Conversations with Manny Rivera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Rivera. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After attending Douglas J Aveda (Ann Arbor, Mi), I got my first start in 2009, cutting hair in a shop known as Mirage Unisex Salon at the time (also located in Ann Arbor). Within the first six months, I had grown my clientele substantially, and I remember having a conversation with the owner of shop just laying out my future plans of opening my own business one day in my hometown of Adrian, Mi. He agreed and sees enough potential in me that he gave me the opportunity to partner with him to open a shop back home. 

With a newly redesigned look and logo (Designed by Wingman Consulting, Matt Garno), Mirage Barbershop (Adrian) opened its doors for business in 2010, and we took our town by storm. A new style of barbering in our community and surrounding areas was introduced, and it was a mix of urban diverse style haircuts with more modern twist of popular styles, an infusion of the two if you will. No one else in our town or surrounding areas was doing what we had introduced to them at that time, essentially, I gave our clients options, and it set us apart from the rest. 

Fast forward to April of 2020, after weeks of hanging in limbo, COVID-19 impacts the health and beauty industry, and we get shut down by our State until further notice. Months go by, and we have yet to get the “all clear” to return to work and business as usual. By this point, I have already experienced every emotion possible, and doubt starts to settle in. To make matters worse, the Mall I was located in was deemed unsafe and was condemned by our local City Inspector due to the Mall failing local safety inspections while it sat during lockdown. With no approval for entry, we are told we cannot open back up with no timeline of return. 

After doing some reflecting and some unfortunate circumstances of events behind the scenes, I had decided after praying, discussing with my wife and oldest daughter; I had came to the decision to close Mirage (Adrian) for good after 11 years in partnership business, a tough decision to say the least but one I was at peace with. I gave a lot of me to that business, and it took a lot of me as well, but sometimes things happen for a reason. (Thank you, David K., for giving me the opportunity and believing in me, it was one for the history books. Mirage will always be special to me. God bless.) 

But when one door closes, another opens, and in 2020, I decided to make a solo return and opened up Manny’s Official Barbershop. I was back! But this time on my terms and worth. It’s been an amazing first two years with MOB (Manny’s Official Barbershop), and to say the least, I’m blessed, and business continues to grow daily as I am booked out on average two weeks. It’s been nothing but lessons and blessings; I can’t wait to see what is in this next season of life. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, but in my opinion, the road to success is never smooth or easy. It’s more like a roller coaster filled with ups and downs. But if closing a business at the start of the pandemic wasn’t enough already and a reason to give up, opening a business while in the middle of one should have not been an option and certainly not for the faint of heart, but I’m here, giving it my all for a dream no one else can see but me. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Barber (stylist) and have been so for the past 12 years. I specialize in men’s and kids’ haircuts, beards and have recently began working with a local rehab facility (Ivy Rehab for kids) specializing in sensory haircuts for children with sensory needs, and to be honest, working with those kids brings so much joy and reminds me why I love what I do. 

Besides my haircuts, I am probably most known for my hair art (designs); originally, they were popular a few years back, and every kid wanted one. It’s what I attribute the early stages of my success and what catapulted my career and business, essentially setting me apart from everyone else. I’m also probably most known for my logo. 

What I am most proud of are my girls and being a Girl Dad. I have five of them. Yes, five, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My oldest is 20 (Breyanna attends GVSU), I have a 16 (Shayla), 14 (Aaliyah), 11 (Anaya), and the baby of the family is six years old (Jaritza). I’m beyond proud of each of them because they are strong, driven, confident, smart, funny, trendy, and unique in their own ways. I love you girls 24. Lastly, my wife (Crystal) for being so loving and supportive; she’s the rock of our home and such an empowering and nurturing mother to our girls. I appreciate you more than you know; I love you. 

One of the many things that set me apart from others is my attention to detail; I’m OCD when it come to my services. Perfection is the standard. Another is consistency; it’s key! Success comes from consistency; that’s where growth is formed. Lastly, I’m not trying to be someone else or pretending to be something I’m not; I’m 100% genuine and loyal; I work hard at my craft and don’t take shortcuts; what you see is what you get. I daily take every opportunity to positively impact the confidence and look of my client because I am the only person in that moment who can shift the way they feel before they leave my chair. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
It’s taught me a few lessons, one being that life is extremely now and in the moment. You get one shot at this; make it count. You don’t know what you don’t know. Enjoy the things you love and love the people in your life. Not all sacrifices are worth it, except giving your life to Jesus. I promise you. It has taught me to create a healthy work-life balance that works for me and my family because time doesn’t slow down for anyone. 

Lastly, it showed the world how important we are as hair stylist and barbers. Haircuts have become an essential necessity and such an influence on our society. It’s our identity; it changes the way we feel about ourselves and our circumstances. But it also showed me my worth and the impact I hold in this industry; that’s something that can never be taken away moving forward. 

Pricing:

• $30 haircuts
• $40 haircuts/beard cleanup
• $65 MOB full service

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=u55lwnctn84&utm_content=p62g706
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MannysOfficialBarbershop
• Other: mob1.booksy.com

Image Credits
Anthony Moore
Matt Garno