We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Travis Shull. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Travis below.

Hi Travis , thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I have been passionate about hair, particularly the art barbering. My grandfather was obsessed with his hair and kept it cut every week, I believe this is where my obsession began.

I wasn’t sure on how to become a barber, and most of the barbers growing up had multiple side hustles, second jobs, etc.

I was always told barbers don’t make enough money, and that I should just go to college if I wanted any hopes or success/comfortable life.

I was a few years into college, but constantly switched my degree/focus of study. I had just been introduced to a barber that was cutting out of a barber school and that’s what opened my eyes.

I literally dropped out of college, and was enrolled in barber school the next week.. due to me switching up, my financial aid and overall finances were in horrible shape

Barber school was a journey especially being broke and living off maxing out credit cards just to eat a small lunch. But I KNEW I was going to be successful and was determined. I had a vision that nobody else could see. I reached out to barbers I looked up to all across the country and got advice that helped mold me into the barber I am today. I knew/know I was different and separated myself from the barbers in the area.

I was talked about and mocked by my peers. Hated on my by best friends. It has been a crazy journey, and to me .. it’s just starting.. my first year out of barber school I worked on various platforms for different companies. I also had my first celebrity client.

You have to have a vision and a plan and when you do, EXECUTE. Don’t wait on the approval of ANYONE else or expect others to see YOUR vision!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a professional barber that loves the art of barbering. I don’t only cut your hair, but aim to treat it. For years barbers would just cut your hair, but not treat and educate their clients to keep their hair.

I am passionate about my craft, and love what I do. My work is a reflection of that.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

I use to have a product line that I LOVED. My clients and people from all over would sell me out before I could finish listing on the website.

Unfortunately I went into business with another business owner in Durham NC who has history in hair and making products.

I spent THOUSANDS of dollars on product formulation, branding, bottles, labels etc.

Unfortunately, being new to this, I allowed the “product lady” to draw up paperwork, contracts, etc. which is a HUGE lesson learned, as contracts in these cases need to be mutually made and agreed on. I was so eager I just signed to start as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, after about a year, the “product lady” wasn’t coming through when she needed, and was always late. Eventually she couldn’t even keep up with her own product and basically cut ties with me.

Now after losing all that money, all I have is a product formulation that’s better suited for a product chemist, without any aim or direction on what to do next.

Be careful who you go into business with.

Have you ever had to pivot?

About a year ago, four of us barbers worked in one of the dopest, exclusive, artistic spaces in downtown Durham.

Unfortunately we were subleasing from the hairstylists downstairs who had the salon since the early 90s. They dealt with and they were the only ones in direct communication with the owner , “old rich man” who lived out of the country. Sorry, “old rich man” was how we knew him and he was close to (if not) 90+ years old.

Apparently, the owner decided he wanted to take over the upstairs (the barbershop) and turn it into a condo, so he had somewhere to go when he came to visit.

The stylists downstairs have been communicating with the owner, and had known this for over TWO YEARS! However, they never told any one of use upstairs, we were completely out of the loop. We found out last minute and had to up and move frantically.

Moved to a temporary barber shop due to the circumstances, which was a HUGE downgrade. Shop was dirty, wasn’t up to barber state board code, unlicensed barbers, trash, etc. literally a nightmare, this was the WORST barber shop I have EVER cut in. I felt I was doing my clients a disservice’. It was like serving filet mignon but out of a McDonald’s. it was necessary to get out of there ASAP!

Contact Info:

• Website: PasteTheBarber.Booksy.com
• Instagram: @PasteTheBarber
• Facebook: Travis Shull
• Twitter: @PasteTheBarber
• Yelp: Paste The Barber

Image Credits
Photographer : Quest Clay