Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Ayers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Travis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

In the barbering industry the standard is the people working in your shop pays you x amount of money per week to work there then they can do whatever they want because they’re technically 1099 associates and that chair is their business. I treat everyone the same and we are all on the same level. I have the same expectations for each person and that main expectation is to be there during the hours we have on the doors. Being ready and accessible to the public is a key component to us. If people show up and you’re not there they’re not going to wait on you. That’s a wasted relationship you could have built and funds to make an honest living. We all work Tuesday-Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-3.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Before barbering I worked in the airline industry. Before that I always worked for small restaurants. So I used the aspect from both jobs and came to the conclusion that my passion is taking care of people. Good haircuts make you feel on top of the world. In 2019 I basically stopped hanging out with all of my family and friends and obsessed over being the best barber I could be. I went to barber college all day and after school I’d go to other barber shops and ask what I could do in exchange for their knowledge. I swept hair, ran errands, did laundry, fixed things, cleaned shops, and watched barbers I respected relentlessly. When owning the shop I started off with the basics. Then over time I added other services. Added more things on the wall. All while just focusing on the person in the chair. The thing I’m most proud of is taking everything I’ve learned from good bosses, bad bosses, good colleagues, and bad colleagues to establish an open line of communication. We are a team and we have to be vulnerable, accept criticism, and work each day to be a little better. We have built a culture and we all know each others clients; we’ve built a destination location for the community of Bellevue, Kentucky.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In September of 2022 I met a country artist named Zach Bryan and a bunch of his friends on one of their tours. A few months later I got a job offer to come on the road and take care of those guys. I accepted the position and have been with them since April or 2023. It’s been an insane change. It was scary because I’m a husband and father of 2. I have 5 barbers that work with me. They all had to trust me from a distance on this insane tour across the world. When I’m off of tour I cut in the shop with the guys and also fly out to take care of Zach. It’s been the best thing that’s happened to me. I’ve established lifelong friendships and seen things not everyone gets to see. I’ve always been a believer in working hard and making your own luck but meeting Zach has me questioning that motto.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I’m kind of old school. I believe in cool looking business cards. I believe in putting up flyers. Working directly with your community and depending all on good word of mouth. Its all opinion but always speak in person and online with confidence – everything else will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellevue-barbershop.com
• Instagram: @dogassmf / @bellevuebarbershop

Image Credits

@louienice
@dustoffdeano