We were lucky to catch up with Christian Reyes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christian, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was lost for a little in life not knowing what I wanted to do. I had dreams of wanting to go play college football but I had gotten sick and ended up getting diagnosed with Pan Ulcerative Colitis . I thought my dreams were over. I stumbled across a video on instagram showing Aarod Milly doing some phenomenal haircuts and designs. That was when I realized I wanted to cut hair and specialize in doing designs. I felt like this was my purpose I really love what I do and it’s like therapy for anyone to come get a haircut and talk . You look good you feel good you do good !
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I love waking up everyday knowing I love what I get to do for work . I enjoy talking and getting to know new people . Building relationships with them and making them feel good about themselves . A haircut will make someone look and feel brand new ! I started recently getting into barber battle only have about 3 under my belt right now . I plan to travel and do more . Barber battles will be the next big thing ! So a little back story I actually had so many friends/ Family tell me not to be a barber. Some said “ you should get a real job “ I didn’t care about the money personally I just wanted to be happy doing what I do . Turns out with great customer service and good quality haircuts you can make a very nice living ! Never let the negativity get you down . Always have faith in yourself . As for my future I plan to take my career further by working with other barber and doing projects as far as free cuts to give back to the community and to go promote my business and get my name out there . I wanna be someone people can look up to or talk to got advice .
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most important qualities to have is customer service . I believe that is number 1 in anything you do . In order for you to build bonds and to keep clients/ long term Friends . As for starting out as a barber . Everyone starts somewhere and some learn quicker than others . It’s very easy to get discouraged . Just know that skills come with time . You wanna focus on trying to perfect your craft so don’t rush your cuts . Take as much time as you need to give a good quality haircut . Over time you get faster and faster . As far as free game . Always ask questions never think you’re too good ! There is always something to learn in this industry . It’s constantly growing . It’s the new move.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
To be completely honest it hasn’t been just 1 person . It’s everyone who has come in contact with me . I met so many new faces who happened to teach me a lot . I had some friends who taught me some old school ways of barbering . I’ve had some friends show me a lot of modern ways of barbering . I’ve learned how to give better customer services . Through everyone around me who I have ever worked with. I’ve come a long way . I’ve only been in the game for a little over 3 years but from where I started to where I am now . I am so grateful for the opportunity’s that I was given . A word or advice .. opportunity’s don’t always fall in your lap . You sometimes have to creat them . Go introduce yourself to others you never know who you might meet !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: King._reyes
