We recently connected with Brendan Libby and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brendan, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
It took me a long time to overcome imposter syndrome. I never loved any of my previous jobs and bounced around a lot which prevented me from growing in any specific field. I was always entry level and while having a great work ethic and being able to hang on to MOST of my jobs I started to get the feeling that maybe I wasn’t meant for more than that. After many years of doing the same thing it became easier and I would take what I could get without taking any risk at all so this way I could never fail at anything. So when I got into barbering it was very weird for me. This was the first time I really was taking a big step in my career and I felt like I didn’t belong there. There isn’t a short answer to how I overcame this.. What caused me to act and pursue barbering was the constant feeling of disappointment from friends and family, wanting to do things and never being able to afford it, but most of all knowing I was capable of fixing all this but being to much of a coward to act on it. And what did I do to make myself feel like I belong at the top and deserve a good life? It’s more of what I didn’t do. I had to stop thinking and just do. Basically I had to fake it till I made it. I was/am my own worst enemy. I could talk myself out of anything. I had to take a look inside and see really who I was at my core. I learned that I suffered with imposter syndrome longer than I thought and whenever I was on the right path and I would be nearing the finish line I would ALWAYS self sabotage. I would It’s truly amazing and scary what you can learn about yourself if you try to. What helped me the most though was finding a career in something I LOVE.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a registered barber in NC. I moved here from NY several years back. I was cutting in NY a little bit which is what helped me decide to take it seriously and pursue it as my career. I have been a professional barber for a little over 4 years now and since then in my opinion I have been doing very well. I am currently working at the #1 rated barber shop in the triad. I have a few hundred loyal customers, I’m booked a couple of weeks out, i cut all textures, and I offer services for clients who need/want a little more detail. I take pride in my work and take the time to make sure everyone who sits in my chair leaves with a smile on their face. I believe when you look good it helps the way you feel and with your confidence. Some of my goals are to open a few shops of my own and to start classes to help passionate barbers to perfect their craft and find their strengths and work on their weaknesses. Before barbering I was in a very dark place in my life. I never liked being told what to do and I was very stubborn growing up causing me to get into a lot of trouble. Barbering gave me purpose again and structure and motivation. I truthfully believe it saved my life which gets me to my last goal. I would love to start a program to help troubled kids learn about the barber industry. Once someone has a record majority of the world world will Label then and not give them a chance. I would love to give back to others something that was once given to me. I am still
New to this and I know alot are my plans which may very well change but this was a gamechanger for me and there isn’t much I feel I can not accomplish if I put my mind to
It.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I was always artistic, very hard working, and always paid attention to detail. These definitely helped me in my journey because that was everything I needed most at the start of my barber career. To be honest the best advice I can give is to not try and take short cuts. It is a process and it’s one that I love. Yes, sometimes it was slow moving but I enjoyed seeing the growth on a daily basis. The best way to develop and improve is to constantly stay busy so putting in extra hours and marketing oneself so your chair is always full will play a huge part. Practice makes perfect.
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 am always looking to partner/collaborate with someone if we share similar views. I am looking to connect with others who are passionate about this the same way I am. While this industry pays well I’m not only in it for the money. This opens so many opportunities and can help so many people. I am still early in this so at the present time it would only be bouncing ideas around but if any one was looking to reach out to me they can contact me on Instagram @barber.lib
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Precisionbarbering.booksy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/barber.lib?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
