Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1467303
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 53 Lici's favorite barbering tool is the Andis GTX-EXO trimmer. "It's completely versatile, cuts super crispy, and because of the exposed blade, my line of sight isn't blocked. It's my current go-to tool for edge-ups, line work, balding, beard work, and creating texture." Strive for respect. "I have to say that while I have experienced diffi culty with clients for being a woman cutting behind the chair, the real adversity came from the industry. This entire experience was a learning process for me. I had to develop my image, behavior, and what message I wanted to spread through my brand. I learned how barbering events can be a tool to advance your career if you do your homework and have a goal in mind. It was challenging being myself but still demanding respect as a fellow barber and not some piece of eye candy. I was introduced to barber battles, and I decided to compete." Get in the game. "Many of my struggles came from earning the respect of other barbers; most just saw a girl in the crowd. So, I made it a point to make noise. I competed at every barber battle that entire year. Every month I was in a new city, on stage, cutting hair side by side with male barbers. That turned into being invited to showcase at different vendor booths, to special networking events, to the expos, and it landed me a role on Cedric's Barber Battle, a national TV show." Battle on! "When I was contacted by the CW Network to fl y out to Newark to fi lm Episode #4, I was told I had to fl y at my expense. I had to make a choice between the security deposit to my apartment or a plane ticket. You only get one chance, so I gave up the apartment to compete on national television. I was the fi rst and only woman to win Cedric's Barber Battle, bragging rights, and $15,000. This changed the course of my entire career. I began to get booked for barber shows, classes, and various networking events. I moved to San Antonio, Texas, enrolled in school to become an educator, and opened a small shop with my partner at the time; it's been uphill from there." I love barbering because . . . "Barbering allows me to express my creativity to the fullest. It's because of a pair of clippers that I am able to travel the world, provide for my family, and mentor others. I get to network with clients from all types of backgrounds and the community network is endless. I feel like I can be authentically me and I don't have to live up to anyone else's expectations. The barber industry gives people a chance to make it in this world regardless of your background or mistakes you've made in the past." julien orliac/unsplash