We recently connected with Lingiere Diaz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lingiere, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

The community in which I conduct business is in Jacksonville, Florida which can be considered an underserved community in some areas, particularly in terms of access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Certain neighborhoods experience higher poverty rates, limited access to public transportation, and fewer resources like grocery stores and quality schools. Additionally, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes have been noted, especially among minority populations. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges, but the extent of being underserved can vary significantly within different parts of the city. Addressing the needs of underserved communities promotes social equity and justice. These communities often face systematic barriers that limit access to resources, opportunities, and services. Supporting underserved populations fosters diversity and inclusion, enriching societal fabric and promoting a variety of perspectives and experiences. Investing in underserved communities can stimulate economic development. Empowering these areas can lead to job creation, increased consumer spending, and overall economic improvement. Underserved communities often experience disparities in health outcomes and addressing these disparities can lead to a healthier population, which benefits society as a whole. Strengthening underserved communities can enhance social cohesion and stability, reducing crime and fostering a sense of belonging. Most importantly, investing in education and resources for underserved communities can break the cycle of poverty, creating better opportunities for future generations. Serving the underserved not only uplifts those directly affected but also contributes to a more just, equitable, and prosperous society overall.

I am a licensed professional barber in the city of Jacksonville. Clients who I often serve and commonly walk into the barbershop include the who may lack access to affordable grooming services elsewhere. Those would be our low-income individuals. Particularly in communities where specialized hair care for textured hair is hard to find. Those would be our people of color. Our youth and teens seeing affordable haircuts and styles, especially in urban areas. Our elderly clients who may not have transportation to barbershops or salons or prefer familiar local services etc.

I am currently providing barbering services out of Buddykutz Barbershop on Atlantic Blvd in Jacksonville, FL. However, I manage, and promote my own brand name, I conduct business as ‘Rezor Fadez’ under my own single member limited liability company Artistry Innovations LLC. One of my lifelong dreams to have my own establishment where creatives and innovators can express themselves and contribute to the collective efforts of giving underserved communities a place of acceptance and inclusion. Barbershops play a significant role in underserved communities by serving as more than just places for grooming. They often function as community hubs where social interactions occur, fostering connections and trust. As the face of my brand I am my brand and there are many ways in which I have served and continue to serve these communities and have impacted these communities since being a barber in this beautiful city. Through unwavering professionalism and exceptional customer service I was able to serve as a safe space where individuals can share experiences and seek advice, contributing to a sense of belonging and community solidarity. Mentor young people, providing guidance and positive role models, which can help steer them away from negative influences strengthening community bonds. This has made it easier for residents to access services and support systems. As a place for communities to gather and come together, it has amplified voices and issues important to the community, encouraging civic engagement and advocacy. This also contributes tot he reduction of stigma around mental health and other sensitive topics by normalizing discussion in a familiar environment.

Lingiere, 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?

My name is Lingiere Diaz, 30, bred in the beautiful island of Dominican Republic but raised most of my life in New Jersey. I graduated from Hackensack High School in 2013 and enlisted in the United States Army. After seven and a half years of servitude to this great nation I medically retired from the Army and decided to pursue my passion for cutting hair and make it a career.

I first started investing heavily in my craft in 2020 during covid. I had nothing but time to mess my own hair up more than once. Upon starting barber school in 2023, I took the opportunity to leave my worst cuts there! Since then, I have accrued a ton of knowledge, repetitions and experience. I currently use theCUT app to accept haircut appointments Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM and Saturdays 10AM through 4PM or insert book.thecut.co/RezorFadez into your internet browser. where I currently have all 5 star and positive reviews. When accessing my profile on the application, you will have access to my portfolio, location, hours, and services I provide. Services I provide include line-up, mustache/beard grooming and shaping, kids, junior and adult haircuts, beard and hair growth treatments. I also include a Father and Son Special, Luxury Packages and after hour appointment options for those who can’t make it during business hours.

As a barber a variety of problems I solve for clients include aesthetic needs, providing haircuts and grooming services that enhance a client’s appearance and boost their confidence.Facial hair grooming, offering services like beard trimming, shaving, and styling, which are essential for those who prefer facial hair. Scalp and hair health by addressing issues like dry scalp, hair loss, or dandruff through tailored hair care advice and products. Social and professional image by assisting clients in projecting a polished image for personal or professional interactions. Relaxation and self care, in my chair its more than a haircut, its an experience! I provide a space for clients to unwind and indulge in self care which can be a therapeutic experience. Helping clients express their cultural identity or personal style through specialized cuts and grooming techniques. Most importantly, offering expert advice on hair care products and techniques suitable for individual hair types and needs enhancing both the physical and emotional well-being of my clients.

As proud as I am of my progress in my business, I am most proud of myself. Everyone has a story, but mine got me to where I am today and only God knows what it took to get here. Although Im only scratching the surface, the essential tools instilled in me and contributed to my current success not only in my craft but my mental, stems from my adversities such as resilience, discipline, and consistency to name a few.

For future potential clients I am located at Buddykutz Barbershop, 13474 Atlantic Blvd, Set 108, Jacksonville, FL 32225. You can learn more on my instagram page @rezor.fadez. You can learn about all my exclusive deals, seasonal discounts and booking site on my instagram page. My website is currently under construction but will also be available in the next coming months.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Building clientele in the barbering industry will never be confined to only one strategy. I think I can speak for many if not all serivce industries. Essentially, we are selling the services we provide so it goes beyond letting people know where you are and what you do. Some of those strategies include quality service, ensuring a consistent, high quality haircut and service. Satisfied clients are more likely to return and refer others. Building a strong online presence by creating profiles on social media platforms like instagram and Facebook; showcasing my work through before and after photos, tutorials, and client testimonials. Engaging with the community by participating in local events, offering free haircuts to charity or collaborating with local businesses building goodwill and visibility. Referral and loyalty programs where clients are encouraged to refer their friends and family by offering discounts or free services for successful referrals. implementing a loyalty program where clients receive discounts or free services for a certain amount of visits. Networking and connecting with other professionals in the industry to share referrals and ideas. Online booking and reviews making it easy for clients to book appointments online and encouraging clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. Through targeted promotions, running promotions during slower periods or for specific services to attract new clients. Most importantly, building relationships with clients by remembering their preferences and engaging in conversation, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative often lies in the ability to express oneself and connect with others. I believe this expression can provide a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. Many artists find joy in the process of creation itself, where their imagination can come to life through various mediums. Additionally, receiving feedback and seeing how their work resonates with others can be incredibly gratifying. the ability to inspire, provoke thought, or evoke emotions in an audience can make the struggles of the creative process worthwhile. Ultimately, the unique voice and perspective that each artist brings to the world can lead to meaningful connections and contributions to culture.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rezor.fadez
• Other: https://book.thecut.co/RezorFadez