Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Qodi Chacon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Qodi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

To start I think most of the educational system is a one size fits all mold like teaching monkeys to swim and fish to climb trees. Especially in the beauty industry, most schools only teach you how to do longer hairstyles as a hairstylist would do, and don’t usually go into as much detail as a Barber Student would actually need to learn how to cut hair. I would suggest to all aspiring barbers to spend time in real barbershops. Learn from real Barbers, ask questions and take at least one piece of information from each Barber you watch and combine it. In order to cultivate your own style your own style, that is what keeps people coming back to you and your chair spinning. It’s not the fact that you can cut just like all of these barbers you see on social media or like the other Barber from down the street.
Your style is your style. There’s no right or wrong way to cut hair. Watching other barbers might shine light on how to approach a haircut that could make it easier for you to achieve the best possible outcome on a haircut and style.
While I was going to Beauty school, I did not learn how to cut men’s hair proficiently. It seemed like most of the instructors were more inexperienced in cutting men’s hair, than I was led to believe before starting school. Once I spent time in barbershops after school was when I actually learned how to cut men’s hair efficiently. Throughout the seven years I’ve been a professional barber. I have picked up skills and continued my education along the way. That drive to learn and grow is what has gotten me to the point of my career that I am currently at today.

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.

I’m a Father, Barber and Entrepreneur.

I had no idea I wanted to be a barber when I first started out! My brother Was first barber in the family. He noticed that I was bouncing around from job-to-job and had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. He told me it would be a good way to make money until I get an idea of what I wanted to do. Since there are a countless number of connections you can make.

When I first went to school, it was nothing like I thought it was going to be. It was hard, long hours and a lot of information right off the jump. It was way more creative than any of the jobs I had done in my past. I’ve worked in many different industries, including Various positions and the restaurant industry and few blue-collar jobs along the way.
I had no idea yet how difficult the industry could truly be until I got my first client in the chair. I was messing up the haircut for over two hours before I finally went to my instructor and I told him “ I don’t think I’m cut out for this industry,” and “ I think I’m going to leave school.”
The man who taught me what it was to be a true barber his name is Mr. Brett. He said “ Don’t make too hasty of a decision give me a minute and I’ll come help you out.”
When he finally got there, he fixed the entire haircut in 10 minutes. The guy I was cutting went from angry and wanting to fight.the to happy and giving me a tip by the end of the service.
I had no idea how that happened.
Then he asked me a question. Mr. Brett said,” Do you know the difference between a good haircut and a great haircut?”
Obviously, I told him I had no idea.
Then he said words, I live by to this day.
“The difference between a good and a great haircut is the additional 10 minutes are willing to spend with somebody. It’s not always about the haircut. It’s about how you can make somebody feel about themselves before they leave.”
A phrase More commonly used is quality over quantity. But I use it as the quality of the time I spend with somebody Is better than the amount of people I can see in a day.

Professionally one of the things I’m most proud of is purchasing Dapper Barbershop South from my brothers. It was the barbershop that I honed my skill and learned from my brothers, barbering mentors and owners of the Dapper Barbershop franchise Ienn and Markus Chacon. This experience has been unexpected, humbling and one of the most exciting things I’ve done in my life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The thing I think helped build my reputation. The most within my industry was my constant availability and the adaptations to the evolution in style that surrounded the industry. I always say when you stop learning you start dying, so continuing education will always be a cornerstone of my career.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I would say the best source of new clientele would have to be word-of-mouth. The reason why, is not only are you getting new clients but you are also getting clients with a genuine Representation and understanding of the of the services that I provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DapperBarbershopCO.com
• Instagram: @Qodi_the_barber