I can respect and agree with every ones comments on barbering, also I would like ot send my respects out from one CLIPPERKING to another here in cali. I do believe that ot some extent barbering is a lost art, but here in cali it is back on the rise. It is actually more fashionable to be at the barbershop again rather than salon for men on the most part. I have developed and structered several barbershops, and business structure today is by far different than traditional barbershops. That is what alot of barbers do fail to realize in order to have a successful business. A business owner can over simplify his or her business by not changing with the times. Traditional barbers are fading not because of lack of interes in the field, because of lack of change. Most try to stay in a time warp, that is not healthy for business. Being innovative, diversifying, and learning all you can about both fields is so important to compete in todays market. The low rent hole in the wall barbershop can get its respect and survive,for the most part do ok, but can never meets its full potential.

After working, training, and learning from others for over 20 years I have found that eve though cosmotologist do not learn traditional barbering they dominate the field in almost every barbershop in cali.Not only do they dominate, they have teachable attitudes that they learn from the time they start cosmo school. Barbers are great, but most don't allow themselves to be taught or grow with the field. Barbering is a great trade.

The way I teach and strongly emphasize is, "The more you know the more valuable you are." Right now I am in the process of opening another shop, and I have a training course provided for cosmos who come aboard to learn to fade. That is the most highly demaned cut out there today. I am working with some really energetic and excited cosmotologists during this process. As for my barbers, well lets say I can't hire most of them because they refuse to deal with fades and anything current like line-ups, designs, ect. They forget that a barbers true title is a transorial artist, wich signifies creating change and design. Ask a barber to do a color, see what he says. Yet, he must learn it for state board but no desire to practice it in the field. I am proud to be a barber! Straight talk, I am a success because I see it how it really is and I take neccessary steps. As for straihgt razors, I know its not hte topic but I want to kill a lie about that too. They so not spread AIDS. If so state board would band them from use, especially in cali.The truth, most people are just lazy and make excuses not ot use them. My crew gives dozens of razor outlines and razor fades daily to a large portion of our clients, by popular demand, because nothing compares to that ultimate clean feeling for a man like that blade. Real Talk. Thank you for allowing me to share in this wonderful conversation. Looking forward to responses.

      KING JAMES THE CLIPPERKING 

My message to barbers & cosmos alike, to be successful in this business you must have a passion for hair, a desire to grow, and equally appreciate the value of yourself and the worth of your service.

Do not limit yourself, learn them all. All ages and ethinic groups are equally important to add to your personal value.

A common mistake in barbers is that they grow old with there clients. That means they stop growing as business men or woman. Not good.

Another suggestion, do not undersell yourself, it sends the wrong message. Low prices are generally viewed as cheap not inexspensive. so be carefull of that. If you feel that raising your prices to your true value or even the current market value will run off your customers, then it is seriously time to consider relocating. It means you won't be appreciated no matter how good your are. That is unhealthy, because still the name of the game no matter what is money. Being the best to be paid the best.