We recently connected with Julian Gray and have shared our conversation below.

Julian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I got started cutting hair because wanted to buy some popular sneakers. I started saving the money my mom gave me for my haircuts, and I would cut my own hair and keep the money. I did a pretty good job after a few practices on my own head. Eventually, I started cutting all of the guys in the neighborhood for $3 and finally earned enough money to purchase several pairs of popular sneakers.
I played football in high school and cut most of my team mates’ hair. This allowed me the experience of cutting different textures of hair. At this point, I realized I had a special gift for cutting hair. During my high school years, I was the local unlicensed barber in my neighborhood. I started cutting hair in my mom’s kitchen. My clientele grew rapidly so my parents forced me to move my unlicensed shop to the garage. My dad and brother always had first dibs on appointments. One of my dad’s good friends also, had a standing appointment every Saturday morning.
While in college, I started to miss classes because I had so many clients. I usually started cutting around 8am and didn’t finish until late in evening. Later, I became of member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and became the barber for most of my frat brothers. This afforded me the opportunity to resign my job at the local footwear store as assistant manager.
After taking a leave from college and relocating to Minnesota, I realized I wanted to make my barber business legitimate. Therefore, I took the necessary steps to become a licensed barber.

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

I enjoy giving back to the community and spending time in prayer. I continue to encourage kids during public speaking events about the importance of education, following your passion and selecting a career path you love.
Also, I enjoyed cutting hair at the homeless shelters and being the morale booster for people experiencing a low point in their life. As barbers, sometimes we are also therapist for clients.
My motto is, When you look good, you feel great at Fades of Gray!

Being in this profession has not been without its’ challenges and obstacles. Some of those challenges include taxes, hiring good barbers, dealing with landlords and the public and inflation.
From landlords not making timely repairs or increasing monthly rent, it has been difficult to sometimes maintain the same location. I’ve been fortunate that my loyal clients usually follow me when I have relocated.
Along with these challenges, often I have become depressed causing my vitiligo to be inflamed and spread. The vitiligo is visible as it is on my hands and creates a conversation for many of my younger clients who are intrigued by the discoloration.

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

Most of my life I have been told that you can’t trust anyone. However, over my life span I have learned, that there are times you must trust people.
As a business owner, sometimes you can’t be present at all times. Therefore, you must trust the staff to run the business properly. I have been blessed to have hired great people.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Several years ago, I recalled my landlord sold the building where my business was located without any warning. I had one month to either find another location for my barbershop or my lease would require double the payment.
This put a lot of undue pressure on me and my staff. Eventually, I found another location for my barbershop and it was far better than the location I was previously occupying. That was probably the greatest pivot, that I encountered in my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.fadesofgray.com
• Instagram: fadesofgray
• Facebook: fadesofgray
• Linkedin: JulianGray
• Yelp: fadesofgray
• Other: http://www.probeautycentral.saloncentric.com/Fades of Gray spotlighted

Image Credits

Mike Madison-photographer
Matt Madison-photographer
Jade Patrick- photographer
James Aubrey III