We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.
Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s take a stroll on memory lane, back to when you were an apprentice or intern. What’s a memorable story from that time that you can share with us?
In my time as an appretince at the shop I now work at, barbering was the least important thing I picked up. I’m blessed to be surrounded by a a great collection of men (barbers & clientele included) that work hard and always support me and everything I do. Barbershops are tricky a business to excel in and in my personal experience the foundation has to be set around the culture the shop promotes. In my time here I learned that accountability and work ethic are hand in hand when it comes to any form of self improvement. If a haircut wasn’t at a certain standard I had to accept that I screwed up and ask for help. Instead of taking over for me, I would get advice on how i could save the situation. All of my problems that I ran into were always something that was within my ability to handle myself as long as I had the support behind me to do so.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into My industry by just wanting to make some extra cash on the side of working my regular job and going to school. As time went by it grew as a passion that I could get paid for and it pushed me to where I’m at today. I’ve started promoting to the people in my life that humility is always improving, it’s the willingness to put your best foot forward every day and there’s always a way to be better for yourself and those you impact. With that being said, it’s okay to hold your chin up high and be confident in the person your building and set above average standards for yourself. The clientele I have I text almost regularly about what’s next. What’re their next steps to success, and how can we make moves that’ll make us stronger, smarter, and more competent people. I take pride in my ability to share my energy with the people around me, and I understand that if I keep that energy positive and keep moving with intentions of becoming the best me I can be the people around me will too.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn that pleasing everybody will make you respectable.In starting any business or brand for yourself there will always be people that will try to negotiate your value to you. As an example, If I charged $30 for a basic service and people would say “no way I’d ever pay you that much for a haircut.” I would take it as a blow to my confidence in my skill set & and consider giving them a deal to make up for it. That didn’t do my business or my mental health any good as I saw myself doing more work for less appreciation & compensation. So, I had to make what seemed as a “tough” decision at the time and stop trying to be everyone’s “homie” and do what was right for my business. As my mindset changed, so did my clientele. Then my skill set, self respect, and vision expanded and led me where I am today. The most challenging thing about growing in anything is setting and sticking to your worth. Listen to the people that feed you positive energy, the ones that show up on time, tip you, love your growth and have your best interest in mind, and best of all challenge you to be a better you. To put it simply, it’s not on you it’s in you and whether it happens or not is because of you. Never give away your value and never settle.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
In the hair industry I would say to go out in public with your clients, toss on a fresh fit and just reach out to guys on the street while you’re out and about. Give respect to people, have conversations and let them know about your services and point to your clients with you. The image your clients put out should attract other potential clients and make them think to themselves” I want to feel like that.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getsquire.com/booking/book/jlthafader-san-diego/barber/justin-lewis/services?ig_ix=true&owner=barber
- Instagram: @JLthafader
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mecca-barber-shop-san-diego
Image Credits
Instagram @givaens