Meet Andre Mosley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Mosley.  

Hi Andre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born on the westside of Detroit MI in the year 1992 to my amazing parents Benita and Aundra Mosley who’s now been happily married for 30years. Growing up in Detroit Public School Systems was an interesting journey. I had a pretty active upbringing. I enjoyed the arts (music, drawing, painting, etc.) and sports such as basketball (being my favorite), football, skating, bike riding, and baseball. I was also a part of a few organizations that I feel shaped me in many ways such as Project SEED, DAPCEP, and the amazing Midnight Golf Program. I studied Media Management at MSU and graduated in 2017. 

High school is where I discovered my ability to cut hair. It started off pretty rocky but I wasn’t that bad — just needed some fine-tuning. Though at the time, I didn’t know my gift of cutting hair would be the way I provide for my family. 

As I entered the beginning of secondary education, I had my eyes set on becoming an electrical engineer backed by reasons of finding a job that was high-paying enough. Unfortunately, I was soon met with academic adversity which forced me to change majors while sending me on a downward spiral of looking for myself within a “corporate job”. 

It was there that I learned a “job” wasn’t right for me (after being fired from 5 jobs on campus alone) — I just couldn’t grasp the concept of fulfilling every demand of someone else without being fulfilled. Subsequently, I grew as a barber. I became so busy that school took secondary focus to my new and improving craft as a barber. I humbly became one of the best barbers on the MSU campus. However, after experiencing some success, I still personally could not see the value. Looking around and seeing so many people excelling in their fields of education, futures bright, I felt as if I still did not know what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. It was a very dark place. You know, feeling like I was the only one who hadn’t figured it out. 

This led me to really begin searching for my own light. Leaning on my gift, more and more opportunities seemed to present themselves. So, after graduation, my father insisted on helping me turn the basement of his house into a one-chair barbershop lounge. To my excitement, the clientele began to outgrow the space. Though this was great, it created some safety concerns. 

Then Boom! Detroit Juice Barbershop entered the chat. Leaving the basement, and leaping into brick and mortar helped me form great bonds and grew my understanding of the inner workings of the business. I continued to educate myself on what opportunities were available in my position. Getting everything down to a science, but now? 

Here I am, just recently deciding to step out on faith and work out of my own personal suite. It wasn’t until taking that step into my own space that I’d finally discover my light. I had a new revelation about who I am and where I’m going. It all seemed like a puzzle was coming together. 

In retrospect, that leap has shown me that I have a pretty good understanding of who I am as a person. I discovered the gift that I could power my life through and I’ve learned a lot about myself through seeking out the answers, despite all my trials and tribulations. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success as an entrepreneur has been everything but smooth. There have been struggles in every direction you look. The main thing I learned is mental health is a very serious matter. I experienced depression for the past 12 years. I’m relieved to say this year was the first year I did not experience depression. So, I know what it feels like to have absolutely no idea of who you are, your purpose in life, the gifts you possess, and what you will do with your future. It’s a dark space, but in going on this journey I’ve been able to unlock a lot of my light. Something I hope my brand can bring awareness to — the struggles and how to grow beyond them. 

Honestly, the good thing about these struggles is that they are necessary for growth. Starting out I had to learn about paying taxes, who I could go to for advice, and how to manage my finances in a way that not only supports my family but allow for certain freedoms I enjoy. I had to learn how to use my time more efficiently. I had to learn how to use social media to my advantage. I had to learn how to operate my business in a way that I controlled it and it didn’t work the other way around. I had to learn how to balance between being an entrepreneur and being a family man. 

Hell, one of the biggest hurdles I’m experiencing is how to not allow what it is that I do, to determine who I truly am. Lessons you only learn when you commit to the process. Do you know? 

In the search, I’m certain there’s much more to me than just a barber. I’m learning how to increase my ability in all the areas listed, I now see it as the fun part. I know that once I master something new that it can only help me with moving forward. I have someone that I know is looking up to me and I want to be able to teach my son as many lessons as I can. The only way to do that is from my own experiences which have encouraged me to build a strong foundation. Bringing forth 4 essential principles needed to be the best version of yourself: 

Standing in faith, love, the ability to grow, the ability to Inspire. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I’m a Creative who uses my gift to cut hair to impact, inspire, and create more. People know me as a barber, but I have been intentional about rebranding myself so that you can’t put me in a box. I recently launched a campaign associated with my brand in hopes to venture into streetwear and merchandise altogether. I’m on track to launch a podcast as well in the near future, so stay tuned! 

All in all, there are plenty of ideas I plan to execute with my brand. Notably, I am most proud of the recent campaign drop that I feel will set the tone for my brand moving forward. It incorporates many elements I feel are essential to not only myself but others as well. This is just the beginning. 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The advice I would give to anyone starting out would be to just start your journey. I believe that all work is good work as long as you are working on something. Do not just sit around and wait for things to come to you. You have to put one step in front of the other and your path will revel itself. You must know that your imagination and dreams are yours for a reason and despite any circumstances, you face that if you remained focused that your dreams can come to life. I think the biggest understanding that I missed at the beginning was that I did not value myself enough. I did not think being a barber could change my life. I did not have confidence in my knowledge. I did not believe in my ideas. I thought everyone else had all the answers. I think once you realize that everything you need is already within you, life would be much more fulfilling. Embrace your journey because everything happens for a reason. 

Pricing:

• Haircut services range from $60-$125
• Cutsxdre Worldwide T-shirt $60

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://linktr.ee/cutsxdre
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutsxdre/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cutsxdre

Image Credits
Dante Rionda
Andre Mosley