Luis Rivas, Barber in Training

One of the oldest professions and yet not much focus is given by the general public on the amount of financial success a Barber can achieve. Let's not forget to mention the instant gratification receive every time they finish up with a client.  This week with Luis we get a glimpse into the day of a barber. We cannot wait to circle back to him once he grows his client list to his liking. Read his responses below and use them as motivation to start or continue your own plan for success

What lead you to start working as a barber? How long have you been doing it?
What led me to become a barber was a very interesting moment in my life. I had gotten back from a long week of work , 54 hours to be exact, I decided to fake sick and not go to work for another 6 hours. I went to the barbershop instead and pampered myself with a haircut. I felt so good and so new afterwards. I came home that day and started to think about how long I waited to cut my hair and how much I spent. I realized this barber made me feel good and look good under 45 minutes and took almost 30 dollars out of my pocket. I started doing some research all night long and realized... I might just want to be a barber. So I flew back from Utah to Miami and decided to go to barber school and from this date on I've been in barber school for almost a year with only 4 weeks left of graduating and never have picked up clippers in my life I'm cutting hair at a very high end barbershop.

Would you consider this your passion? Do you have another field that or venture you work in?
I've never realized how big the hair industry really is, until school started! I've grown to love this industry and I've seen myself making art with hair. Barbering is more than just cutting hair. It's an art on a human scalp that changes the way they feel and think. So I've grown to have a deep passion for my craft! Other than that, photography, but thanks to barbering its opened doors to perform community work for the homeless.

Can you describe of who is your very best client?
 My best client is a beautiful soul who is a homeless man. I cut hair for the homeless every other Monday and this man is my best client. He sits happily and gratefully on the curve of the sidewalk and ask me how my family is and how I'm feeling. He greets me with his white pearl smile and talks to me about his week and the hardship he goes through living in the streets but the post it be outcome he's received! He's a perfect client because not obliterated is his hair amazing to fade but this man is always positive despite his circumstances and always is caring and grateful to me and the services I provided. This client is all around my best client because he's a good souls with great hair!

What is the one thing you want to accomplish this year (in business)?
I want to be at a normal level of steady clientele! Here in Miami most normal barbers make $900-1000 per week. Barbers with clientele make about $1,300-1,600 per week. My goal in business is to make $1000 a week and still be able to contribute to my community!
 
What is one long term goal you have in life?
To provide for my family all their needs and desire. To do inspiring work to do good for others!

Are you feeling positive about the country's stance on marijuana?
Yeah! I agree with the changes in laws and that it should be regulated like alcohol and be seen in a more positive view

Lastly, what is your ideal retirement scenario?
Ideal future would be at a beach house in an island with my wife and kids! Be able to fly around the world and inspire people to love and help others throughout the beauty industry