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

Dominique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Sometimes when working with the public and focusing on our careers, I feel as though it’s very easy to forget that the the very community that we serve, those are the people that support us the most; it really becomes clear to me that it sometimes is important to give back to the community to express our appreciation for what they do for us. It doesn’t have to be a big expression but it can also be in small ways; free haircuts here or there, back to school events, the list can go on and on but primarily just to show we appreciate people as much as they appreciate us.

Dominique, 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?

Well I don’t really have much to say about myself but I’m definitely all about having a good time and being positive, a breath of fresh air!

The hair industry fell into my lap because I was always around it, i have a cousin and an uncle who’ve been in the industry since the 90’s and they are both shop owners; after many talks with my pops about what I would do with my life and plenty motivational talks from my cousin that I could do it, I finally gave it a try and loved it!

I’m really starting to feel that business seems to be what you make it; meaning that people, customer or onlooker, will veiw or present themselves in the very way that they feel you presented yourself to them. Honestly, we are all students of life and learning everyday but its important in business to always be professional, look the part (appealing), but yet not hesitant to be firm when need be.

Discipline is a funny word to some when thinking of how it applies to barbering because some probably feel it doesn’t exist, but that depends on the type of barber you want to be. Personally I feel discipline is important and will take you a long way in the industry. Are you there before your first client or is he there waiting for you for thirty minutes? If he is next in line for an appointment, how long is his wait time before he gets his turn? Do you have late nights of drinking and partying knowing your first client is at 7AM the next morning? These are typical scenarios that we all face but are some areas discipline thrives and what makes it a priority.

When it comes to the craft of barbering It’s important to have the appropriate tools to help you be as efficient and as accurate as possible. It doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest but most definitely needs to be the best of the best; creme de la creme. I don’t really focus on one particular brand but instead the best way to get the job done, from the aerosols to the styling gels.

When it comes to my services, barbering is part of my creative space, and the end result is part of my provision. Hair is hair so no matter the ethnicity, I can pretty much do physically whatever style or design you may desire; fades, shaves, etc. I have no issure with having to wash your hair if necessary but i will not do anything to it chemically, however we do have stylists that would be more than happy to assist there.

Problem solving for a client is tricky, not because we sometimes can’t do it, but depending on the problem, we might not be qualified to solve it or give too many suggestions even if they ask for it. They pay us for a service, that’s to cut their hair, not be their psychiatrist. In a case like that I would do more listening than speaking. However, if they have an issue about hair then we can try to come to an understanding of what the underlying issue is whether it be a misunderstanding or even lack of communication, then we can come to an agreement.

Honestly i feel like the only thing that sets me apart from others is that i thoroughly listen to the client to make sure that I follow through on my end effectively. I will even ask follow up questions to ensure desired style.

Im super proud that im finally able to do what I love and feed my family with it, work doesn’t exist because I love what I do! And to all my potential clients, followers, etc., the main thing that you all should know is that I’m definitely more accessible than it may seem; please do not hesitate to call or text me and we can discuss an appropriate appointment.

For those that don’t know, I am 1 of 6 barbers at N the Cutt 2, we are located in Murfreesboro and also have 2 stylists.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I will have to be real and say for this year it’s really been word of mouth. Many people say that word of mouth is old fashioned but i have given free haircuts out of appreciation because one person has given me 7 or more people, it’s truly an amazing source!

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

Keep your mouth closed!!! When it comes to business, there will be decisions made or things said that everyone will not agree with. This does not give us the right to go to others and state your opinion. Again it’s an opinion and could potentially poison the work environment. Never take what’s business personal, do your job and keep it moving!

Contact Info:

• Website: book.thecut.co/2nicethebarber
• Instagram: 2nice_the_barber
• Facebook: 2nice_the_barber

Image Credits
B3studios615