We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kashius Smiley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kashius, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have long had an interest in barbering, which I have pursued since my childhood. However, it was not until I made friends with someone who had a child with severe autism that I recognized the potential for my life to have a greater impact. Observing this child with sensory issues receiving a haircut opened my eyes to the increased difficulty that some individuals experience in obtaining a haircut compared to others. I witnessed how restraining the child only exacerbated the difficulty for everyone involved in subsequent haircuts. As a result, I made a personal commitment to providing a better experience for children and young adults with sensory issues. This led me to obtain my license and begin offering my services to individuals on the autism spectrum.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a U.S. Army Veteran. Seven years ago, I decided to become a barber, which was a great choice because I love it. My business is Smiley Fades. It’s an extension of me. I’m a free spirit, and I want everyone to feel the same. It’s important to me that people are free to express themselves however they see fit. That’s why, not only do I cater to people on the spectrum, but I’m also an LGBTQ ally. I’ve made sure to create a space where everyone feels comfortable in my chair. So please if you are ever in Fayetteville, NC, look me up!
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?
The first and most important quality I can tell anyone is patience. Whether you’re working in fast food or are a CEO, you must have patience with others.
Along with patience, listening is another quality that is very beneficial to have. If you’re not listening, you’re not learning. Everyone of all walks of life has information that can be helpful to you if you just listen.
Some knowledge that I’ve received is to stop comparing yourself to others and what they are doing or what they have. Your time will come and it will mean much more when it comes unexpectedly.I’ve heard a lot of people in the service industry comparing themselves to others, and I would like people to know that you are where you are in your career for a reason. Be patient and you will grow into the person you need to be.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents taught me how to be accepting of everyone I meet. No matter what they look like, what kind of background they come from, or whether they accept me or not, I try to treat everyone the same. That’s why I’m good at my job, and I would not be as successful if my parents hadn’t instilled this virtue in me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smiley_fades/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kashius.smiley
- Other: BOOKING SITE – https://booksy.com/en-us/37687_smiley-fades-barber-studio_barber-shop_26601_fayetteville
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
