Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1511260
54 indie stylist Volume 4 Issue 2 THE FRESH START What began as a dash for the oil rigs of West Texas quickly became a permanent stop in Kerrville. Recently out of jail and with just $75 to his name, he ventured into this new town and decided to give barbering another chance. In Kerrville, he experienced a game-changing moment when he was charged $25 for a haircut—significantly more than what he was used to in the Rio Grande Valley. "I was like, 'Wow, you know what? I'm going to go look for a chair here.' I think I made like $250 the first day." Orozco recognized the immense potential and profitability of the region and seized the opportunity to expand his venture. Two months later, he moved his family to Kerrville and opened Classic Barbershop. From there, business boomed. One shop turned into two, then three, then four, each fostering a sense of community and connection among its patrons. OROZCO'S APPROACH TO SUCCESS Orozco's journey from the Rio Grande Valley to becoming a successful barber and business owner is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a willingness to adapt. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with the right mindset and a relentless pursuit of your passion, you can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Making Changes Within It started with resilience. Orozco embraced the challenges, learned from failures, and kept moving forward with unwavering determination. Throughout his journey, he refused to be discouraged by various setbacks. His ability to bounce back from adversity served as a driving force behind his accomplishments. RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY At 15, Orozco embarked on a challenging journey, balancing fatherhood, high school, and sporadic attendance at barber school. He was determined to acquire the necessary skills to turn his passion into a profession, but his path was riddled with obstacles. "I had my first child at 14 going on 15, and I started barber school as a freshman in high school. I was able to finish, but it was hard," Orozco says. "But I knew I had to [finish] because I had a kid I needed to provide for. I was under 18, so I couldn't just go and get a job." So, to make ends meet, Orozco began cutting hair informally for friends and acquaintances. His meager earnings from cutting friends' hair provided a glimpse of his potential as a barber, but it also meant operating in a legally gray area. Despite the challenges, Orozco's unwavering determination pushed him forward. At the age of 18, Orozco completed his barbering education and opened his first barbershop, transitioning from working out of his house to renting a commercial space. And while his space was a professional upgrade, Orozco was still riding the learning curve of owning a business. "I had unlicensed barbers. I was super obnoxious. I thought I was the best in the world and that nobody was better than me," he says. "I lost the barbershop. I got in trouble." Orozco's life took another dramatic turn when he found himself in jail due to child support issues, with significant debt to boot. During this period of introspection, Orozco realized the need for change in his life—a fresh start. "That's when I moved to Kerrville," he says. "I was able to reframe the way I was thinking. I'm not better than anybody, I'm at the lowest point. I've gone as far as you can go." courtesy of lorenzo orozco