We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ALEX JOHNSON a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
ALEX, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
The Story behind how Dapper Kutz Barber Lounge LLC became known is a Testimonial Story in a Period of a Covid Pandemic that affected so many Businesses & People dramatically. At the time I was in a Barbershop paying booth rent an Barbers got the last call to shutdown entirely In 2020 of that Covid Pandemic an go home. At that time reality set in for me to Pivot,Adapt & Recreate me or anything at that time i was going to do now is the time. A Barbershop that I was in 2016 for 6years in Covid shutdown, Owner of the shop gave it up an walk away, I got a phone call in the Pandemic from the Landlord of the building asking me if I wanted the shop an from there became Dapper Kutz Barber Lounge LLC.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In 2020 of the Covid Pandemic there were alot of Challenges, Obstacles & Pivotal moments that i had to incur. When I got the phone call in 2020 to Acquire the shop I used to work in paying booth rent, to own it an have my own Shop&Business it was going mode. Acquiring a name, equipment, LLC and just basically hitting the ground quick. An Dapper Kutz Barber Lounge LLC came into play. Dapper itself alone i knew was something different unique and also creative to use starting off with. The meaning of Dapper is being Neat, Stylish anything Debinar in your Appearance everyday which I incorporated with the Barbershop feel as well as styling hair, cutting professional style look for clients in there everyday life for Success, to look good feel good an just in general to feel good& great about themselves as they make moves in Life. Dapper Kutz Barber Lounge Llc, brings that feel of relaxation, comfort yet relaxing experience that sets it apart from your average barbershop. Not just a shop but a Lounge for Men&Women when being serviced in yet a time of Covid when change was forced upon everyone.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Upon being a 2nd Generation Barber, the 1st Pivotal moments I had was not knowing when I became businer owner that no staff would be on hand to get the Business going, so with the clientele I had I took that an just Elevated from there with alot of Google reviews, Sicail media, posting pics, advertising, Giving back to the Community with Free haircuts. Back to School Supplies for all and any client that walked in the door. Attending Hair Seminars for myself to better my skill an to also stay in the loop of new trend hairstyles, new trend cutting techniques an so on. Yet an still 5 years in today as it approaches being an owner yet no staff. The hard work paid off, yet Barbers did have interest that was also a Learning curve unsuccessfully no 1 stayed or commit tonthe Process. A learning curve that resulted back to me doing the very same thing that got me started an that was to focus on me an to keep it pushing, an to keep going……
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
What i had to unlearn is that when Elevation kicks in or you Elevate yourself to the Next Level. That it comes with Obstacles & Challenges that everyone along your Journey an Path where God leads to you everyone my not be meant for the ride with you, an you have to focus on yourself not to mentally get caught up in those Diversions of Negativity that will try to pull you down. The main objective was for me to Stay Motivated Stay Focused Stay Humble to my process and understanding where God put me in a position to Succed an go further with other doors that was opening for me for Greatness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dapperkutzz.com
- Instagram: Dapper2020
- Other: @Johnalex_13
Image Credits
JohnAlex XIII Apparel
Dapper Kutz Barber Lounge Llc