Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1467303
44 indie stylist Volume 3 Issue 1 suites, so networking and asking questions with the other owners who have succeeded helped a lot too. It's not as much out of pocket to start. It's definitely scary making the move, but I wish I'd have done it sooner. Q. What are some exciting trends you see in barbering? Where do you see the industry going in the next few years? A. In the next few years, I see the industry continuing to grow and prices going up. Barbers are undervalued by barbers. I feel so many barbers are afraid to raise their prices. Barbers shouldn't charge less than $30 a cut. Even that's low. I also see more of the Euro cuts—with the cropped top and high fade styled with texture powder—coming in 2022 and 2023. Q. What do you see happening in your own career in the next few years? A. I see myself growing my skills and constantly taking classes, webinars, and any other courses to grow myself and my brand. I hope to get to the point where I'm teaching at hair shows, whether it's cutting, social media, or something with a brand. I also have big plans for a barbershop. I want to take on helping elevate other barbers and building a team and helping them grow their own brand and name. Q. What advice would you give new barbers just coming out of school? A. As corny as it may sound, trust the process. Just because you went to barber school doesn't mean you'll be booked right away. It takes time. Put in the work, be in the shop when you say you will be, market yourself, offer referral rewards to clients, take classes, and pay attention to the busy barbers. I always watched the guys who were booked all day and picked up things I could incorporate into my cuts. I would also suggest finding your niche in the shop. If no one is great at beards or designs, get great at one of them. Take a class, watch videos, research what's trendy, and stay on top of that niche.