Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Virgil (Tibbs) Galloway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Virgil (Tibbs), appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Taking a risk is what most successful people have done. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? I’m sure there is someone out there that shares a similar story. Let me tell you my version. After graduating from barber school, I planned to take my skills to the next level by working in a barbershop and being the best barber I could be. For me, it was not about making money but making people happy and giving them the best haircut and service possible.
The first barbershop I worked at was in a central part of Los Angeles; I was excited because it was on a main road with a lot of foot traffic, the perfect location to get the experience I was looking for. I was quickly discouraged; I did not have the opportunity to cut any hair; I just sat and watched other barbers cut hair day after day. A few months later, I got another chance at a barbershop called New Direction; the name says it all! I was given the first chair as you walk in the Barbershop, and with a smile and renewed energy, I was ready to take on clients and show everyone my skills. There was a lot of pressure; I was the youngest at the shop, replacing a talented barber named Stokes, who had retired. After a few weeks, people took notice of my talent, I started having customers waiting for hours for a haircut, and the best part was that some wanted to schedule their next appointment. I was eventually fired, which was hard to accept; I did not understand or even have a chance to talk about the issues and concerns others had. Being so young, I did not realize the problems and or negativity that comes with being successful and confident.
Lost and not knowing my next move, I found a beauty salon looking for a barber. I felt motivated and inspired by the name “All Eyes on Me” because it was the name of 2Pac’s music album. I learned a lot from all those experiences, the most important thing I learned is that I wanted to own and run my business one day.
I then decided the “one day” is today! Instead of looking for another barbershop/salon, I decided to be a mobile barber and drive to my client’s homes/work locations. I even converted one of my bathrooms into a barbershop and started taking clients at my apartment. I quickly realized I did not need a traditional shop to create a barbershop environment for my clients. I slowly started building up my clientele, all word of mouth; remember, your talent will speak for itself if you are good, and that is what happened to me because I was passionate and cared about my career and craft. I did not know how my decisions would turn out; I just took a risk and decided to do something different. Remember, this was back in 2003 when being a mobile barber was uncommon. That risk got me where I am now; I am still a mobile barber, but on a larger scale, I currently live in Goodyear, Arizona, and I own two barbershops, one in Gila Bend, AZ, and a studio in Los Angeles.
Virgil (Tibbs), 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 Virgil Ray Galloway, also known as Mr. Tibbs, the barber; my mother called me “Tibbs” based on her favorite actor Sidney Portier. I was born in Oakland, California, and grew up surrounded by family, and I was the second oldest of six brothers. I like to say that I do not know how I got into this industry, being I didn’t particularly appreciate getting my haircut when I was a little kid. Growing up with my brothers allowed me to practice cutting hair; just for fun, and I quickly started enjoying it.
I am a talented and skilled barber specializing in customized designs and styles for different hair types. My brand was focused and built based on my experiences, whether it was negative or positive. Over the years, I got to know my customers and quickly identified their needs and values. I wanted my customers to have a unique experience and provide an environment where people felt comfortable, a place they could bring their kids/family, and most importantly, where they could be themselves.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
A friend suggested the book “The ONE Thing” by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan. This book is fantastic, although it’s from a real estate perspective; after reading it, I realized it applies to any business.
Feeling the pressure of business success, I thought I had to do more than one thing. However, the book explains that the one thing I’ve done my whole life can open another business opportunity; “doing less is more” and helps eliminate distractions.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2014 my brother suggested opening a barbershop in the small town of Gila Bend, Arizona. It would be the ONLY barbershop in the town. The idea sounded great, but starting from scratch was tough and challenging; I had to fund everything needed for a barbershop and, at the same time, focus on building clientele. There were many obstacles I had to overcome, financing the shop, remodeling it, being new in town, gaining trust from the community, and having just had unexpected surgery. There were many times I thought it was a bad idea or bad timing, but something I knew was that I had the talent, and I believed in myself. One thing that I had on my side was that my great-grandmother Rebecca Williams owned a successful restaurant in that town named “Green Tree” for many years. In 2021 I re-invested money back into the business by renovating and re-branding it; I had a grand opening celebration for the community. 
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Image Credits
Virche Galloway