We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Kelker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

Something that needs to be changed about the educational system is that education can’t be designed as a “one size fits all” type of system. Every person is different. They have different gifts, different talents, different ability levels. Education should be administered based on a persons strengths and what they actually may like to do. Remember, whatever you decide to do you should atleast enjoy it. With time, diligence and patience you can get good at anything. You might as well like it because you’re going to be doing whatever you choose for a long time.
I did pretty good in school but I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do aftwe college. So, my Dad encouraged me to go to Barber School a week after I graduated high school. I was already going to Jackson State University to major in Music Education in the Fall.
By the end of my freshman year I had did everything but go to class and my GPA showed it. But, I also finished Barber School that summer.
After really digging deep and thinking about what I wanted for myself as opposed to what other people wanted me to do I realized that I had already found my
passion. I really enjoyed being a Barber and it allowed me the flexibility to pursue my passion for music at the same time. It was a win win for me.
This is why I feel the education system needs to change. Kids are being forced to be square pegs trying to squeeze into round holes instead of playing to their strengths and pursuing the things they’re passionate about. Its ok to pick up a trade, learn a new skill, dedicate yourself to something bigger than yourself. Its ok to be exactly who you were meant to be.

Chris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I said before, my Dad encouraged me to go to Barber School and he was my inspiration to become a blues musician. I began playing saxophone when I was around 12 but fell in love with the guitar at 14. I actually started cutting hair in my bathroom at 14 too. This was 1999 That same year my mother passed unexpectedly and this turned our whole world upside down. It was a really hard time for us but my Dad, sister and I all learned alot about ourselves.
Cutting hair forced me to come out of my shell because you have to learn to be a people person. People come to Barbers for a haircut but they stay with you for the advice and counseling. Some people only get a chance to talk openly and freely when they’re in the Barber’s Chair. Sometimes the Barber Shop is the only safe space for men to be men and I appreciate that safe space.
While being a listening ear for my clients I use music as my personal therapy. After my mom passed I spent hours by myself everyday picking out old blues songs from my Dad’s record player until I sounded just a lil bit like BB King, Al Green and ZZ Hill. It gave me a moment of peace in an all too chaotic world.
Its not a surprise that alot of my clients are musicians as well from all genres. Blues, Country, Gospel, Punk Rock, Rap and even International Vibes. We all share our love for music and how it helps other deal with whatever they have going on.
I guess my livelihood is more about people moreso the services or performances. Its about helping them find a peace of mind too.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have three things I used to grow my clientele

1. The first thing I did was consistently post on social media. Atleast one picture of a good haircut that tells the viewer where i’m located and how to book an appointment. Your post may not get alot of likes but believe me somebody sees it and somebody is going to click that link.

2. The second thing is I gave out 10 business cards a day. It doesn’t matter where you are. The gas station, grocery store, getting lunch etc.. Take every opportunity to promote your business. Somebody wants what you’re selling.

3. It may be old school but I promise this still works. Flyers. I used to wait until people got off work and would go to apartment complexes close to the shop and place a flyer on their driver side window. This way when they got ready to go to work my flyer is the first thing they saw. Now I use door hangers and it has the same effect.

These 3 things doubled my business within a year but it has to be done consistently to work.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’m a big John Maxwell fan. His focus is on leadership, team building and self-development. Pretty much anything he’s written is sound advice and if you have an opportunity to see him in person the experience is worth its weight in gold. I also like Robert Kiyosaki, the author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” He taught me alot about the importance of financial literacy, investing and building a solid financial house.
The most important book I read is the Bible. Its true that there is nothing new under the sun and most things in life whether its family, relationships, grief and success is addressesd in the Bible if you just take a little time to read it. These books have helped me alot over the years and I hope they help you too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chriskthebarber.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chriskthebarber
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chriskelker
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/chriskelker