Christopher D. Felder

Christopher D. Felder is the Founder and Director of the Barber & Beauty Institute of New York, a New York State–licensed and nationally accredited institution with over 20 years of continuous operation. As a licensed barber instructor, former award-winning shop owner, and education leader, he has helped thousands of students build careers in the barbering and beauty industry.

Felder’s work goes beyond technical training. Through his institution, he has consistently emphasized professionalism, business ownership, and long-term career development—preparing students not just to work in the industry, but to succeed in it.

In The Gift Within Your Hands, Felder addresses one of the most overlooked topics in barbering and cosmetology: financial literacy. While many professionals master their craft, few are taught how to turn their income into long-term wealth. This book was written to change that.

Drawing from real-world experience, Felder provides a clear and practical path for barbers, stylists, and entrepreneurs to begin thinking differently about money, ownership, and retirement.

His mission is to help professionals turn their skills into not only income—but lasting financial independence.