We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Douglas Spradlin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Douglas thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

What did my parents do right? My parents taught me to work hard and be kind to others. My parents taught me to take every job no matter what is was and do your best. My parents taught me hard work and good morals.

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

I started my career in hair in 2010. I started grooming a beard around the same time. I started to see more men were wearing beards. When I got to SF, I really got to hone in on men and men’s grooming. When I came to KS I was just starting to produce my own beard oils. There wasn’t anyone else that really had a focus of beards, this set me apart from others. I also feel that working in salons and barbers shops gave me more confidence to cut a wider range of hairstyles. I have built a very successful business. I am very proud of of myself for never giving up, for being kind, and showing up for my community. I want future clients to know, I want to help you love yourself and to walk through life feeling and being your best.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I graduated in 1997. I wanted to go to cosmetology school right out of high school. I was told I would never make any money and I would never make anything of myself. My dad didn’t want a gay son. He did say he would help me learn a trade. I moved to Chicago at 19. I wanted to discover who I was with out others tell g me what I could or couldn’t be. I worked at a non profit thrift store, bars, retail and other jobs for the next 10 years. Through that ten years I also partied and ended up in an abusive relationship due to my drug use. When I was 29, in therapy I decided to I wouldn’t live my 30’s like I did my 20’s. New Year’s Day 2010 I got baptized and sobered up. I started my cosmetology career! I workin corporate salons in management for my for 3 years. 2014 I moved to SF. I rented a chair in a busy barbershop and started a learning journey. I got to watch great barbers and also got to learn how to be a small business owner. 2015 my husband and I moved to the family farm in KS. I worked at Downtown barber for 7 months before I opened Standard Grooming Supply. Right before I left Downtown Barber, I pulled Bernie Sanders off the street and got to cut his hair. This was by far one of the coolest day in my career. I slowly built my business. I went from a 200 square ft space to 842 square ft to my current 2000 square foot space. When you want something in life you have to keep going. You can’t let others tell you no or you can’t.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in life is to help bring positivity to the world around me, but in my career day-to-day life, it’s a little more focused, and my goal is to help men specifically learn how to love themselves like fully, not just the outward side of themselves but the inside parts of themselves mentally physically spiritually monetarily to love themselves to value themselves and to build themselves up so they can be a blessing to everyone around them

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.standardgroomingsupply.com
• Instagram: @thebeardmechanic
• Facebook: Standard grooming supply

Image Credits

Douglas Spradlin