We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeremy Saiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeremy below.

Jeremy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

I have always believed that if anyone has ever gone out of their way or went above and beyond for you, you should always pay it forward. One of the kindest things anyone has done for me, was when I was a kid. Maybe around 5 years old, I was playing outside in the front yard, when this pretty woman came up the walkway. She gave me a smile that warmed my heart. She and my mother talked for a moment. She then came and told me her name was Caity. She said she was taking me to a show. I was in shock and so excited. This was some kind of courtyard thing so it was just a hop, skip and a jump away. This woman was so awesome. She held my hand, told me jokes and made me laugh. She was so cool. We sang songs, played games, watched a puppet show and had our faces painted. I was having the time of my life. At that age any kid would. She gave me puzzles and lots of toys. We had cotton candy, drank soda pop, ate hot dogs and so much more. Even though we hadn’t been there long, I was having so much fun, I felt like it lasted hours. She put a blue and green bracelet on my wrist and whispered in my ear. “As long as you have this bracelet, you will always remember me. Never forget what I’m about to tell you. Grow up and be the best man you can be. Be kind, and be one of a kind. Make a difference in the world. Love always, smile, be happy and be you.”
To this day I still remember the positive things she told me, how loving and kind she was. 30+ years have passed and I still have the bracelet she gave me. Her warmth, and the things she told me when I was a kid made an impact on me. I now take it as positive affirmations that stuck with me into adult hood. I believe Caity has played a part of the man I am today.

I grew up thinking of her from time to time. Wondering if she remembers me..

So, I have always had my heart set on helping and caring for people. So much, that I furthered my education in the medical industry and took on the career of a Certified Nurses Assistant. Doing work in the Emergency Room onto Rehabilitation, Assisted Living then Hospice. While I loved healing and taking care of people, hospice began to take a toll on my mental health and I realized that the medical field wasn’t where my passion was. So I decided to follow my heart and do what I knew I was good at. Something I had practiced since the age of 12. I knew I still wanted to care for people so I decided to continue my education in the Barbering industry, I wanted to make people look and feel good.

We have all heard it at some point or another. “You can do anything you put your mind to.” Or, “Anything is possible.” It starts during childhood. We’re programmed to believe that we can “be whatever we want to be.” Its a lovely childhood thought that tends to get lost in the responsibilities of adulthood. Without effort we tend to forget these life lessons. We get lost in the daily struggles of existing and forget to live our lives in piece and positivity. Positive affirmations are useful and necessary for manifesting our dreams. It is undeniably true that positive thoughts contribute to desired outcomes. An easy way to maintain a positive mindset is to use positive affirmations.
So I would have to say the kindest thing someone has done for me is give me a piece of positive affirmation. I will never forget it. Thank you Caity.

Jeremy , 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 kids, when we wanted our hair cut my mother did it for us whenever we needed it. When I was about 12 years old, it got to the point where I asked my mom to cut my hair every couple weeks, which she did. Dealing with being a single mom and struggling with trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table she couldn’t always give us what we wanted. With after school programs, sports and my mom being busy maintaining the household, there was no time for haircuts. One day after school, I sat down expecting to get a cut from mom, when she surprised me and said, “Son, I bought you your own set of clippers. If you want to look good, you’re going to have to learn to cut your hair yourself. I’m sorry.” I was shocked, and couldn’t even imagine where to begin. As time passed, and with more than a dozen mess ups and buzz cuts, I eventually got better and better. To the point where I was giving my brothers, cousins and friends haircuts.

Later on, after high school I was working part time in retail and attending Empire Beauty School. In 2011 I entered a nationwide competition located in Hershey Pennsylvania called the Future Professionals Expo. I placed 8th in Long Hair Evening Design. I was astounded and couldn’t believe that I had got that far, out of hundreds of competitors. Being there at that moment in time for those few days among my peers, learning and feeling the energy. I knew what and where I wanted to be. Making people look and feel amazing.

I attended The Aveda Academy Denver Pure Talent program, There I met some of the most Amazing & Talented people. After months of shampooing and sweeping hair, my apprenticeship was complete and my application was accepted, then I began living my dream as a Cosmetologist. A few years into my career, I felt and knew something was missing. So, I attend Denver Barber Academy, in which I would prepare for my state barber exams. Shortly after receiving my state barber license I got my position at Chaplin’s Barbershop at The Aveda Academy. Having found success in barbering, and having spent many hours building my clientele and reputation, becoming a master barber, and having the opportunity be an educator. Unfortunately, my time at the academy had come to an end.

I started Jermz Barbershop in 2018. In this ever-changing industry, I believe consistency is key to great service as well as client relations. Jermz Barbershop is an urbane upscale, clean, modern studio. Here, I find great satisfaction in helping my clients look and feel good. As most men know it can be difficult to maintain that sharp looking, fresh-from-the-barber appearance with a grown-out hairstyle or beard. So being able to assist in making over a client and giving a man a fresh new look makes me feel good, because they feel good.

At Jermz Barbershop, I will provide an excellent haircut that will get you compliments all week. I can help decide what suits you best and ensure sustainability. Thankfully, I have evolved in my skills just like everything else. I have more knowledge, better tools, formulated and effective products to work with and so on. This progress I have experienced is what guarantees that men and women can create the identity or look they desire. I can customize styles, stay faithful to the most fitting style or try new looks every now and then. I’m not just any Barber who cuts and shaves hair or trims beards. I’m a professional whose work is invaluable and goes a long way to determine if you will be having a great week or an embarrassing one. Choosing a barber is like choosing a spouse or your clothes. You must find the right fit and when you do, you hold on to her/him for dear life.

Men Deserve A Luxe Barbershop. I love to focus on helping men look and feel their best. If it’s from a quick clean up, beard trim, shave to any hair removal service. Indulge in a Cleansing Shampoo, Scalp Massage, Hot Lather Neck Clean Up, Precision White-Collar Haircut and Hot Towels.

Booking By appointment Only!

Motto
“Consistency Is Key”

Mission
“Being able to assist in making over a client and giving a man a fresh new look makes me feel good,
because they feel good.”
– Jermz

Services & Pricing:

-Jermz Luxe Cut $40 (white-collar haircut with hot lather neck clean up, cleansing shampoo and scalp massage along with hot face towel. 45 min)
-Dry Cut $30 (hot lather neck clean up included. 30 min)
-Shave & Cut $58 (Jermz Luxe Cut included with a double pass Hot Shave. 1 hr)
-Bread Trim $20 (included with hot lather cheek and neck line up. 30 min)
-Jermz Luxe Shave $38 (double pass Hot Shave and easing neck tension. 45 min)

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I haven’t met too many people who can say they love what they do. Since I’ve been running my own business, I look forward to seeing every one of my clients everyday. So much that there are days I feel like I’m not even working. Care for your clients and love what you do, They know when you are passionate, they feel the energy and vibes you send off. Care & Love, that’s important.
In growing and retaining an amazing clientele:
-Word of mouth is the #1 marketing. offer a referral discount
a happy client is likely to tell at least three friends about a positive experience
-Stay as consistent with services as possible “consistency is key.”
-Get clients to leave reviews, offer them a discount/incentive if you see them doing it.
-In between cleanups. offer free neck shaves
-Execute Amazing Customer Service. Quality matters
-Build an active social media presence

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

There are a few things I believe have helped me build my reputation in the Barber World: First and foremost you have got to put in some hours. Work hard and stay consistent. Always do what you say you will do, stick to your promises. When you book an appointment, be there and be on time. Deliver an amazing service and follow up with your clients. Be flexible, reliable and dependable. Do this and your guests will trust you. Most likely they’ll recommend and refer family, friends and colleagues your way…#1 marketing is word of mouth.
Go out of your way to give your clients the look they desire. Having a good reputation goes beyond having a worry for yourself and your improvements. Encourage, promote and develop the mindset of helping your clients look and feel good.
Is your customer looking for some advice on a certain style or look? Educate them with what looks good with their hair growth pattern and hair texture. Give them guidance with certain styling tools and answer questions about products.
Make a good first impression. Like it or not, people make judgments before you even open your mouth. So dress for success.
My motto is: “Consistency is key” so be consistent. Not just with your services but your personality and the vibes & energy you set off in your establishment as well. Not being authentic will do you no good, because you won’t be able to remain consistent. You need to show the same great qualities to everyone you meet, bad days included. If you are great in one setting and nasty, rude, and cold in the next, it could hurt your reputation. People are willing to share negative experiences much more readily than positive ones. Be honest and have strong moral principles. In the business world, this should be the foundation of everything you do. Get to know your clientele and be engaged. Be likable and be yourself. I’ve learned to follow and demonstrate these small traits and found that this is what has been helping me build my reputation in the Industry of Barbering.

Contact Info:

• Website: jermzbarbershop.booksy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jermzbarbershop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JermzBarbershop
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jermz-barbershop-denver

Image Credits
Rosann Martinez