Today we’d like to introduce you to John Hollier.
Hi John, 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?
I recently turned 39. I’m born and raised in South Louisiana. I had a great childhood I had great role models as parents. They also taught me at a young age that if you want something you have to work hard for it, as nothing is free. So I started working at age of 15. It also led me to make choices that would later lead to addiction pretty much through high school. I basically decided that I would do the least possible to just get by. Not thinking about the repercussions from this choice. This being said I barely graduated I didn’t even stand on stage. I graduated 2 months later than everyone else sad to say. But hey I made it. Being from the south I followed my dad’s lead and many uncles lead and started working offshore.
I was currently working offshore on Tugboats as deck crewman. I had done this job 8 years. I realized that I hated it and wanted a change. However while doing this career, I would also cut my shipmate’s hair before leaving. It was not until 5 years ago, I enrolled myself in barber school. I finished school in one year. I went to school here in downtown Atlanta. I always knew that I didn’t get along well with jealous people after working at one men’s salon in Brookhaven. I realized just after 7 short months of working for someone else, I was fired. I realized that now was my time to take a risk and make my dreams happen. I will be 4 years in business this November. Also 9 years sober.
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?
I will say after almost 2 years of building Bear Barber Shop from the ground up. A global pandemic may have been my biggest challenge to date.
However fast forward to a year later, I’m booked beyond belief. I have Unfortunately lost a lot of clients but with that being said, I have gained a lot of clients. I think being in a loft-style barber shop has paid off also.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Very old school classic traditional style barbering. Hot lather shaves, hot towels, straight razor. Also known as Beard Wizard to lots of Atl Bearded men. Always a relaxing experience.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Well, truth be told, I went to Barber school in 2016. I was licensed Feb 2017. I worked at one men’s salon job from March to October 2017. I was fired for passing personal business cards to clients. I realized then there would be no way I would ever be put in this situation again. November 1st, 2017, I started Bear Barber Shop. November 1, 2021, will be 4 years.
Pricing:
- Haircut $50
- Beard Trim $20
- Shave $30
- Head Shave $40
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Bear_barbershop
- Facebook: Bear Barber Shop
Image Credits
Toby (@Justobyme)
