Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Smith Jr.
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?
The beginning for me as a barber starts when I was about nine years old. We were having a family dinner, and all the men and boys were getting cut in the laundry room like we always do every dinner. But that day my dad handed me the clippers and told me to cut my little cousins hair. My grandfather was a barber and he taught all of his kids how to cut. Even though my uncles and aunts had the skill to cut hair no one wanted to make it a profession. As I got into my teenage years I started to cut myself because I couldn’t always afford to go to the barbershop and the dad haircuts weren’t doing it anymore. During my high school years I started to fall in love with cutting my own hair, cutting my family members and friends. So after high school I worked a few jobs and they weren’t cutting it. So I decided to put everything I had into becoming a barber. I finished barber school in 7 months and I never looked back. I started in an old school walk in only shop for my first three years, where it was first come first serve sometimes and other times whoever can get to the client first gets to cut them. After building up a reputation, I got recruited to another shop that was more appointment based but accepted walk ins as well. That is when my career took off. Long days and long nights of 12 to 15 hours building a name for myself, and giving back to the community. I spent nine years in that shop and finally I was able to branch out and open my own suite after 12 years in the industry. My shop was a place that was different and a place that everyone deserved. I created a safe space where we can talk about anything that was needed and you were not only seen but heard. I gave an experience that hadn’t been done before in the city of Seattle. It was a one stop shop for haircuts, products, and therapy. During the three years of having and operating my own shop, I took my relationship with God more seriously and fully submitted to him. That is how I ended up moving here to Houston. I came down for a church conference and God told me to move here. So out of obedience I shut my business down, told my family I was moving, packed all of my things and moved to Houston. There were no guarantees, I put down what I built, and left everything I had ever known to follow God. I’ve never lived away from home before or started over In my life, but I don’t regret the move at all. Since being here I have gained family, friends, a church home, brotherhood, and community that I have never had before. I enjoy being in the shop I work at and being an asset to the team and also learning from everyone. I believe my years in the industry before moving here prepared me for the time I’m in now. I Love Houston and Houston is my home now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some struggles over the years I would say have been learning how to properly do business. Meaning how to prepare for taxes and structure business the right way. Another struggle at times would be getting new people that don’t know you or your work to trust you. But after that first cut and conversation they are locked in!
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 traditional barber. I specialize in natural haircuts and keeping the integrity of your natural hairline. I can do enhancements but I prefer not to. I would say what sets me apart from others is you can’t tell whether my haircuts are enhanced or not, also I’m a person that you can easily talk to and get poured into from. I would say I’m best known for my customer service, clean haircuts, and great conversation. I’m most proud of my consistency and attention to detail. I can look at a persons head and pretty much know what kind of haircut or style they get. No matter what they choose the haircut will always fit them perfectly.
How do you define success?
To me success is about how many lives you can positively impact and make better. Some way some how after meeting me you will smile more, laugh more, be more at peace, or process life in a much better way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Smashingthecity.com
- Instagram: @themikedexperience
