We recently connected with Alphonza Hicks and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alphonza thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
1st it was coming up with a name that would set me apart from anyone. I was big on culture and the state of how my culture specifically was viewed or perceived. So wanting to set an example for the true culture is how I can up with the name TRUE CULTURE. I drew up a temporary logo and put it on a shirt so I could actually bring the idea to life next was creating my LLC to establish the business in the system. From there I was always in love with music and the creative director part. So I decided to launch my own management company True Culture Management. I knew a few local rappers who has talent but no guidance so reached out and offered to manage them for free. A free about 6 months into management I saw that I could really make a career and I was actually good at managing talent.
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.
Originally I got into the business because of a cousin who had been raping for years and I was always with him leaning the business. But after about 3 years in the music business I was investing a lot more than I was getting back. So went back to the drawing board and fell back to what I had been doing professionally and consistently for 7 years which is barbering. My wife owned her own salon so i had seen 1st hand it was possible to run and operate and full establishment. Once I left the only shop I was working at for 6 years I always has it in my mind I wanted to be my own boss. So I purchased my 1st barbershop in the pandemic. 2 weeks before the government shut everything down. Now 4 years later I’ve grown to operate a successful 6 figure business offering professional grooming services where I employ 7 other barbers
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Staying consistent and original. I always had the hustle mentality ever since middle school. So I Tillman that sane approach to my business make sure I was marketing and promoting it everyday whether I was making money or not. Staying in my own lane was key. I took ideas and points from other businesses and molded my own identity.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to learn the lesson of you can help or make anyone want to be successful they have to want it for themselves. I was always the owner that was pushing and motivating everyone to use the sane gameplan I did to be successful. But I’m doing that I learned not everyone wants it as bad as you do. So I had to unlearn only helping those who really wanted it and was motivated like me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.trueculturebarberlounge.com
- Instagram: @trueculturebarberlounge
- Facebook: Trueculturebarberlounge
- Yelp: True culture barber lounge