We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Curtis A Miller Sr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Curtis A below.
Curtis A, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence and self esteem started in highschool but has been developed overtime after constatntly being humbled. As a kid I overheard myslef being referred to as a statistic by family members. I remember finding confidence in sports and being an aggressive kid. Going into highschool I sat the bench my freshmen year while I watched kids I starred over in middle school so I was humbled again. My senior year in highschool despite gold medals, countless wins etc I was humbled again. I didnt perform in football as expected some due to injury somewhat due to a lack of self discipline and my confidence was shaken. Wrestling was my second sport and the one I had been involved with the longest and felt most confident about. I got 2 gold medals as a kid and had countless wins. My team mates some who have known me and my skill since childhood turned on me, even the coaches. I was going up against a guy with a stellar career as well and they made it know that I was going to get my blank kicked. After about 2 weeks of the constant disbelief I had a breakdown and cried all the way home and again once I got there. My Grandmother heard me somehow and came into my room. She asked me ” what is wrong with you?’ I told her about my team, about the kid Bo Woodrow, and the whole story. She asked a very important question ” what do you think?’ I said I think im going to win. She didnt coddle me she said ” well stop crying then”. I ended up technical falling this kid 15 to 1. His home crowd chased our bus out of the facility lot. Ive slowly applied that lesson over the years and now my self belive is full steam ahead. Beliefs are powerful the mind is powerful and I now understand that life is about what I believe. I will and pray myself into success.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My business is a barber and social shop. What that is, is the first of its kind. There are some different versions out there but Im one of the first who is actually a licensed barber as well as a licensed social worker. My idea which is a gift is very natural and organically developed over time. I started cutting hair when I was 10 simply because we couldnt afford consistent haircuts, the neighborhood barber was cheaper but he was over booked and I didnt want my Mom to keep cutting my hair. I was supported by my Mom and grandmother after I purcahsed my 1st pair of clippers. I continued to cut neighbors friends and family until I went away to college. I never fully stopped. After college I entered the world of social work and this was my way to make millions of dollars and also care about people. This wasnt the case I was actually in the same cycyle most social workers face where you work hard, promotions may not come and your often burnt out. You also work for a system which you have to derive a sense of purpsoe through the lens of the system which isnt reward. I became a licensed therapist, a public speaker, a trainer and curriculumn writer. While redfiining my purpsoe passion and career I wanted to get back into my natural ability. Barbering was at the top of the list in terms of natural gifts. So I pursued that with the intent not to throw all my experience, stories and successes in social work away. I went to baber school and learned that barbering is social work, barbering is therapeuetic and people view barbers in a very important light. This is where the idea of Heirs was born and refined over a five year period. Heirs as in Heirs to throne is about our future- the children. Our motto is changing lives one head at a time meaning we not only change how you look but we change your outlook on your potential in life. We have developed what we call the 5 pillars – community engagement, Mentorship, Apprenticeship, Business coaching and entrepreneurship, and apprenticeship. We developed these to pick up with children where many of my peers couldve used the support as kids. Someone to talk to, acces to professionals that look like you, guidance, economic opportunity, skill building, money, career training, love for your community and mental health. This gives our Heirs a crisp cut and a brighter future. We do all this free of charge and we have several community givebacks each year, along with discount specials daily at the shop. We give a lot! We are currently running a GoFundeMe campaign to support these efforts.
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?
Never giving up. Relentless belief. Getting things done. Never giving up is important because to be in business is a difficult and lonely journey. The catch is people dont want to support you until you are already successful. when you dont have enough no one want to give but stranger. Those strangers become your new circle, support, confidence and old acquantences dont understand.
Relentless belief. Starts with the belief in my purpose in what God has blessed me with. I couldnt script or plan this out if I wanted to Ive just been obedient. The second part of the relentless belief is to believe in what Im doing just as much as I believe that I could run through a concrete wall. Its a mentality and a way of life. You never turn it off, it applies to all areas of life and it becomes a mindset.
Getting things done. The people who get things done get more than the people who dont do more because they dont get it. Get there first, get there consistently and never miss a chance because you didnt make it happen. Your consistency holds others accountable. Pray. Belive. Mold your supports. Share because it comes back.
Advice – tie your gift and purpose. Devise a plan of action. Build belief off of seeing the plan come to life. Build on the wins. Be patient. Be patient. Be patient. Work hard at getting things done again. Be patient. Never give up. Rinse and repeat. get comfortable being alone and depending on yourself. Get familair with self doubt. Have faith. Never quit.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my Mom did was instill the qualities in me that taught me how to fight in many ways and also the value of hard work. My father – leaving at 4 then again at 10 not to mention officially me not meeting him again until age 7. Started off bad but we have healed since then which is very important to my story. I also missed an important phase of his story where he dealt with addiction so that wa great for me.
I say my Mother because she is the one who gave me the awareness to stand up for myself. To literally fight physically and mentally. This was important to navigate my environment and her being a single parent. It also carried over into a positive via sports. In terms of hard work I witnessed my Mother grind everyday to provide for us. We didnt miss meals and we had a great christmas every year. I was her partner through watching my younger siblings and she made it happen without excuses. I never knew or felt poor unless I heard others whispering but I knew the word no. It made me cherish a lot of things more even as a kid. Lastly I watched her set her own goals and accomplish those too despite our situation.
