We were lucky to catch up with David Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.
David , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I’ve ever made was in myself. I remember talking to a successful client and asking him what he would do if he had a certain amount of money to invest – stocks or business? He surprised me by saying he would invest it in himself – his skills, coaching, mental and spiritual well-being, and more. It was a new perspective for me as I had always thought of money as the key to success. This conversation prompted me to start experimenting with ways to invest in myself. I began with my health, and it soon spread to other areas of my life, including my business and family.
David , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve worked as a Barber Stylist in Los Angeles for 12 years now. I chose this profession because I wanted something creative and challenging. Initially, I was torn between hair school and culinary school, but I eventually settled on becoming a barber. It was the last thing I expected to do, as I wasn’t even a regular visitor to the barbershop. However, I went into it with an open mind, hoping to learn and improve my skills.
Over the years, I’ve provided customized services to clients from different backgrounds. I’ve realized that men often lack basic hair care skills, which I find intriguing since I’m frequently asked questions about hair loss and thinning. While genetics plays a significant role in hair loss, the choices we make can either speed up or slow down the process. Therefore, I focus on helping my clients take better care of their hair and make informed choices about products and styles that suit them best.
I’m passionate about discovering the best natural style for my clients with minimal effort and products. It may require some trial and error, but the results are always worth it. What sets me apart from other barbers is my commitment to continually evolving with my clients. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to hair care, and I’m continually researching to provide my clients with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
I’m proud of my clients for taking their hair care routines seriously and being part of this journey with me. Moving forward, my goal is to help every man have a hair care routine that works best for them.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
YouTube has been a great source of learning for me over the years. I have discovered that it’s not just a platform for entertainment, but also a valuable resource for gaining knowledge. There are countless creators who offer free information on a wide range of topics. You can find lectures, studies, and successful entrepreneurs in your field who are willing to share their expertise. Don’t underestimate the power of YouTube as a learning tool.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I found a simple concept in the book ‘Hell Yeah or No’ by Derek Sivers which helped me prioritize the things I love doing the most and avoid feeling drained by saying yes to everything. The idea is that if my initial reaction to a request isn’t a resounding ‘Hell Yeah’, then I should say no.
Similarly, ‘Ego is the Enemy’ by Ryan Holiday helped me recognize a few traits that were keeping me from reaching my full potential because of unrealistic expectations set by my ego.
Contact Info:
- Website: tenhaircare.com
- Instagram: @byDavidThomas/ @tenhaircare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenhaircare
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticBarber
Image Credits
Photos by Eric Chan