About Me

My mission is to provide high‑quality sharpening services that honor the craft of every professional I serve. Through ongoing education, hands‑on training, and a dedication to excellence, I strive to deliver reliable, precise, and trustworthy care for the tools that support your work.

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Hello, I’m Lisa Watkins — a lifelong learner with more than two decades of experience as a business consultant and advocate in the beauty industry. In 2022, I took a true leap of faith. Sharpening had been mentioned to me a few times over the years, and something about it intrigued me. So I made a bold decision: I quit my job, and one month later I was on a plane to Florida to begin my sharpening training.

 

To build a strong foundation, I chose John Kuipers as my mentor — a respected sharpener known for his features on Behind the Chair and his certifications with leading shear companies. Through intensive one‑on‑one training with John, I developed the precision and confidence needed to serve stylists at a high level. in 2025, I achieved the honor of becoming a certified Shark Fin sharpener, which means clients who use Shark Fin shears maintain their manufacturer warranty when they choose me for service.

 

As I grew in the craft, I expanded my skills beyond hair shears. I trained with Cliff Curry for knife sharpening and broadened my expertise to include sewing shears, medical scissors, household scissors, and garden tools such as pruners, loppers, hedge shears, and nippers. Through workshops, hands‑on practice, and working alongside other sharpeners, I continued learning and refining my technique.

 

One of the greatest surprises in this journey has been discovering the sharpening community itself. I’ve never experienced a more supportive professional group — sharpeners who genuinely want to see each other grow, who share knowledge freely, and who show up for one another. This fierce, generous community has played a huge role in my development, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

 

I’m committed to ongoing education and professional growth. Each year, I dedicate myself to at least one in‑person training and one virtual training, ensuring I stay current with evolving techniques and industry standards. I regularly attend The Sharpeners Roundup, other sharpening conventions such as Wolf and Above Shears, workshops, and additional one‑on‑one sessions with top sharpeners across the country.

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What began as a leap of faith has become a craft I truly love. I take pride in offering honest guidance, meticulous workmanship, and a level of care that reflects the trust my clients place in me.

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I’m excited to bring my passion for quality service to you and look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

 

Thank you, 

Lisa Watkins

SHEAR MAIDEN

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