Meet Herman Mayfield

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Herman Mayfield. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Herman below.

Herman, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

My creative inspiration emerges powerfully from the everyday routines and experiences around me, coupled with the unique and unconventional ideas that I’ve been blessed with. I actively seek out hair showcases and networking opportunities within our vibrant profession, knowing the value they bring. I proudly acknowledge the legends, both local and international, who have shaped my creative process. Recently, I’ve recognized that my passion for my work flourishes when I have complete creative freedom. This autonomy empowers me to deeply understand each project and confidently execute my vision in my own distinctive way.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Honestly, my upbringing never struck me as uncommon. My earliest memories are from our old home near Greenville, NC, on Highway 33. It was a very secluded area surrounded by small creeks and animal-filled woods. As I grew up, I didn’t have much compared to my peers at school, so I naturally tended to be the outcast. Home at that time consisted of me, my sister, my mom, and my now late father. By the time I was nine years old, we moved to Pinetops, NC, and life—along with my “uniqueness”—started to become more evident. Life seemed to go on normally as I entered my preteen years, making my share of good and bad choices. Music became my inseparable companion, no matter the time of day.

However, just when I thought I knew where life was headed, I was hit with another curveball. We ended up moving to what’s better known as the starting point of my origin story: Princeville, NC. Entering this new place, filled with so many different types of people and activities, intrigued me. I soon realized that my unique personality and talents would shape who I am today.

Fast forward to my high school years: I was often perceived as arrogant and somewhat ignorant, and let’s just say things didn’t go as I planned. Along the way, my talents made me feel invincible to the point where I didn’t care about the consequences of my choices; I believed I could always come out on top. My various ups and mostly downs in high school led me to the worst-case scenario: becoming a high school dropout. Although I made my share of youthful mistakes, God didn’t allow me to stay in that low state. After some serious self-evaluation, I obtained my GED and moved on in life. Later, I attended Edgecombe Community College to pursue my barbering license, which ultimately led me to discover my true passion.

I’ve always been drawn to artistic expression, whether through music, painting, drawing, singing, photography, or graphic design. However, the field where I feel truly purposeful is barbering.

I offer a diverse range of professional services, including haircuts, steam treatments for the scalp and beard, charcoal mask treatments, therapeutic scalp massages, loc care maintenance, chemical services, and more. As a young Black man from a less privileged background, I am grateful every day to wake up and do what I love as my work. While most people have a general idea of what makes them unique in their profession, I believe it’s the unique experiences of each of my clients that sets me apart.

I was told at a young age that I would be a minister and have a significant influence on many people. However, my understanding of this prophecy may not be what you expect. Many people who need sound advice don’t frequently visit environments that cater to or nourish that need. My clients initially come in for a well-deserved hair service experience, but they stay for so much more. Not only do they receive a great haircut, but they also find a listening ear, a sound advisor, a brother, and a mentor. I get to change lives in the best way possible by being not only a great, consistent barber but also a friend.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Consistency in your work ethic, combined with the ability to adapt to each client’s individual needs, is a game-changer. Many barbers enter the profession believing they know what’s best for every client. However, the ideal approach is finding a collaborative compromise between your professional suggestions and the client’s personal preferences.

Strong listening skills also set you apart in this field. Clients want to feel heard and understood. Educating clients while considering their desires for their hair is a valuable strength. Strive to demonstrate empathy and build rapport with everyone you encounter.

From my experience, I’ve learned that certain clients may have insecurities that you’ll need to address to make them feel safe. While no one embodies these qualities perfectly all the time, many professional challenges can be overcome by applying them in most situations.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I would love to collaborate with others in and/or related to my creative niche. I look forward to working with individuals who are:

– Leadership-oriented
– Optimistic
– Creative
– Dedicated
– Consistent
– Professional
– Goal-driven

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linqapp.com/JackOfAllCutz?r=link
• Instagram: @jackofallcutz
• Facebook: Herman Mayfield (jackofallcutz)