We recently connected with Savage The Dapper Barber and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Savage with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from life’s lessons and a few pivotal experiences that taught me the importance of perseverance. Growing up, I faced the challenges of living in a three-bedroom house shared with thirteen people. It was tough, and while I was surrounded by family, I often felt like an outsider, rarely feeling comfortable or truly supported.
Witnessing the lives of those around me, I quickly learned that doing nothing leads nowhere. So, I decided to try – to give everything a shot. This approach was only strengthened by my time in the Marine Corps, where a leader once told me, ‘If you only train when everyone else does, you’ll only ever be as good as everyone else.’ That message hit home, and from then on, I committed to training, working, and growing every single day.
This drive translated into my career as a barber. I wake up each day ready to outwork, outgrind, and outshine. I know what it’s like to struggle, and I’m determined to ensure my kids never have to experience that. My goal is not only to succeed but to excel in everything I’m passionate about.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a barber, through and through. Even if I won the lottery, you’d still find me in the shop cutting hair because I genuinely love what I do. Recently, I wrote a blog on my website titled Finding Your Favorite Part, where I share how meaningful it is to connect with clients on a personal level. Some are new fathers seeking advice, others are preparing to take a big leap into entrepreneurship. They’ve seen my journey firsthand—from renting a station in someone else’s shop to owning my own, Savage Barber Lounge, to launching my haircare line, 19Nineteen Grooming, and even writing books like The Will of The Savage and The Barber How-To. They know that everything I’ve built, I built with passion and hard work.
I’m especially proud to bring my one-year-old son to work with me. My clients have watched me grow not just as a barber but as a father, entrepreneur, and mentor. Their loyalty and support are what inspire me to keep pushing forward, to continue evolving my craft, and to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about expanding 19Nineteen Grooming and sharing what we stand for with a broader audience. It’s about more than just hair; it’s about creating products that speak to a lifestyle of resilience and commitment. I’m grateful for every person who has been part of this journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Passion
Passion for what you do is, in my opinion, the foundation of any successful journey. Loving my work makes it easy to get up every day, come to the shop, and put in 10+ hours behind the chair. It’s what drives me to post on social media almost daily and to keep creating, whether it’s designing new products for 19Nineteen Grooming or developing apparel that resonates with my brand. My advice? Find what you love, and let that drive every step forward. Passion makes hard work feel like a privilege, not a chore.
Discipline
If you’re looking for the ‘cheat code’ to success, discipline is it. Discipline is about doing what needs to be done, regardless of whether you feel motivated or not. When the newness wears off, and things get tough, discipline is what keeps you moving forward. It’s a rare quality, and because of that, it’s a powerful one. My advice to those starting out: build routines and habits that push you forward, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency.
Hunger
Loving what you do is one thing, but having a relentless drive to achieve your goals is something entirely different. Hunger is about going after your dreams with everything you have—regardless of who believes in you. It’s about facing every obstacle and pushing through every wall to get what you want out of life and your career. My advice? Don’t hold back. Set goals that scare you a little and go after them with unwavering commitment. Your hunger for success will set you apart.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
My biggest obstacle right now is scaling up my product line, 19Nineteen Grooming. This line has incredible growth potential, and scaling it would have a huge impact on everything I’m working toward. It would create opportunities to invest in commercial property where I could establish a dedicated storefront for 19Nineteen, along with a larger space for my barbershop. Currently, I lease a location with limited display space, and the plaza I’m in has changed ownership multiple times in just two years, so I’m motivated to secure my own space and create stability.
To achieve this, I’m focusing on building brand awareness, helping people connect with the voice, the foundation, and the vision behind 19Nineteen. This requires time and dedication, but it’s essential for the brand’s growth. I’m constantly active on social media, connecting with people and creating content that reflects our core values. Additionally, I’m looking forward to launching my podcast, Talk Savage: Beyond The Clipper, which I hope will attract more people to the brand. I’m always open to collaborating with others who see the value in what I’m creating, as partnerships can be powerful in helping 19Nineteen reach new heights.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savagethedapperbarber.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagethedapperbarber/profilecard/?igsh=MXNrdnFucGplNDFwNw==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@talksavagepodcast?si=fcNeJsUGFzpFB-cG
Image Credits
Matus
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