Tell me about yourself and how you became a barber.
My name is Tony Taylor. I am a licensed barber, licensed instructor. I have been in the profession for about 16 years. I work at Larry’s Barber College. I am also a graduate of Larry’s Barber College, from early 2000s. I was a graduate of Larry’s first class when he opened down the street on 103rd. I also work at Sport Goods Barber Shop out in Olympia Fields. I’m very passionate about barbering; more than anything, I’m passionate about barbering education. I am the founder of the original Clipper Lodge, which consists of barbers and barber students and stylists. What we focus on is bringing community awareness as far as what the barbering profession has to offer an individual that would be interested. We host events, informational events, entertaining events surrounding the barber culture and what we look to do is influence the barber culture with more individuals who would pretty much push this thing forward.
My aunt Erica Taylor, who used to be one of the most prominent stylists, gave me my start sweeping up in her shop downtown. I really took an affinity of what she was able to do with hair and give a total transformation to that. When I was about 11 years old, I used to sweep and clean up in her shop. I saw her lining up one of her clients and I was in awe at the definition of the lining, the transition of the fade. I would ask her how you do this and that. She wound up giving me my first set of clippers and it was on after that.
What is the mission of a barber?
Ultimately, my mission of being a barber is to cater to my clients in the best possible way and also to encourage individuals who are looking to become barbers or who already are barbers. Motivating them to go to the next level. And what that really looks like is to not just cut from behind the chair, but to create businesses, to create brands, to become a product distributor.
The end game ultimately would have to be to diversify your talent to solidify supplemental income and also create a generation of wealth … not just standing behind the chair.
You have a book. What is it about?
Cut to the Finish 1500 is a short read that I wanted to put together for barber students who may not have any insight on the knowhow in reference to what to expect when enrolling into a barber college. You can find the book on Amazon or Lulu for $15.
How important is it for a man to have a distinct look?
It’s very important for a man to have a distinct look for the purpose of being able to stand out and being an individual. One of the things I know: a well groomed man is always well received, well respected and you get a different approach when you are like that.
Name three ways a barber stays informed of style and trends.
A barber will always have to watch what goes on in media and what I mean by that is the entertainment outlets, whether it’s the NBA or the music industry. Those are one of the first two ways I normally keep up with what’s going on and what’s trending out there on the scene. The third: I want to say more organic barber colleges. Barber colleges always show what the latest trends are and what’s going to be introduced to the industry for years to come. We’ve seen that with the mohawk; we’ve seen that with the juice cut, that actually came right back. We also seen that with the South of France. Shout out to Curtis Smith.
Name two types of advice you give to your clients.
One, when they always come to the shop make certain that your hair is properly shampooed and you’re ready to go. It’s always good to have that because you’re going to get a prestigious cut each and every time. We don’t have to worry about you know cutting through guck and muck or any type of oils or things of that nature. To maintain the styles is to not overshampoo on a daily basis but more so every 3 days or so and to also use light palm aid and or oils.
What are the three most important things to know about being a new barber in the business?
Consistency, the second thing is going to be dedication and the third thing I would definitely say professionalism, talking about customer service. If I’m talking about consistency i means being the first one there and the last one to leave. Always having a smile speaking to each and every customer. The next thing is you want to have some discipline. I think I switched that up with my second point but having the discipline to know that you can’t just leave and come in and out of the shop on a regular basis. If the clients don’t see you, they don’t know that you’re there actually a barber. They may just think that you’re there to visit. Third, I believe that I talked about professionalism and customer service. Customer service goes a long way. Speaking to someone when they come into the shop, whether they’re your client or not and speaking to them when they’re on their way out the door. People will remember that and you always want to give service with a smile too, so have personal professional contact with a customer. I think that’s always key and all of those things build on customer retention.
Three favorite products.
First off, as far as tools are concerned, I have to mention Andis. You know the Andis product line has never failed me when it comes to trimmers, clippers, even the disinfectant spray. Another one is an actual product: shea butter formula hair glaze by Curtis Smith called Exotics. I identify with that product. Their shave therapy that they have is probably one of the best, it’s 3-in-1. I really enjoy that product. Third, I would probably say Cricket. Cricket is a company that specializes in tools such as combs and things of that nature that we use in the industry. You pick them up at Cosmo Pro.
Two books that you would recommend anyone read.
Anything in the Robert Green catalog, so we’re looking at 48 Laws of Power, Mastery and I would also say TD Jakes. His most recent one was Destiny.
