We recently connected with Nico Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Nico, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

First, I should mention that I don’t believe in coincidences. I feel that each and every person with a pulse has a purpose and If we truly desire to, we can both discover and live in it. In knowing that, It’s also important to recognize that while good things may come to those who wait; better comes to those who work for it. The work required is not the same for anyone but its usually pretty challenging for everyone. As a college student I was sure I was on the right track being pre-med but two short years later I found myself back in Houston; a psychology student– taking classes locally and seeking something to fill my creative void. I chose Barber school and I couldn’t tell you why for the life of me. I can tell you that I grew up watching my mother work as a stylist and I always admired the freedom of expression in the craft. As I continued my journey in the industry I came to learn that I was actually skilled in this area and I had a way with words and connecting to people. I decided to go full fledged and take all that the industry had to offer. It was the best decision I ever made.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there everyone, my name is Nico Williams, better known as Nico Tha Barber, or The Healer. I’m an Educator, Life Coach, and a plethora of other things related to entrepreneurship and personal development. I’m also the Owner of The Kut Factory Barbershop located in Midtown Houston where we fade, shave, and maintain locs. Initially, I was a college student looking to fill my creative void so I took a chance in new territory and it turns out I’m pretty good at it! I’ve been a Barber for ten years now, and recently started making myself available to those in need of spiritual alignment. I exist to provide a mind, body and soul experience for all my clients since the shop is a place to relax, reset and renew your energy. I assist people in recognizing their inner power and how to effectively utilize it to become the highest versions of themselves. I encourage everyone to remember that love of self will ultimately be the only thing that makes us truly happy. Once you move only in ways that call in equal to yourself you eliminate avoidable stress and obstacles which keeps us the focus of our journey. I offer Soul Sessions to my clients who require therapy during a service. I have also had the pleasure of improving people’s outlook on life and improving their mood with themselves because we can be so hard on ourselves sometimes. I find so much joy in using my knowledge and life experiences to cultivate a safe space not only for the general public but the LGBTQ+ community as well. The Kut Factory is a proud affiliate of Strands for Trans. I feel it’s my responsibility to ensure we have access to quality services from people who see humans for their inner spirit over outer appearance. I did not know that flowing with life would lead me down this elevated path but I understand that things work out according to our soul purpose. I encourage everyone to discover your “why” and move in it!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that I was somehow a failure. I finally decided to take the giant step of releasing my “training wheels” of a job in order to focus on being only a full time barber. I realized the fear mindset was a crutch and preventing me from growing in more ways than one. After some time I began to feel confident in my decision and took a real liking to the craft. I knew this was where I was meant to be. However, after some time, life began to do what it does best; test you! Then comes along the pandemic, and everything flipped upside down in the blink of an eye. I had recently opened my storefront barbershop in North Houston one month prior to being deemed “non-essential” for six months, I literally just signed a five year lease and a 13 month lease on a new apartment near the business. Let’s not forget the new car note I had now as a result from a wreck but I made it through. Truthfully I struggled for a while afterwards since bills still had to be paid. After some time when the world was open again and things started to pick up, it wasn’t fast enough to dig myself out the hole. I knew I needed to supplement my income but I couldn’t dare do that, or so I thought. I felt if I went back(wards) to a regular job then I must not be cut out for this. I let my ego keep me in my own way trying to control what was out of my control. The end result of me recognizing that it’s not a terrible idea to invest in myself with an addition gig taught me so many valuable lessons and broadened my horizons. I found my purpose during that trying time in 2020, I realized that I was meant to assist people in healing and discovering their own soul purpose. I understood that I had to tap into that part of my soul to prepare me for the life coaching I began to do, and for the humanitarian efforts that have fulfilled me ten times over! If I had the wisdom to trust the process sooner, I would have still found my way but I could have helped so many people. Other than that, I am human and sometimes I can be stubborn. Learn from me and do not self sabotage by having a lack mindset, and believing somehow that you have to sacrifice your passion for your stability.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Wow! Social media, where do I start?! First things first, I am still learning the ways of the web but it’s been fun. I made a ton of mistakes that you can avoid by simply looking around you, some call it “reading the room”. If you don’t live under a rock you have a phone, a tablet or a laptop—which means you have access to the internet! Use it! I am a believer of “if it’s not broken , don’t fix it” especially in this case. Who is doing what in my industry? What is trending?, What looks good?, How can you emulate that in your own way?! No ones making new things, simply reinventing it with their personal touch. Post content relevant to what you want to be known for! I started posting haircuts in barber college, I didn’t know where I was headed but I at least knew I would have a presence…a buzz so to speak as well as experience with the platform. Then I implemented my life coaching videos with music in the background, what I was doing is creating an aesthetic. I keep some things similar and change only what’s necessary. Consider boosting your content to promote more views, likes, shares and revenue! I started showing myself more and speaking to the audience to engage on a personal level, building trust with MY followers. The most important thing to do is have fun and be creative! There is no one way to do anything, you can follow pre existing guidelines, add your flare combined with your particular niche and totally dominate! Do not get caught up in “likes” because that’s the fastest way to become discouraged. When your content is from the heart and done with only the purest intentions you will reach those you are supposed to. Do not be fooled by instant gratification, it’s ll smoke and mirrors. Try to avoid hopping on too may different platforms too early if you can’t handle the responsibility of being consistent. Instead, focus on one, build a routine and more than that a liking for the process. What keeps me going is the feedback from strangers who resonate with my messages and tell me how life chaining it is and the people new to my city who see me online, trust me with their appearance, and leave heart warming reviews about my energy. Release whatever you think will happen and go with the flow, utilize YouTube University, and stay away from dramatic filters and effects!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thekutfactory.com
• Instagram: IAmNicoThaBarber
• Facebook: The Kut Factory Barbershop
• Youtube: IAmNicoThaBarber
• TikTok: IAmNicoThaBarber