We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Johann Castillo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Johann below.
Alright, Johann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents did a lot of right things. I believe that the best thing that my parents could’ve done and their life that also impacted me in my life is their continuous journey of seeking God. This has become so central to my life. To have them as not only a parental, but a spiritual guide in my life has been a blessing. As they continued to grow in their marriage and individually, I knew I could always come to them for support. My parents were always there for me, I never felt like I lacked anything. As I grew older, I realized how many people didn’t have a two parent household. So to have God-fearing parents that love each other and love the Lord, their guidance and support is truly all I need. They supported my brothers and I and everything we did. I also believe that their support was one of the best things they could’ve done in my life. My parents never forced me to do anything, they allowed us to explore and discover what we wanted to do. One thing for sure was that once we did find that one thing that we wanted to do, they would push and support us. By then we had made the decision and they took it upon themselves to be there for us. I think about all the different experiences I’ve had, career changes, hobbies, etc., my parents were my biggest supporters. As I grew older, I’ve learned how private my parents kept our family. They had a system. A system that they created, that they agreed upon and would eventually be part of the mission statement of our family. I believe that God was at the center of that system. Now in my 30s, I look back to my upbringing and I’m so thankful for how my parents guided, supported, and corrected us. There have been times that I have sidetracked in my life, But my relationship with God is what has kept me grounded. I know I am better with him on my side. I’d say those the biggest impact that my parents have had on my life and career.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Johann Castillo, and I am a wellness barber with nearly a decade of experience. I am Dutch and Dominican. My parents met in college in the Dominican Republic, fell in love and moved to Bonaire. They had four boys, and named their second, Johann. I am close to my faith, very active, a musician at heart, and an overall creative. I like fashion, coffee, cars, and self-development. I’m sure we can all relate on at least one topic. Since I was a kid, I’ve always liked looking fresh. With the help of my brother, I eventually found my style. The day I stepped into middle school was when I first saw a mohawk, a skin fade, and a blowout taper. I came back home after the first day and told my dad that I wanted a new style. At that time, he was cutting all of my brothers and I’s hair. I had the bowl cut. You know, it looks like you have a bowl on the top of your head. So I told my dad after the first day that I wanted a cooler haircut. He didn’t know how to give me a skin fade or a taper, but he allowed me to figure it out. This was sixth grade, and I was butchering my haircuts. There would be times that he would come to the bathroom and help me, and those are always fun memories. My first clients were my brothers, if you ever have a chance to meet them, please go ahead and ask them about their experience. Pro tip, I think my older brother would give you the best story. Throughout high school, college and post-college, you can find me cutting hair. In 2018 I made the leap of faith into full-time barbering, and that changed the course of my life forever. I came into an industry that was like a free-for-all game. All I knew to do was to incorporate my corporate structure background into barbering, giving clients the chance to book an appointment online, swipe with their credit card and give them true customer service. After three years in the industry, I hired a mentor that pushed me to new limits. I learned about how to run a business, and how to solve my clients’ problems. This is the essence of business. Wellness is also another part of who I am. Wellness also requires discipline. Building my body will leak into my business. Personal development leads to business development. Learning how to market myself is how I was able to grow my audience. Making videos to target my audience, and show credibility in the marketplace, has allowed me to cater to very specific men’s grooming needs. I can definitely give you a traditional haircut, but what problem is it that you need me to solve? A problem can range from a receding hairline to having a skin condition, or even not having a consistent Barber that can give you a consistent haircut. Beyond most problems, I find consistency to be the main reason why clients come to me and stay. I offer haircuts and entertainment. I use social media to attract new clients, documenting my haircuts, different problems that my clients bring to me, and a little bit about how I go about my day-to-day routine. What sets me apart is that I’m using social media as a free resource to build my business. I believe that anyone in business should have a social media presence. By not having an online presence, you are giving your competition free traffic. My focus is on solving my clients’ problems. I specialize in scissor work and those with thinning hair. I work from my private studio that allows clients to have a safe space to talk about their hair goals, be themselves, and get a transformational haircut. One thing that I’m very proud of is that I am able to use my college background, corporate background, and hobbies in my career. I have my undergrad in music & psychology, and I find it very fitting for my career choice. As a barber, I hear it all. First of all, Music adds a lot to a space, and having a psychology background allows me to navigate through conversations with clients. I love people, and as an extrovert, I enjoy human interaction. We can learn so much from each other. I have learned so much from my clients, and from my barbering business. I’ll spend the rest of my life paying it forward. I’m a servant at heart. Thank you for reading my story, and I hope to serve you one day.
Can you share the story of a time when you had to pivot (in business, career or life).
I’d say that pivoting in business is part of the process. As entrepreneurs, it’s in our nature to try new things and be risky. Many times this causes us to have shiny object syndrome, which is expected when you’re building a business. The latest and hottest new trend picks up, and we have to integrate it into our business. Well…we don’t always have to. But fortunately it’s in our character, that’s why we decide to leave the corporate route to create our own ladder.
In my experience, my pivot was getting help. We’re taught in business to grow your OWN business. You are the sole proprietor of your entity. But I eventually hit a point where I realized I plateaued and needed help to continue growing. This was 3 years into business for me. The concept of “spending money to make money” started making sense. You pay to play, but to play more efficiently. I found my first business mentor to show me how to 10x my business. Truthfully, in hindsight, it didn’t take long for that to happen. Ask yourself, would you pay 4 figures to make 5 figures? Would you pay 5 figures to make 6 figures? The answer is yes. Although easy to say, putting your money where your mouth is, is quite nerve racking.
I got my first mentor. Paying my dues & following his instruction is how I gained my community & followers. This allowed me to gain new potential clients by marketing myself, strategically. At this time, I’m 3 years into pivoting in my business using the right people as my driving force. Beyond that, it’s trusting that his methods will actually help me. I definitely had my doubts. But just like when potential clients go on my social media pages and instantly trust my work enough to book an appointment online, pay their service charge and sit in my chair with all the comfort in the world? …that’s how I felt with my mentor. He had more than enough proof that he was who he said he was. To a certain point I was giving my business over to him. I think back to the day I singed up and how scared and excited I was, it was the courage in me that eased my heart into making the decision. By far, the best business decision I made.
I eventually started mentoring barbers as well. This became a circle of accountability that has kept me on fire from all angles. Will I pivot again in the future? Most likely. I’m open to it. As individuals, we grow in different directions and interests, this is a natural pivot that happens in our daily lives. Grab it by the horns and point it in the right direction. Stay authentic and allow God to do the rest.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
It’s who you know, and who says they know you. Most of the ideas that we’ll have, someone else has already done it in some form or fashion. Why not ask those folks directly. One way is contacting them directly. Another way is if they have a book, dive deeper into their brain by reading the words that they wrote themselves. I’m an avid reader, and even though some of my mentors have already passed, they left enough info to push me to my next venture. US Presidents, characters from the Bible & other figures that have left a legacy. I believe it’s critical to learn about history, because as we all know, it will repeat itself at some point. On my path I’ve come across many people that have given me a key to the next door. I believe that having interpersonal communication with others is a way of letting the world know who you are and where you want to go. In essence, I have many mentors that have been a stepping stone in my personal and business life. I’ve held myself close to those that hold the keys that I need to achieve the dreams that can become a reality. Be relatable, have compassion, and give, give, give at all costs. The more value you can add to yourself, the more value you can add to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://johanncastillo.com
- Instagram: _johanncastillo
- Other: Tiktok: _johanncastillo
Image Credits
Matt O’Hara