‘We Are Hair Affair’ Interview: Da Lucky Spot Barbershop
With the “We Are Hair Affair” Hair Show already in motion, I recently caught with owner Lucky and his team of barbers at ‘Da Lucky Spot Barbershop’. I found them to be very personable, diverse, and an authentic group of guys. I hope that you all enjoy getting to know them as I myself did.
First up, I spoke with Owner and Manager: ‘Lucky Da Barber.’
TKHC: Briefly tell me a little about yourself.
Lucky: I’ve been a licensed Barber since 2006. I’ve been at ‘Da Lucky Spot’ for 8 years which is where I began before buying the shop myself. I’ve always wanted to be an owner verses just being the barber.
TKHC: Do you have an artistic background?
Lucky: No. I have, however, always
been an entrepreneur. Even while bagging groceries, I was always thinking about ways to make money. Coming from a place where I didn’t have much, I always knew how to make something out of nothing. I also had the drive to make money.
TKHC: What are your biggest challenges as a Barber?
Lucky: I would say unity in the Barbering Industry. I feel owners should do more in the community together such as cookouts or things like this hair show. As well as being consistently driven to get to the next level.
TKHC: How do you keep up with the latest style trends?
Lucky: Social media is the number one way that I keep up with trends. With YouTube, FaceBook, and Instagram, it’s very easy to follow the trends. I follow Barbers from Boston to California. I am able to connect with Barbers all over the world; I even connect with Barbers in Palestine by way of social media. Also, the old school ways of traveling, going to hair shows and fashion shows are great ways to check out the newest and latest styles.
TKHC: How do you explain your personal style?
Lucky: I sell atmosphere. Whether it’s a police officer or whomever, I make everyone feel comfortable. I listen to my clients and I’m very attentive. I also pay attention to detail; I make sure that I call of my clients by name, which makes them feel important.
TKHC: What makes you stand out as a Barber?
Lucky: I stand out because I pay attention and I’m detail oriented.
TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show helps your brand?
Lucky: My main reason is to set the pace and consistently strive to build the hair industry. I want to also have more community events such as the Madden tournaments, turkey and coat drives, so that the community can come together and feel apart of the shop family.
TKHC: What are your career goals for 2014 and beyond in the Barbering Industry?
Lucky: To solidify Charlotte’s ‘Hair’ industry. To also bridge the gap between barbers both financially and socially. Most importantly, though, is to just keep moving forward.
Next, I had the pleasure of speaking with: ‘Zay Da Barber’.
TKHC: What stoked your interest in haircutting or being a professional Barber?
Zay: I have been interested in haircutting since I was younger. I would cut friends and family members hair on the side and decided to do it professionally. I also had the desire to make another man look good.
TKHC: Do you have an artistic background?
Zay: No. But I do have a natural gift; I have always been good with my hands.
TKHC: Why did you choose or how did you know that ‘Da Lucky Spot’ was the place for you to showcase your barbering skills?
Zay: Lucky actually came to the Barber School that I attended. And I wanted to go to a place where I could grow as a barber. Lucky is a cool person, as a barber and a manager. He talks to me all of the time about what I can do to improve on my skills, as well as the business side of Barbering. I also like the fact that Lucky stays connected with the community.
TKHC: What’s your biggest challenge as a Barber?
Zay: I would say building clientele and being a people person. As well as bringing something new to the table as a younger barber. I want for my clients to get to know me and shut down any doubts that they may have about my haircutting skills since I do sport dreads.
TKHC: What makes you stand out, why would I choose you as my barber?
Zay: I run $5 specials. I have patience and I can connect with kids as a younger barber. I make it easy for kids to open up to me, especially ones that may not have a father in their lives.
TKHC: How do you connect with your clients?
Zay: My clients can call me anytime. Even though I’m a younger barber, my clients see that I’m mature for my age. They also appreciate that if they ever need me, even in the middle of the night, I’m there.
TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show is good exposure for you as a Barber?
Zay: To meet and greet new and potential clients. Also to use this time to get my name out there as well as my skills.
TKHC: What are your career goals in this industry?
Zay: My career goals are to own my own shop. I also want to carry on what Lucky has taught me. I’ve always had a 3-5 year goal to own a shop and to branch out, so that’s what’s next for me.
TKHC: Where do you see ‘Da Lucky Spot’ Barber Shop going in the future?
Zay: I see Lucky opening up more locations. I also see him having his name out there, and being known by many.
Up next is: ‘Selwyn Da Barber’
TKHC: What stoked your interest in haircutting or being a professional Barber?
Selwyn: I started off as a shampooer in a Mississippi Beauty Salon in 1991. This is where I eventually began to cut hair after attending cosmetology school. I then came to Charlotte in 2003. I feel that once you get past the money part of the business then you will start to love it.
TKHC: Do you have an artistic background?
Selwyn: No. I have more of a musical background.
TKHC: Why did you choose or how did you know that ‘Da Lucky Spot’ was the place for you to showcase your skills?
Selwyn: When I met Lucky, I was a week away from graduating from Barber College. I felt like it was the right timing, as a beginning barber. I also liked the location. There’s a Chicken Box and a Burger King nearby, so I definitely saw opportunity.
TKHC: What’s your biggest challenge as a Barber?
Selwyn: I would say building a strong clientele, which takes time but I’m always hustling.
TKHC: What makes you standout, why would I choose you as my Barber?
Selwyn: My versatility as a barber and stylist. I’m a world renowned eyebrow archer. When a woman comes in or a husband comes in, I make sure that my curling irons and flat irons are visible. I use my tools as advertisement to show that I can service the entire family. I also make sure to give my clients a schedule to keep them coming back.
TKHC: How do you connect with your clients?
Selwyn: I’m a people person. I’m 48 years old, so I know how to greet people and approach them so that they don’t feel that I pose a threat.
TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show is good exposure for you as a Barber?
Selwyn: As a barber, hair shows help to expose your work and gets your name out there.
TKHC: What are your career goals in the Barbering Industry?
Selwyn: I want to get my instructor’s license. I want to pass my knowledge and skills on to the younger generation.
TKHC: Where do you see ‘Da Lucky Spot’ Barbershop going in the future?
Selwyn: I see Lucky growing, getting new locations and just getting his name out there. Lucky has a lot of followers in the community, so ‘Da Lucky Spot’ brand is definitely marketable and I see it expanding all over N.C.
I then had the privilege of talking to: Mr. Wayne Whitley
TKHC: What stoked your interest in haircutting or being a professional Barber?
W.W.: I’m 50 years old, a retired and disabled construction worker and brick layer that at first, was entertained by the haircutting business but then decided to do it professionally.
TKHC: Do you have an artistic background?
W.W.: Yes. I like to paint. As I mentioned before, I was a brick layer, involved in all aspects masonry, so I love to create.
TKHC: Why did you choose or how did you know that ‘Da Lucky Spot’ was the place for you to showcase your Barbering skills?
W.W.: In Barber College, I knew people that came to this shop. So, one day I stopped by and Lucky was upholstering chairs and we ended up talking for 2-3 hours. He held a spot for me, for 8 months. He told me that if I was dedicated, that he would give me a chance. He did, and I think that he’s proud of my work.
TKHC: What’s your biggest challenge as a Barber?
W.W.: I would say, promoting myself and interacting with people.
TKHC: What makes you stand out, why would I choose you as my Barber?
W.W.: I would say my skillset, my personality, I’m sanitary, my conversation, and I’m a good listener.
TKHC: How do you connect with your clients?
W.W.: I connect with my clients by my ability to listen and to reason with their problems. Also by interacting with them and sharing personal experiences. And if they have a problem that I can’t help them with, I will refer them to someone that can.
TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show is good exposure for you as a Barber?
W.W.: I will be able to showcase my skillset outside of the Barbershop.
TKHC: What are your career goals in this industry?
W.W.: I want to become an instructor
within the next 2 years. I’ve met a lot of students of a certain age range and I feel like I have a lot to offer them. I also feel that the students can benefit from my knowledge.
TKHC: Where do you see ‘Da Lucky Spot’ Barber Shop going in the future?
W.W.: I think Lucky has unlimited potential. The things that Lucky does, his drive, and the type of barbers that he employs; He will definitely be able to grow. I see him opening more shops and I plan to grow with him.
Last but certainly not least, I spoke with: ‘Greg’
TKHC: What stoked your interest in haircutting or being a professional Barber?
Greg: I started cutting hair at the age of 13. I cut my brothers hair as well as other family members and friends. I then went to school to become a professional Barber.
TKHC: Do have an artistic background?
Greg: Yes. I liked to draw as a kid.
TKHC: What made you choose or how did you know that ‘Da Lucky Spot’ was the place for you to showcase your barbering skills?
Greg: When I moved to Charlotte 5 years ago, I was already a barber. Actually, Lucky was my barber and I really liked the atmosphere of his shop, so it was a good fit for me.
TKHC: What’s your biggest challenge as Barber?
Greg: My biggest challenge is keeping up with newer trends, because there are so many different techniques from up north and down south that continue to evolve.
TKHC: What makes you standout, why would I choose you as my Barber?
Greg: I stand out because of my personal choice of style and technique. I observe and make sure that I give my clients what they want. I make sure that my clients are satisfied.
TKHC: How do you connect with your clients?
Greg: I connect with my clients by building a rapport with them. I make sure to ask them things such as “What do you do for a living”? Or “Where are you from”? I make sure to connect with them on a more personal level. Most importantly, however, is making sure that I know their names.
TKHC: Give me one reason why this hair show is good exposure for you as a Barber?
Greg: It’s a place to showcase my talents and skills. I feel that anytime you have a chance to compete, you’re going to step up your game and take it to that edge. I was an athlete, so I’m very competitive, and that gives me a chance to do my best work.
TKHC: What are your career goals in this industry?
Greg: I’ve been doing this for 20 years, so my goal is to own my own shop and be successful. I want to cut hair all over N.C. Everyone’s not cut out for being an owner. I’ve been apart of successful and unsuccessful shops but if you love what you do, then you’re going to go to the next level. I want to bring in new talents and pass along my skills and talents.
TKHC: Where do see ‘Da Lucky Spot’ Barber Shop going in the future?
Greg: In 3 years I’ve seen the shop grow and from here I see it growing exponentially. What he does for the community is big. ‘Da Lucky Spot’ is definitely going to put its’ stamp on the Barbering Industry. I see big things happening for Lucky because he works hard.
What a way to wrap up an interview. Not only are there seasoned and skilled Barbers that bring a lot to the table at ‘Da Lucky Spot’ Barbershop but they seem to be extremely confident in Manager and Owner ‘Lucky Da Barber’. His community service and drive for unity in the Hair Business will most definitely take him and his Barbers far in N.C. and beyond. I am very excited to see what these guys will bring to the table at the ‘We Are Hair Affair’ Hair Show.
