multi-faceted allows us to grow both personally and professionally.
Part of that involves shifting the focus online to spotlight positive experiences, especially in a social media landscape often driven by fear or negativity. By amplifying uplifting, solution-based narratives, we can change the perception of our industry and culture. Changing the story is the first step to changing the mindset—and it’s what will ultimately inspire and empower the next generation of creators.
SC: Tell us about one of your proudest moments as a barber.
SP: A few standout moments in my career include the full-circle experience with Pivot Point—starting as a student and later contributing to the lessons for their five-year edition program. Winning the Barber of the Year award at the American Influencer Awards was another highlight because it recognized skill and craftsmanship without the label of “female.” And now, expanding beyond the barbershop into my own version of being a creator has been a significant milestone, pushing the boundaries of what barbering can be.
Photography: Courtesy of Sofie Pok (@staygold31)
SC: What’s something that you are proud of outside of your career accomplishments?
SP: I’m most proud of my ability to think critically and stay grounded. Every day, we’re faced with decisions, and it’s easy to take those small moments for granted. As I’ve grown and evolved, I’ve realized that our impact extends beyond ourselves—it shapes the environments and people around us. Being conscious of that is something I value deeply.
On a personal level, I love celebrating my own wins, but what I enjoy even more is contributing to the success of others. Over time, I’ve transitioned from being in front of the camera to working more behind the scenes with brands, becoming hands-on and nurturing those relationships. That evolution has been so rewarding. It’s exciting to know I can make an impact from a different angle, and it’s a path I look forward to exploring further.
SC: What’s your signature barbering technique?
SP: I focus on simplicity—breaking techniques down into simple, easy-to-understand steps without overcomplicating the process. It’s about teaching the foundational skills in a way that makes sense so people can build confidence and truly grasp the “why” behind what they’re doing.
From there, they can make it their own, adding their own creativity and style. It’s never about “you have to do it this way,” but about understanding the basics first and then evolving it into something unique. This same approach applies to social media—helping barbers showcase their work effectively, shoot and distribute content with purpose, and use the tools available to reach their goals while staying authentic to themselves.
SC: What are your preferred tools?
SP: My preferred tools include the BaBylissPRO LoPROFXOne Clipper, the Single Foil UV Shaver, and the Pro Nano Titanium Light Ionic Hair Dryer (in Matte Black). I also use Mizutani (STAYGOLD Edition) Stellite Alloy Texturizers and Acro-Type K Shears 5.5".
For styling, I utilize the STMNT GROOMING collection, which offers a wide range of products to cater to the diverse needs of my clients.
Next, learn more about Sofie Pok and other trailblazing barbers in this article: The Future of Barbering Has No Gender.
