Today we’d like to introduce you to Vonkeith Richard.
Vonkeith, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I picked up my first pair of trimmers in my junior year of high school on the eve of homecoming at South Gwinnett in 2010. All six of my friends pulled in my driveway earlier that afternoon dressed in dapper attire without haircuts. I started joking on their hairlines and they replied, “well, hook those trimmers up and do something about it.” By the time we were leaving, everybody had a fresh smile of confidence on their faces. This encouraged me to begin a career as a barber. In 2011 I migrated from Atlanta to Fort Valley University to study Agricultural Economics. I was also in the Blue Machine Marching Band and a work-study student, so my college years were pretty busy. However, you haven’t actually experienced college unless you were down to your last five dollars.
During my freshman year, I was sitting in my dorm room and a light bulb went off in my head, if I can charge my colleagues five dollars for a haircut, I would be able to independently supply myself with necessities without asking my mother for money. She was taking care of my three younger siblings on a social security check, so she was out of the question. The business began to escalate after a week due to my marketing tactics. I left my door wide open every time I had a client because I had the first room in the hall, and I asked my friends and clients to promote me through word of mouth. By the time I graduated from Fort Valley State University, job opportunity was scarce. I began cutting hair at All-Stars barbershop part-time in Warner Robins, GA. It didn’t start so well because their walk-in volume wasn’t as high and my colleagues didn’t have the transportation or funds to get a haircut. I had to humble myself and start from ground zero. I had to cut in the laundry room of my apartment all day for $10.
By the time I was done working on most days, I would only accumulate $100-$200 but I could barely stand. I have to truly thank my late mother for my ambition. As a professional, I knew I could make more money in a better environment. A week later, I received word that a barber was leaving town and all of his clientele was up for grabs. I seized the opportunity and I was working in a hair salon as the only barber in 2016. The shop was in a high traffic area. It was next to a gas station and at least twenty surrounding subdivisions. This was a lucrative transition for my career. However, we closed shop in May 2017 due to unforeseen circumstances. Since I created substantial relationships with my former co-workers, I made my way back to All-Stars that same week. I applied pressure on myself this go-round. I went from the walk-in barber nobody goes to unless everybody’s booked to becoming the busiest barber in the Middle Georgia area. How? By extensive promotion on social media, Instagram, to be exact. In 2017 I began with one thousand followers and I told my co-workers to watch my name will ring bells (they gave me a grin) but now it is 2020 and I have over thirty thousand followers and counting. Currently, I am in the transition stage of relocating back to Atlanta (Sandy Springs), in a Barber Suite in order to seek more opportunities and expand the Top Tier Hair Club Brand.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There were enough struggles. However, I didn’t surrender to them. I let those obstacles mold me into a stronger person. Back in 2017, I was considering getting my barber license but I couldn’t find the time because I was always busy with clients. I was supposed to part take in an apprenticeship but that fell through because my recent shop owner had certain jealousy tendencies, so she shut the shop down and continued to call state board on me so that I could receive a fine of $500 for not having my license. I had to enroll in a barber school in Atlanta and drive every week for two hours on my off day. It took two years but once I obtained my license, I felt a lot better about being a professional barber.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Top Tier Hair Club – what should we know?
As a professional barber, I am known for my haircuts, upholding a certain level of quality and being polished in a way that only I can produce. This is why I consider myself an artist because when someone steps out into the world and if another person sees my work, he or she will know that product was produced by me. My customer service is also top tier. My go out of my way to comfort to my clients and anyone else who walks into my place of business because I love having a positive effect on people.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I give the utmost credit to my co-workers/mentors/big brothers Deante Raston and Mike Gray, they have always passed along barber knowledge, life advice, or anything I needed they found a way to provide for me. I have to also give credit to my dad (Dwayne Caillier) and his barber (Noel Royce) because without them, I wouldn’t have my license. They heard how messed up my situation was, so Royce called a former co-worker of his in Atlanta and referred me to his barber school. That co-worker is known as Mr. Smith, the barber instructor of GBI (Gwinnett Barber Institute). Last but not least, I have to thank my late mother, Constantine R. Caillier. Before she passed, she was my biggest supporter, cheerleader, and life coach.
Pricing:
- “The Vonkeith Experience” $40
- “The Vonkeith Experience” w/ Black Mask or Facial Scrub $50
- “Vonkeith’s Facial Service” $60
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6783131622
- Email: vontoriusr@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vonkeith_theartist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vonkeiththeartist
- Other: http://www.youtube.com/c/Vonkeith
Image Credit:
Client Jarvis McDonald @itsjustcaptin
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