Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquis Travis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marquis. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I would say my journey begin in the sixth grade. That’s when my mom bought me my first pair of clippers cause she was tired of the barbershop I was going to. I experimented and eventually ended up cutting patches into my head the night before school. After a long day of being roasted at school, That’s when, I the fire ignited. The challenge of trying to figure out how to cut hair started that day. I was scared to my own hair again for years but I was always curious. Once I got to high school, looking fresh was a must so I picked the clipper back up again to keep my cut fresh at all times. I use to get a haircut then try to go back over what did to maintain my look between cuts. Slowly but surely, I got better and better to where my homies would let my shape them up if we were going to a function. Once I got to college, I was cutting a couple of people to keep some money in my pocket but never once did I see cutting hair as a real professional to make a substantial income. Ultimately, I ended up not taking the college route and came back home to join the workforce.
After working job after a job, I realized that I wanted to be my own boss. I wanted to control my financial future. I wanted to move on my own time. I didn’t want someone else calling the shots for my life. I knew that if I wanted to work for myself, it would have to be something I love doing so it doesn’t feel like work at all. What happened next was heaven sent. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was sitting in my cubical at work and I pray to God to show me my gifts and talents that I could use to be my own boss. Immediately after that prayer, someone texted me asking for a haircut and that when it clicked. Barbering was something I had been doing for years. It’s a profession that allows you to make your own schedule and build your own brand identity. The only apprehension I had was the financial aspect. I didn’t know any barber who were truly living their best life from barber.
It’s crazy how everything falls into place when you’re moving in your purpose. Over the next week or so, I began meeting barbers, who eventually shared with me that they were making six figures on cutting hair alone. That was all the confirmation I needed. After I did my research, I applied to Wake Tech School of Barbering and Business. I graduated top of my class and have been cutting professionally for the last year and half.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely was not a smooth journey by any means! Getting to the point in my life took a lot of self-discovery and honesty with myself. I failed out of college because of lack of maturity. I probably worked eight different jobs from the time I came home from college at 19 to when I got accepted into barber school at age 24. I quit a couple of them and got fired from a few. I had to take an honest look at myself and say, “Hey, this isn’t working. You’re drowning right now; what do you want out of life. Are you ok with living less than your potential?” That one question changed my life. It forced me to have accountability over the things I didn’t like about myself and change them. If you have ever looked in the mirror and kept it real with yourself, you know how hard it is to stay consistent and make a change. One of the toughest things I had to do but it allowed me to tap into a deeper resolve in myself. This journey of entrepreneurship has taught me the power of belief of self and how faith works. Even though it’s been tough, it has been that much more rewarding!
Please tell us about TRAV Innovations.
TRAV Innovations is a Men’s Grooming company that specializes in high-quality services, education and experience. Some of the services that we are famous for is our Fades and Blurry blends on every cut, Beard Sculpting, and Razor Sharp lines. As a company, we are most proud of our customer’s service and our attention to detail! Walking in a barbershop is much more than a haircut; it’s an enriching experience that we make sure we provide with every service. One of the many things that set us apart is the innovation in the name. Not only do we use new and revitalizing ways to complete your look, we proud ourselves on making sure your experience is better than the last. Being innovative means improving on your practices and that is something I incorporate in my personal and professional life. Attention to detail allows us to constantly strive for better with every service.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Not a single thing. I just wish I would have tapped in earlier so I can be farther at this point of my life. All those experiences were necessary for those lessons to stick. My parents raised me well but I was the hardest child so sometimes I had to experience things to understand the lesson. I just wish I would listen the first time.
Pricing:
- Signature Haircut – $25
- Signature Haircut + Beard – $30
- Therapeutic Beard Grow Treatment – $35
Contact Info:
- Address: 507 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC
- Website: book.thecut.co/travinnovations
- Phone: (984)789-9964
- Email: travinnovationsllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travtheinnovator/
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