Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Tobby “THE KING” Leverette . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Tobby “THE KING”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Being a FULL time, Professional Beauty Expert/Celebrity Hairstylist has been my ENTIRE Life since the age of 16. I began in the field of Cosmetology in my Senior year in High school (1985) … & till this very day I’ve not had another job other than one that relates to the Beauty Industry. While being 54 yrs old today…. I’ve been afforded some of the World’s Greatest opportunities in WORK- (Celebrities, Movie Sets, Award Shows, Production Companies, TV Sitcoms, Stateboard Examiner and etc) to TRAVEL -(All 50 States, Europe & Bahamas) for Beauty Work assignments WORLD-WIDE.
Growing up in a small town (Lafayette, Ala) with an Awesome support system of Family, Clients & Church Family … in which alone has been Ahhhmazing. I never allowed what some may THINK: Growing up in a small town …. you’re limited to OPPORTUNITIES & SUCCESS. Success is ALWAYS measured by the Successor. Be willing to Grow & Go…. then watch God BLESS‼️
My personal journey wasn’t easy but definitely worth it ALL. I now realize that ALL my steps were divinely ordered by God. Coming through MY bad decision making (Personally & Career), lack of maturity & TOBBY …. were only some of the countless misfortunes I had to overcome inorder to become.
My message today to others is simply: BELIEVE, WORK & Wisely PREPARE for your NEXT. Nothing comes at the expense of doing nothing…. Except NOTHING…. therefore, your willingness to do YOUR WORK …. with a spirit of Commitment & Excellence WILL pay off. I BOLDY contribute my Success today to the Hand of God being over & in my life.
Dr. Tobby “THE KING”, 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?
I started in the Beauty Industry from my neighbor/Friend (Renita Shealey) whom inspired me to pursue Cosmetology. My Instructor (Mrs. Joan Lambeth) encouraged me to CONTINUE my studies inorder to become A Liscensed Beauty Professional.
I specialize today in all phases of the Beauty Industry from Hairstyling, Cutting, Coloring, Weave & Corrective WORK. I’ve always been considered a trendsetter & creator in Hairstyling.
One of the things I personally feels that sets me apart is my Strong Passion, work ethic, & Commitment to the Beauty Industry & my Career. I’m known for how I carefully considers EVERY string on my Client’s head EXTREMELY IMPORTANT & VITAL. In all honesty, I don’t know how to do a HALF job in my Beauty work… this is just how serious I view my craft. My passion exudes DAILY ….through my client’s finished product.
One thing that I’m EXTREMELY proud of is when I finally decided to go back & pursue my Doctoral Degree in Cosmetology & receive my Cosmetology Instructor’s license/Certification. This particular journey was long but definitely helped to empower my ability of: STICK to IT!
Most recently, I received my Certification as a State Board Liscensing Examiner….. which was something I never thought I’d pursue nor become. Being able to license Candidates into the Beautiful World of Cosmetology, Esthetics , Nails, Barbering, Instructors & Natural Hair has been extremely heart felt & rewarding.
I simply LOVE what I do …. Empower & Encourage others to become & CONTINUE.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The particular goal that’s driving my creative journey is the mere fact that I’m called to Inspire & lead others in Maximizing their potential. It gives me GREAT inner joy when God ALLOWS me to play ANY small part in someone’s journey that’s life changing & rewarding for them. This alone …. gives TOBBY a sense of fulfillment & purpose to continue.
I absolutely loooovvee seeing God’s people become ALL …. while pursuing ALL. My life’s goal is to encourage other’s that EVERYONE has A UNIQUE “ALL” ….. divinely ordered from God.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to UNLEARN was: I am NOT God❗️ Because my passion to see others succeed was Unbelievably strong…. sometimes I found myself inserting myself into other’s career paths in a FORCEFUL way. I had to realize that: Whomever God places in my life to influence, i didn’t OWN…instead, I was ONLY a tool He (God) decided to use in getting them to their NEXT. Endeavoring to help others in a FORCEFUL way may cause them to resent & you become ineffective.
In my past, I found myself frustrated & overwhelmed many days because I refused to unattach myself personally & simply ALLOW others the same Grace that was extended to me earlier on in my Career/Success journey.
Once I detached myself in a personal way… I was more effective & patient with providing the necessary tools God designed for Tobby to use in helping others.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.tobbytheking.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/tobbytheking
- Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/tobbyleverette
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/Tobbytheking?utm_source
- Twitter: Www.twitter,com/tobbyleverette
- Youtube: https://linktr.ee/Tobbytheking?utm_source
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Tobbytheking?utm_source
Image Credits
Tobby “THE KING”