Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrius Graham.
Hi Demetrius, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Barbering has always been a passion of mine! I picked up my first pair of Electric Wahl Clippers when I was 12 years old. I have a gift when it comes to caring for people’s needs and listening to their concerns. Learning that customer service is an importance when it comes to building lasting relationships. For the past 5 years, I have been an excellent Sales Representative for the Nation’s Top Mortgage Companies (Quicken Loans, United Wholesale Mortgage). Although I experienced success in the mortgage field, I was not living my purpose. I’ve decided to continue my career helping people’s needs by becoming a Licensed Professional Barber. I grew up in a barbershop. My mother use to drop me off at my uncle’s barbershop to learn and be around good men. Being around my uncle, I was able to see first-hand what a Licensed Professional Barber is and the positive role he was to the community. Through the years, I grew to love the culture I was surrounded by in the barbershop. I practiced the art of barbering by learning from two of my uncles, who are Licensed Barbers. In February 2018, my uncle who mentored me through the years suddenly passed away. That sudden moment in my life helped me come to an understanding about being the best professional for people in need for help. Now that I am older, and life has taught me valuable lessons about doing what you love and living with passion! I took a leap of faith and followed my passion. I was able to practice 1,800 hours fading, shaping, shaving, and honing my skill set at Michigan Barber School in Detroit, Michigan. This is a profession that I take very serious which is why I’ve completed Barber College at Michigan Barber School. I graduated March 23, 2019. I’m very excited for my barber career, and I look forward to working with you and helping the community!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has not been a smooth journey at all. The road was rough, starting with changing my career. Although I come from a family of barbers that help that thought I was going to get, I did not. Unfortunately, my mentor passed away. Remembering why I started keeps me going every day. It’s the struggle that makes the journey that much more worth it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional license barber a specialized in grooming men and women hair. The unique thing about cutting hair is the conversation that are had in the barbershop.
I most proud of building this business for the community. Helping people express themselves in a unique way. When it comes to hair, I care!
What sets my business apart is not only am I a third-generation barber, but this is a 100% black-owned business. Being a black-owned business in today’s time is needed so the community can see it can be done. No shortcuts or handouts. Just hard work and dedication.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Within the next five to 10 years, I definitely see myself teaching not just barbers the proper way to handle business but other business owners how to conduct their business for a more positive impact for the community. Education is major so I definitely see myself furthering my education in the barber beauty industry.
As of now, I am preparing a barber apprenticeship program with the state of Michigan. This program is going to help those that may not be able to afford barber college or have the means or ways to attend barber college still receive the proper teachings and knowledge to obtain their barber license.
Once this program is successfully completed with a candidate that wants to become a licensed barber, then I will become a licensed barber instructor.
Lord willing the future is bright 💈
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @meechbarbershop
- Other: book.thecut.co/meechthebarber
