WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR: Interview w/ Nu-U Barbershop & Salon

The 'We Are Hair Affair' Hair Show is now in full swing. Charlotte, NC and surrounding are in high anticipation of the most talked about hair show, going down this Sunday, May 4th, 2014. I know that I am definitely ready to see what everybody will bring to the table. Especially, the owner of Nu-U barbershops and salons, Don Johnson, and his team of barbers and stylists. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of them individually and as a whole. Please enjoy the interview below.

WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR INTERVIEW: NU-U BARBERSHOP & SALON

 

 

I recently had the privilege of talking not only to the barbers of Nu-U but to the adjacent salons’ stylists and nail technicians. The setting was relaxed and ended up being a round table discussion more so than an interview. I could tell that the owner, Don Johnson, is very loving and attentive to his employees, speaking of them as family, yet, he’s firm in his belief that they all have the potential to reach their respective goals individually as well as a group, to grow and brand Nu-U’s barbershops and salons. As you will find in the interview, when the questions were asked, Mr. Don opened the floor to all that were willing let loose and be vulnerable in the group setting. I most definitely enjoyed interviewing them all as a whole and wish them nothing but the best in their endeavors in reaching their goals in 2014 and beyond.

 

 

TKHC: What made you become a barber?

Scootie: I’ve always wanted to own my own barbershop.

Juice: The economy was bad, so I did what came natural.

Coly: I’ve been cutting hair since I was 13 for fun, and then I got serious about it.

Luis: I had a day job with the state, the economy went bad, I had a natural talent, so I said, “Why not, the sky’s the limit”.

Razor: Barbering is apart of my purpose, so I said, “Stop fighting against it”. It was difficult at first, now I’ve been at it for 28 years.

 

 

TKHC: What are your biggest challenges?

Talia: Believing in myself and stepping out on faith. I’ve been doing this for 12 years, so I have to make sure that I don’t become complacent.

Natalie: My challenge was the money isn’t consistent, and I didn’t have faith that I would get that next client. At one point I needed to go back to corporate America. Now, everyday I say affirmations, won’t sleep, but I keep pushing.

Barbara: For me it was starting over. I was a stylist in Arizona for 18 years. I had to stop second guessing myself, and making sure that I’m building my business by passing out flyers and things of that sort.

Tiffany: I tend to over analyze. I’m OCD and I second guess myself. I’ve been building for 14 years and the challenge for me,is my belief in my craft.

Towanda: My challenge is that I don’t take pictures of my work. I also need to get out and promote myself.

Razor: There are different levels in this business, which consist of job, hustle, profession, and career. You have to maintain each level. You have to be careful, with the hustle part of it, however, because with that comes envy, greed, and jealousy. You must intertwine all levels and maintain all goals. I must also be invested in myself to where the money is coming in. I’ve worked at 20 different barbershops, I’ve started over, and I developed strategies that I have to put to use. Strategies overcome victories.

 

 

TKHC: Why do you feel that this hair show is good exposure?

T.Maria: It gives us the opportunity to build and brand ourselves. Also, as a black nail technician, it gives me more exposure on a different level.

 

 

TKHC: What are your goals for 2014 and beyond in this Industry?

Adrian: My goal is to brand myself. I feel that this is my craft and people should be willing to pay for it. If I take time with you, then you should be willing to pay for my time.

Natalie: My goals are to brand my business, ‘Exquisite Designs’, and expand my business from New York to Paris.

T.Maria: My goal is to think broader knowing that the sky’s the limit.

Luis: Because the numbers are important in this business, my goals are to keep track of productions and to become more productive.

Barbara: My goal is to get more “East Coast” with my styles. Because styles that are big out west, clients have never heard of here.

Coly: My goal is to be better than I was in 2013. I want to grow stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. I also want to take my business above and beyond last year.

Teice: I want to expand my brand. You have to move around and not be afraid to do so. I’ve been doing this for 5 years and I want to draw people from every side of town. I also want to get better with time management because people respect you for being respectful of their time.

Tiffany: I want to get more recognition and bring more attention to American braiders. I also want to compete more in shows.

 

The interview wrapped with Nu-U owner, Don Johnson, speaking to the entire shop about his passion and convictions about the future of the barbershops and salons as well as where they should all have their heads moving forward. He was stern, yet, caring in his approach, so much so, that it truly resonated within me.

 

 

Don: It’s time to take more responsibility and claim your number. For example, “I am an immaculate barber”, “I am an amazing braider”, “and I am an awesome nail technician”. No matter what you do, be who you are. Claim your number and clock in. Clocking in, helps an employer keep track of your time at work. Everybody needs to take a number and clock in for 2014. The goal is to become the best salon/barbershop/nail/hair salon in Charlotte. You should be passing out flyers everywhere. When you’re at home and not servicing clients, you are clocked out. Claim what you came to do. Faith in God equals working towards your goals because we all know that faith without works is dead. Some things may take a little, some things may take a lot, but we all have to be willing to work hard to get to where we want to be.

 

 

 

 

Dee Shaw

Fashion and Beauty Blogger,

ThisKittenHasClaws.com

WE ARE HAIR AFFAIR HAIR SHOW: Interview with Da Lucky Spot Barbershop

May 4th, 2014 the 'We Are Hair Affair' Hair Show will be the place to be. Halton Theatre located on the campus of Central Piedmont Community College will most definitely be on fire as this hair show gets underway. I had the privilege of interviewing owner of the 'Da Lucky Spot' Barbershop and coordinator of the 'We Are Affair' hair show, as well as his barbers. Below you will find the interview and will get to know Lucky and his team a little more intimately.

‘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.