Bladez Barber Shop
est. 2008

My barbering journey

I started barbering in 1988 when I was 12 years old. I was charging $5 for a haircut and $1 for a design. I only had one pair of clippers I used for edging and clipping and only 2 guards. I made about $50 a week back then cutting my friends' hair and some of their fathers hair as well. My great aunt (RIP Aunty) bought me a new car and paid for me to go to Barber School my senior year of high school. I started working at my first barber shop in 1998 where I learned the do's and don'ts of working with customers, getting along with co-workers and managing a barber shop. I opened Bladez Barber Shop in 2008 and had instant success! After only one year I had around 10 barbers and the shop was born.

Year two was more challenging because of issues with my landlord, the neighborhoods further decline and people that I hired and brought into my shop. Theft of copper to the A/C units forced me to move my shop in 2010 to a bigger more expensive location where I never really could save money due to constant improvements and a cap on boothrent because of the amount of chairs I had. In March of 2019 Coronavirus took one of the best african american barber shops in Fort Worth and surrounding cities and turned it upside down. Due to the unemployment benefits and the additional $600 a week in stimulus 80% of the staff would not return back to work and the shop closed in August. I opened Bladez back up in September at my new location 6405 Brentwood Stair Rd Ft Worth, Tx 76112 with only 2 chairs in a small suite where I have been more profitable, stress free and re committed myself to my craft!

What’s the most challenging thing about barbering?

The most challenging thing about barbering is staying ahead of the competition in the barbering industry. Barbering is a highly competitive field, and to be successful, barbers must be able to quickly adapt to new trends and techniques. In addition, they must constantly strive for excellence by developing their skillset and refining their craft. This means that barbers must stay up-to-date with emerging trends, invest in quality equipment, attend educational courses and seminars, network with other professionals in the industry, and take advantage of modern technology.

Aspiring barbers should also recognize that success takes time; it requires hard work and dedication before one can achieve mastery. It takes patience, passion, and perseverance to make it as a successful barber. I would say being a successful shop owner for over a decade and cutting hair for over 25 years puts me ahead of my competition. I strive hard to stay ahead, and I believe it will pay off in the end.

Ultimately, barbering is a tough job that requires an immense amount of skill, knowledge, and dedication. Barbering is not for everyone, but those who put in the hard work can reap great rewards from this highly rewarding profession. To succeed as a professional barber, one must have ambition, creativity and a desire to be the best. Barbering is more than just a job; it's an art form that requires passion and persistence to master. So if you think you have what it takes to become a barber – go for it! It's definitely worth all the effort.

Who is my favorite client to cut hair for?

My favorite client to cut is the client that recognizes my value . As an experienced barber in the industry, I understand what it takes to execute a great cut and have committed myself to mastering the craft. This client is appreciative of my efforts, listens carefully to my recommendations, and trusts that I know what's best for their hair.

They are also open to trying new styles or products that may give them the look they desire. Cutting for this customer fills me with a sense of accomplishment and respect knowing that I am giving them a service that meets their needs and expectations.

As the Barbering Industry has evolved, so too has my passion for delivering quality cuts; cutting for these clients allows me to showcase my skills and make sure they leave looking fresh every time. I would say my least favorite client to cut for is the non tipping client that is constantly late for their appointments . This type of customer is disrespectful and shows a lack of appreciation for my services.

Time is money in this industry, so their lateness can be costly to me and result in lost business due to scheduling conflicts. I find it incredibly rude when someone has no respect for a trade like Barbering Industry, which takes skill and talent to master. My prices are discounted to the market rate so that I can bring in more customers so tipping is definitely appreciated.

What is my favorite haircut to give?

My favorite hair cut to give is the haircut that makes my client the happiest! I draw on my years of experience in the Barbering industry to create a unique look for each individual. I listen to their preferences and requests, as well as assess their facial features, before crafting a style that will fit them perfectly.

I take pride in achieving a result that both respects current trends and celebrates an individual’s personal sense of style. My goal is always to have the client walk away feeling like they have a new look to show off with confidence! It might be a bald fade, taper or a mohawk or maybe an even haircut or a fro. Whatever it is, I know I can make it look great!

With the Barbering industry growing rapidly, my goal is to stay ahead of the curve and provide my clients with the latest styles and not just be the best african american barber shop in Fort Worth but the best barber shop . Whether it’s a classic cut or an on-trend style, I’m confident that I can create the perfect look for anyone who sits in my chair!