From Los Olivos to the World


"I'm Carlos Abra, I'm 30 years old and I was born in Los Olivos, Lima – Peru."
I come from a neighborhood where dreams are big, but opportunities are sometimes scarce. I've worked all sorts of jobs: I was a mime, a delivery person with a show included, a children's party entertainer, a restaurant employee, and an artist… all with a single purpose: to pay for my architecture studies.

I was very close to graduating, but my heart beat stronger for barbering… and I decided to follow that passion.

I arrived in Portugal 7 years ago, with only a 10 kg suitcase and 200 euros in my pocket. I didn't know anyone, but I carried with me something that no one could take away from me: the will to win.

It was through the content I created on social media that I was discovered and brought to Europe. I worked in Spain and France, but it was in Portugal that I found my place.
Because I saw beauty where others saw limitations. Because I felt that this country had a soul.
And because I wanted to prove that, even in small towns like Bragança, there is talent, there is art, and there is much to show the world.

Over time — and with a lot of hard work — True Shape was born, alongside my loyal friend João, who has been with me from the beginning and shares the same passion and vision.
More than just a barbershop, it's a brand, an academy, and a community that believes barbering is a true life purpose.

Today I can proudly say that I am an international trainer.
I've already taught in Barcelona (Spain), returned to my beloved Peru as an educator, and have already trained over 200 students. And this is just the beginning: new cities and countries are already on the horizon.
All this while keeping our feet on the ground and our hearts full of gratitude.

Nothing was easy.
Being an entrepreneur isn't just a title — it's about sacrificing comfort, leisure, and distractions to invest 24/7 in a dream. It's about knowing how to say "no" to what entertains you, in order to say "yes" to what builds you up.
But if there's one thing I've learned along the way, it's that without sacrifice, there is no reward.

To those who are part of this dream…
I thank my father and mother from the bottom of my heart; they are the pillars of my life.
To my family, who always believed in me;
To my wife, for her unconditional support;
to my daughter, the most beautiful reason for all of this;
And to my friend and partner João, who has been with me from the beginning, making this dream a reality.

And of course, to our team, who give shape to what is today True Shape.
Because this isn't just my problem:
"True Shape is all of us."