We were lucky to catch up with Bill D. Shin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill D., thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I believe it takes determination above all, along with resilience, a clear vision, and a commitment to growth. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s built on consistent hard work, learning from setbacks, and staying focused on long-term goals.

A story that shaped this belief for me was when I decided to open a barber school. For me, this was a huge risk, but I had confidence in my decision. I knew it would require resilience, patience, and a step-by-step approach, but I believed the outcome would be worth it. I wanted to contribute to my community in a larger way by creating a space where aspiring barbers could truly learn the craft. From securing the right location to developing a curriculum that would genuinely prepare students, every step had its challenges.

But I took each step with resolve, maintaining patience and perseverance. Now, just three weeks after opening, we already have 10 students enrolled, and dozens more are showing interest. This response has proven to me that my commitment and vision were not in vain.

Ultimately, I see true success as building something meaningful that positively impacts others, even when it’s a difficult road. It’s about having a clear purpose, the determination to see it through, and empowering others along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Bill D. Shin, founder of 028 Barber School and the 028 Barber Shop brand. My journey in the barbering industry started from a passion for style and attention to detail, and over time, this passion evolved into a mission to create a lasting, meaningful impact on others. Currently, I operate four successful barbershop locations under the 028 Barber Shop brand, where we provide exceptional skills and customer care at a more affordable price, with the convenience of walk-ins always being welcome.

Recognizing the demand for skilled barbers in Washington, I decided to take on a new challenge in the education field by opening 028 Barber School. Our school goes beyond teaching technical skills; we aim to instill confidence, diligence, and a professional mindset in every student. With a 4,000 sqft training space, our goal is to become Washington’s top barbering institution, offering hands-on training and a curriculum that equips students to excel at the highest level in the industry.

The commitment to quality, community, and professionalism sets 028 Barber School and 028 Barber Shop apart. We work hard to provide the best service and education to both our clients and students. As a result, within just three weeks of opening, we’ve already received inquiries from nearly 50 people interested in enrolling, and the interest in our school continues to grow.

I take great pride in the impact we are making. We’re not only providing excellent haircuts but also contributing to the education of the next generation of barbers who will lead the industry. For anyone considering our school or barbershops, 028 stands for excellence, integrity, and community, and we are dedicated to raising the standard in barbering.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the major turning points in my career was the decision to open a barber school in addition to running barbershops. I had already successfully established several 028 Barber Shop locations, with my goal focused on delivering top-tier grooming services. However, over time, I came to realize that Washington state had a shortage of skilled barbers. Many clients mentioned the lack of truly skilled barbers in the area and shared stories of other barber schools offering licenses at low prices without providing proper training. This made it clear to me that there was a need for a high-quality training option.

Taking on this challenge meant a significant pivot from simply operating barbershops to moving into the education sector. It required extensive planning, a substantial investment, and the development of a curriculum that would prepare students to succeed in real-world settings. It was a huge risk, but I believed it was essential to contribute to the industry and create positive change. Today, only a few weeks after opening, we can already see the impact our training has on aspiring barbers, and the interest continues to grow.

This pivot taught me the importance of adapting to community needs and staying open to new opportunities. Growth often requires change, and sometimes, the decisions that take us in unexpected directions are the ones that make the greatest impact.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success means doing everything myself to ensure it’s done perfectly. Early in my career, I believed that the only way to maintain the quality I envisioned was to personally oversee every detail. This approach worked initially, but as my business grew, I realized it was limiting my ability to expand and empower my team.

The turning point came when I opened my third barbershop. I found myself exhausted, stretched too thin, and constantly putting out fires. It became clear that I couldn’t do everything alone if I wanted the business to thrive. I had to trust others, delegate responsibilities, and allow my team to learn through their experiences. Letting go of this need for control was challenging, but it enabled my business to grow more sustainably and allowed my team members to take ownership and grow as well.

Unlearning this “do-it-all-yourself” mindset has taught me that success isn’t just about personal effort but also about building a strong, capable team. This shift has not only helped my business but has also allowed me to focus on areas where I can make the greatest impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://028barberschool.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/028barberschool/profilecard/?igsh=Z2l4ZGp3Mm5oMWNx

Image Credits

028 Barber Shop & 028 Barber School