An Inspired Chat with Harvey Middleton Jr. of McDonough/East Point

We recently had the chance to connect with Harvey Middleton Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Harvey, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What battle are you avoiding?
Honestly, I don’t avoid battles. Any challenge that comes my way, I face it head-on. I’ve learned that every battle carries a lesson, not a failure, and those lessons are what help me grow. If I want to be successful, I have to go through those tough moments so I can understand where I need to improve and how strong and capable I really am. Challenges don’t intimidate me – they shape me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Harvey Middleton. I’m from Charleston, South Carolina, and I’m a proud United States Army Veteran. I currently serve as the Lead Instructor and Master Barber at Scales Barber Academy. At Scales, we don’t just create master barbers and future Instructors- we develop leaders. We teach our students the importance of the hair industry, professionalism, business, and community service. What truly sets our school apart is that we are pillars in our community, we maintain the highest state board passing rate in Georgia, and we continue to grow with three thriving locations. What makes me unique is that I am a walking testimony. I’ve been through storms and stood the test of time, and those experiences have built me into the person I am today. I’m a jack of many trades, driven by a passion to inspire others and open doors for people to become successful. My mission is to leave a lasting impact on everyone I teach and everyone I serve.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
“Before I could fully see myself, it was the people who believed in me during my hardest seasons —My Parents,
mentors, leaders, and community members who saw my potential even when I was still finding my footing. Their belief helped shape my confidence and pushed me to rise to the standard they already saw in me. Over time, I grew into that vision, and now I try to be that same source of clarity and belief for others.”

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“I would tell my younger self that you’re stronger than you realize, and everything you’re going through is preparing you for something greater. Be patient with the process, trust your purpose, and don’t let the storms make you doubt who you are. One day, the very things that tried to break you will become the reason you’re able to lead, teach, and inspire others.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what truly matters to me is purpose and impact. I care deeply about helping people grow, creating opportunities, and leaving things better than I found them. They’d also say I value integrity, loyalty, and discipline — doing things the right way even when no one is watching. At the core, what matters most to me is inspiring others, serving my community, and building something meaningful that lasts.”

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
“I hope people say that I was someone who served with purpose and led with integrity. That I used my experiences — both the struggles and the victories — to uplift others and open doors for people who may not have seen a path forward. I want my story to be that I didn’t just teach a skill or build a business, but that I changed lives, strengthened my community, and helped people believe in themselves long after they left my presence.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scalesbarberacademy.com
• Instagram: swole_the_bartist
• Other: TiKTok: swole_thebartist

Image Credits
Harris Heartfelt Photos and Designs