Howard Brings Barbering to the Forefront

It's great being part of an all-star team, but it seems to me that AJ uses my services on an island. It makes it a challenge to get new clients. I'm also always in the background, whether it's an event or some kind of salon production. I have specific goals that I have set for my life, and if I don't brand myself, I'll end up in another person's shadow for the rest of my career. I don't want to take a shot at AJ, but it's always about hair, makeup and fashion at the salon. We've never done something revolving around the men, and I'm the only guy barber.

What I feel really sets my barbering services apart is how I prep for my services. My equipment, my tools and my station are impeccable. I'm big on cleanliness, organization and attention to detail. I shampoo and condition every client. It catches some of them off guard because they aren't used to that kind of service, but I include it with the cut. It puts me in the position to give them a clean and healthy scalp. I treat each one of my clients like they are the most important client I have because they are. I don't just jump from one client to the next. After giving them a nice, precise cut, I use a hot towel wrap to condition the scalp and to relax them. That's just the finishing touch on the service. They don't even want to get out of the barber chair after that.

I want AJ to realize how the strengthening of my brand can help the salon, and the only way to do that is by getting more sales. If I grow my clientele base to the point where he needs another barber, he'll realize how in demand and lucrative barber services are.

I came up with the idea of doing a sort of barber workshop since I felt it was important to educate men on proper grooming regimen. It was very successful, and I felt it was the beginning of a lot of growth in my business. I plan to continue working with Jennifer since I was very pleased with how the event turned out. I also think she's a very beautiful and intelligent young lady with a great sense of humor. I think it would be fun getting to know her outside of the salon environment.

I didn't think much of AJ's reaction to me hiring Jennifer. That's just AJ being AJ. I don't think he overreacted. He just responded how he typically does. That's his style, and I accept that. I'm still going to be doing what's in the best interest of Howard as long as I'm not stepping on toes or burning bridges.