Barber Spotlight
(cont.)
Q: How do you stay connected to your roots?
Through my company I founded the RockDidIt Foundation in 2009 which
aims to help the children in the city where I am from. So far we have handed
out $10,000 in unwrapped toys, food, and clothing. It’s great to personally
be able to go back there and make a difference in the lives of children who
were just like me. My philosophy on life extends past barbering to anyone
who wants to make something of their life.
Q: Why did you become a barber? How long have you been a barber?
I found my passion at the early age of 12 while trying to fit in with the new
crowd at school. Not being able to afford a haircut made me think creatively.
cut
I recreated a traditional fade using unconventional tools like a Gillette razor
and a mirror. This was only the beginning. I began using myself as a canvas.
gan
My styles began to get noticed at school and before you knew it, I had estabfore
lished a clientele paying $8 for a unique look. Not bad for a 13 year old! At
the age of 16, I decided to go to barber school and make official my dream
of becoming a legitimate master barber.
Q: How do you describe your business?
My company, Rock Did It, has started educational seminars called Cutting
Image Seminars. I am in the process of developing a product line as well. I
ping
hope that all of this will provide others with the opportunity to learn what
he
I have learned: it’s important to not only have the technical skills, but the
e
mental skills that keep you in the game and moving forward. You have to
constantly look for ways to win; this is what enables you to act on your
dreams. It’s important to search for and find the things that give your life
special meaning and power.
Q: What do you mean by your slogan “If I Did It, So Can You!” ?
I want to represent possibility, the idea that you really can make anything
ou
happen. Barbers need to understand that rather than feeling the affect of
her
what’s going on around them, they need to make things happen. Make a
choice! Don’t let others decide for you; you decide what is gonna be, who
ecide
you’re gonna be, and how you’re going to do it! I believe it’s better to be
prepared for an opportunity and not have one, then to have an opportunity
and not be prepared.
As far as whether others can do what I have done and will continue
to do, the only thing that is distinctly different about me is that I’m not
nt
afraid to die on a tread mill; I will run and I will not be outworked! Period.
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You might have more talent than me; you might be smarter than me; you
ght
might be taller than me; you might be sexier than me, but if we get on a
tread mill together, you’re getting off first or I’m going to die trying. Other
m
barbers just need the same drive to succeed and I can help give that to
them.
Q: Why are you going to be successful ?
I have short term as well as long term goals and a path set to make
it all happen. I have been designing a line of products that will be
launched soon. That is my short term goal. After
that I want to begin on something I have worked
rked
on for a few years now and have the business plan
s
ready: a beauty and barber college. Then last on my
t
list is a chain of barbershops/salons. I am able to do
all of this because of the recognition I have received
ved
from the industry. I also thank God for everyything I have been able to achieve and the
patience the path I have taken has provided me.
Q: What is the most important thing a barber
ber
can do to advance their ca ɕ