Today we’d like to introduce you to Legend Franklin.
Hi Legend, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Eight years ago, when I first began cutting hair, I had no intentions on actually being a barber. I couldn’t afford to keep my own haircut, so I decided to learn how to cut my own hair. The barber who gave me my first-ever haircut gave me a pair of his liners once I told him I wanted to learn. I started to get good at lining myself up. However, I wanted to get good at fading, but I didn’t have the money to buy a pair of clippers. With this circumstance, I decided to go to Ross, and I stole my first pair of clippers, haha! They weren’t the best, but I just worked with what I had! I was happy with them. From there, I have seen barbering as a way to keep a little bit of money in my pockets for bus fairs, snacks, or food. I was really unfortunate, so cutting hair gave me hope for my future. I began practicing on the few friends I had at the time. The more that I got better, the more I fell in love with barbering. It’s been history ever since!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming a barber has not been the smoothest road. There were people who talked about me and laughed at me. I didn’t care what a lot of people thought about me though, I’d cut hair in the locker room, the performing arts building, and in classrooms. I had a really hard time dealing with mental health, and my home situation was not the best. Both of my grandmas passed away in the midst of me trying to pursue my dreams, so I faced a huge wave of discouragement, depression, and sadness in the beginning of my journey. Furthermore, my initial dream was to play basketball overseas, so I also dealt with the pressure of letting go of a dream I’d had since I was a kid. Not charging for haircuts in the beginning was my biggest struggle. Reason 1, because I had little to no money, so the tips that I did make were hard to keep because I always needed them for bus fare & food etc. Reason 2, I was a beginner, so a lot of people did not feel like I was worth paying; which was very discouraging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I feel like I’m the true definition of an Artist. I dance, I’m an athlete, I can rap, play multiple instruments, draw, roller skate, I have a clothing line, skateboard, etc. I’m a Jack of all trades! Almost anything you can think of, I can do. If not, once I put my mind towards something, I’m able to get good at it really fast. At first, I was known as a dancer. As a kid, I looked up to Michael Jackson & Chris Brown. I’ve been dancing since I was a little kid, but I’ve never taken any classes or learned from anyone. I created my own style! I’ve always been able to do anything or learn how to do something and create my own style; this is one thing I’m very passionate about when it comes to self-reflection.
I feel like I’m known for barbering of course; but more so my versatility. The biggest thing that sets me apart from others is I’m truly myself. I’ve never been anything less, and I never want to be anything more than myself. As a kid, I tried fitting in and being like others, but it would never work. I have a soul that could never be taken, a heart that will always beat, and an aura that will always shine. I’m very powerful in my own existence. This is what sets me aside from the world.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone starting out, trying to pursue barbering or any particular dream, my advice is always consistency. It’s very hard to stay motivated with the outside world, statistics, and opinions, but through that struggle, ALWAYS stay consistent. Consistency will take you further than anything because it’s the only way you will get better and grow. Everyone is not going to support you, and the ones you think will; they are going to be the first ones to be knocked off of your path. DO NOT FOLD. Stay consistent with the mind, body, and soul. And most of all, stay true to yourself! Living in your authenticity will carry you to heights you’d never imagine. Always remember that life is chess, not checkers; it’s a marathon, not a race!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thalegendofficial.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @ThaLegendOfficial
- Youtube: LegendTheBarber
