Exploring Life & Business with Donald West of Westbound World Class Institute

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald West.

Hi Donald, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was very young when I discovered my purpose in life, and since then, I’ve pursued my passion in barbering. At age 12, I watched a neighborhood friend cut hair in my community. I was so intrigued by his skills I asked him to teach me and mentor me along the way. From then on, I shadowed and observed, and at that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Throughout my 20 year journey in barbering, I have discovered a passion to teach others.

Once I attended barber college in San Francisco, CA and obtaining my license I opened my very own barbershop for the first time. So now, I’m my own boss, and I can help the next generation become bosses just like my friend helped me. I had great success at my shop for many years with an out pour of clients. I was able to employ several young barbers, and we were growing and making plans for the future in California. However, when life happens, sometimes you have to make adjustments that you may not always be prepared for. In 2012 my father was diagnosed with liver cancer. He lived in Georgia, so I decided to move from California to be with my father. I was in Georgia to help him while also barbering to make a living. Now that I’m back in a regular barber position and wasn’t using my knowledge and skills as a business owner, I knew I had to open another barbershop in Georgia quickly. Thankfully, I was able to make some great connections in Georgia and was able to open up my own barber shop. As fate would have it, shortly after opening my shop, my father took a turn for the worst and passed away. However; I am honored that I was able to open my new barbershop before his passing because I knew that I had made him proud!

As a Georgia business owner with a new barbershop, I had to do the same thing I did in California to build up my clientele. That wasn’t hard for me because I already had the blueprint. Once I started to rebuild and make even more connections I started receiving those accolades again. I was recognized and appreciated through awards from the youth and different organizations. They were very impressed with the volunteer services I had provided. Great things were happening for me in Georgia, but I still felt the need to do more. This is when I decided that with all of my experience, my passion for barbering, and my love for the youth in our communities I wanted to open up a Barber School….and I did! Westbound World Class Institute is located at 4187 Glenwood Rd in Decatur, GA. After becoming an Instructor and having this new title I became driven about opening my own school where I can continue to teach others, give back, uplift and provide resources for our community. This is the story of how Westbound World Class Institute was born.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle was transitioning from owning my own barber shop to opening my own barber school. I had to redirect my focus from cutting hair to teaching the art, safety and sanitation of barbering.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Westbound World Class Institute?
I’m a Master Barber, Barber Instructor and owner of my own Barber school. Westbound World Class Institute is open now for enrollment.

What do you specialize in?
I specialize in clean haircuts. I like to keep up with what’s new and trending. I also pride myself in sanitation, safety, and professionalism.

What are you known for?
I am known for my cleanliness, professionalism and I have been told that I cut very quickly with excellent accuracy.

What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of myself for being a successful black entrepreneur for the last 15 years. I am also grateful for the next stage in my life and my growth as the owner of my own Barber College.

What sets you apart from others?
As a successful black man, I want to ensure that our youth will have the blueprint to be successful as well. With my school now open, I want to be a part of the community and success of our future generation.

What do you want our readers to know about your services?
I want people to know that they can become their own boss just like me. I have a professional Barber College now open for enrollment.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I do have a few celebrity clients. As much as I educate and advise, I also like to laugh and crack jokes with my students.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://westboundworldclassinstitute.com
• Instagram: @wciwestbound
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095313463755