We recently had the chance to connect with Sebastian Alvarez and have shared our conversation below.
Sebastian, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
This is a layered question, as my routine often varies depending on the day. That said, I typically enjoy starting my mornings strong. I’m usually up by 4:30 a.m., preparing for my workout, which begins around 5:30 a.m. During that first hour, I focus on hydrating, stretching, and priming my body for the day’s training session. Whether it’s legs, chest, or a full-body workout, I approach each session with maximum intensity, as this time is not only about physical strength but also about getting my mind centered for a day filled with conversations and reflection. After training, I return home to eat, hydrate, and of course, caffeinate.
That one small cup of coffee is an essential part of my decompression before getting dressed and starting my day at The Safe Room. On a typical day, I’m cutting from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and after 10+ hours of work, I come home to reset and recharge. My evenings are about winding down—hydrating, maybe having a light meal, and most importantly, decompressing from the day. One habit I’ve developed is putting away the screens, since my phone is constantly buzzing with family, friends, clients, and vendors—the work never really stops. By the end of the day, my mind has reached capacity, and I allow myself to fully shut down. Usually, I’m in bed by 10:00 or 10:30 p.m., ready to rest and prepare to do it all again the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“My name is Sebastian Alvarez, and I am a master keymaker at The Safe Room in Atlanta, Georgia. The Safe Room is a men’s-only grooming parlor where I strive to cultivate the best image for men while providing a safe and comfortable space for them to be themselves. My mission with The Safe Room is to bring together the skills I’ve honed over years of cutting with modern elements of communication, artistry, and the unique bond shared between barber and client. Inside The Safe Room, I have the privilege of transforming someone’s appearance with the turn of a clipper or the precision of shears—and I truly love what I do.”
“At present, I am focused on developing a booking application exclusively for The Safe Room. In addition to the app, I have prepared a significant amount of content to be released following its launch. Between coordinating with the development team and managing my own responsibilities, the project remains on track, with a targeted completion date of fall 2025.”
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, my greatest influences are my mother and father. Even now, I marvel at how they managed it all. Both of my parents come from large families, and the experiences they endured put our generation’s challenges into perspective. They are relentless in their drive and dedication. From my father teaching us to act with purpose and emphasizing that character will carry you far, to my mother showing us immeasurable grace and adaptability in everything she has done, I would not be an ounce of who I am without them. They sacrificed so much to ensure that my three siblings and I had everything we needed growing up, which I know was no easy task. The lesson they instilled above all else is work ethic—relentless, uncompromising work ethic. While there will always be someone smarter or more talented, watching them taught me that there are countless ways to reinvent the wheel—but the key is finding the way that works for you.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I’m going off the books with this one, but I used to be absolutely terrified of thunderstorms! I’m talking hiding my head under the comforter, running to my brothers’ or sister’s room to sleep on the floor—totally scared out of my mind. I probably cried on multiple occasions, and if you listened closely, you could almost imagine Thor himself outside, throwing a party, laughing at my pain. Even the smallest rumble or a light rain shower would send me into full panic mode. Looking back, I have no idea why I was such a light sleeper as a child—though truthfully, I still am—but thunderstorms were off-limits for me. Over time, I grew a little braver, learning to watch the lightning from the safety of my room rather than fleeing in fear. Now, I can enjoy the sound of rain and the drama of a storm, but that kid hiding under the comforter will always be a funny—and humbling—part of my story.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies small business owners tell themselves is that success happens overnight. There’s this myth of instant growth, viral products, or a sudden breakthrough—but the reality is that nothing meaningful happens without consistent effort and disciplined work. A small business doesn’t thrive because of luck; it thrives because of countless hours spent learning the market, refining products, building relationships, and solving problems!
Another misconception is that opinions are as valuable as knowledge. Running a business successfully requires making decisions based on REAL data experience, and proven strategies—not just gut feelings or popular trends. Applying yourself, staying patient, and consistently using knowledge over assumptions is what separates businesses that survive from those that struggle. Hard work and smart execution, not hype or shortcuts, are the true drivers of growth.
I want to emphasize there are no shortcuts!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Peace for me comes from knowing I’m growing—putting in the work, learning, and moving with purpose. But I feel it most when I’m cutting hair. In that chair, time slows down. Every second feels like it’s in my hands, every detail sharp, every movement intentional. The outside world fades, and it’s just me, my craft, and the person in front of me. That calm focus—that’s where I find my peace.
In those moments, I slip into almost a euphoric frame of mind. It’s more than just concentration—it’s like flow. My thoughts quiet down, my breathing evens out, and I feel fully alive in the present. Creativity, precision, and peace all merge into one, and it’s as if I’m in complete harmony with what I’m doing. That state isn’t just peaceful—it’s powerful.
What makes it even more powerful is knowing my client feels it too. They sit back, relax, and trust me with their image. The energy shifts—we’re both at peace in that moment. It’s more than a haircut; it’s an exchange of calm, confidence, and connection. Being able to do that consistently, yeah, let that sink in….
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesaferoom.us
- Instagram: @thesaferoomatl
Image Credits
@nalaophoto
