We were lucky to catch up with Eugene Harris II recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eugene , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How has Covid changed your business model?

Covid changed my business model by making me realize that I can work remote. But I also realized I can be more than a barber. I transformed my thinking into a entrepreneurial process. I’m a property owner and a landlord now. So Covid showed me a different avenue to my financial freedom.

Covid made us all think a different way and go about things differently than what we were taught beforehand.

I’m definitely on a different platform than over half on the industry who is stuck thinking only as a technician other than the ceo/ boss of the company. I’m blessed and grateful to have all my dreams come true.

Eugene , 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 go by Gene. Not Eugene. I’m a military Army Combat Veteran. Deployed after 9/11. I’m a father of 2 amazing kids Trinity and Chance. 15 & 3. And I’ve been a barber the past 2 decades. Originally from humble beginnings, in a lil town called Monroe, La. I’ve made money as barber from one end of I-10 fwy from GA-CA. And all points in between. I’ve carried a barber’s license in at least 5 different states. Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, California, Arizona. I love the industry so much I continue to barber even at a early retirement age. Being retired from the army. Barbering gives me purpose, peace, and happiness. I get to meet the people in my community and make the community feel good and look good at the same time.

I got into the industry thru a fellow barber/ friend who was also trying to get licensed but had dropped outta high school. I later helped my friend get his GED, and help him start his own barber journey.

And I am a traditional barber by heart. But I love to keep up with the latest trends. I specialize in facial care and provide the new industry standard of Man Units u see on YouTube. Which ended up being a game changer for me and my business.

I’m a natural problem solver at heart and I’m in the business of taking care of people. So whatever their need is I try to solve it or advise them on how to fix the issue. I have cured allot of problems such as acne outbreaks, bumps on the back of the neck, scalp issues, and common haircut mistakes that need fixing.

What sets me apart from other barbers is, my willingness to listen to the client. I never start a service until me and the client are both clear on the end result. If no clarity then I give the client free range to tell me what he or she wants. That’s a free tip. Lol

I mostly proud of my children it’s my biggest accomplishment besides being a landlord!

What I want people to know about me and my brand Gene the barber/ Gene ‘s VIP Studio is that we make our clients look good! And when they leave they always feel better than when they walked in!

We treat clients like friends and family here! And if your ever in South Phoenix look us up! Thx and blessings!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I believe word of mouth has been THE MOST EFFECTIVE. I REPEAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY. I ended up cutting a few celebrities based off word of mouth and did set work because a client went a told someone else. So take pride in your work. People are watching and talking.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before my journey even got started in the industry I got home from Iraq after being gone 13months and decided to enroll in barber school. To make a long story short. I get to the last 2 months of school and feel upon hardship. Market crash 2006. I ended up homeless and at the time I had just found out my girlfriend was pregnant with our 1st kid my daughter. The lead instructor a lady name mrs Brown pulled me in her office and told me to do whatever I needed to do and finish barber college. Cause I was gonna drop. I listened I got assistance going a hour to state board with my two models. And I passed state board on the 1st attempt. From there the rest is history! Don’t let obstacles stop your progression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/genethebarberharris
• Instagram: Genethebarber81
• Facebook: GenetheBarber Harris
• Youtube: Gene the Barber Harris