Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!

Ladies, we know there’s nothing like a clean, well-groomed man whose hair and beard, or whatever his facial hair entails (mustache or goatee), is on point; because we know every detail matter.

Grooming gives a sense of pride and emulates confidence and sexiness, an attractive quality. Since the world is a visual place, a lack of grooming would imply a lack of basic hygiene and care of presentation, and no lady wants to look upon that image.

So, if you need a ‘Master Barber’ barber to keep your man well-groomed, this article is for you.

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing one of Illinois’s top-notch barbers, making waves across Chicagoland with his passion for barbering by keeping our men and young boys fresh with an excellent cut and trim.

However, before I delve into this phenomenal interview, let’s look at the history behind barbering.

Barbering is one of the world’s oldest and most honorable professions, with a very interesting backstory!

Here are some compelling facts about barbering.

• The word barber comes from the Latin word “Barba,” meaning beard. In early ages, beards signified wisdom, strength, and manhood.
• A barber’s razor was mentioned in the Old Testament. God instructs the prophet Ezekiel to “take a sharp sword and use it as a barber’s razor to shave your head and beard.”
• Barbering is one of the oldest professions in the world. The tomb paintings from ancient Egypt show a barber cutting hair and relics of razors nearly 6,000 years old.
• During its Golden Age (500-300 BC), barbering became a highly developed art in Greece.
• Many states in the USA require a barber license to practice barbering professionally.
• The symbolic barber pole evolved from bloodletting (the surgical removal of some of a patient’s blood for therapeutic purposes). Some say the white represents the bandages, the red the blood, and the blue the veins.

“The Barber’s Paradox – the barber is the “one who shaves all those, and those only, who do not shave themselves.” The question is, does the barber shave himself?”

 

On September 13, 2002, Barbershop, starring Ice Cube as Calvin, hit the big screen, giving us a glimpse into the world of a barber and his business. The film revolves around the social life in a barbershop on the South Side of Chicago, which is centered around community, relationships, and how much your life means to others.

The Barber Shop experience is not just on the big screen; it is in many neighborhoods and goes far beyond the haircut; it’s about building friendships and loyalty.

It is a known historical fact that it is the hot spot for social hubs where men gather to share stories and engage in conversations. The connections are sometimes lifelong, the male bonding is priceless, and the camaraderie, laughter, and genuine friendships are never-ending.

Many men appreciate a welcoming, pleasant, comfortable environment where they can talk in the Barbershop. This can be influenced by the decor, the other staff, music, or even the availability of amenities like coffee or magazines. Don’t get me wrong, the price, while not always the most critical factor, the cost of services is certainly a consideration and the location.

Golden Divas and Divos, without further ado, let me reintroduce you to Mr. Kevin Phipps, Master Barber & Instructor at Phipps Academy & Barbering, who offers the ‘Barber Experience’ and much more in his Barbershop, Phipps Academy and Barbering. Join me in a great read as Kevin shares his story with Club Fifty, from humble beginnings to owning his Barbershop (s) and how it became so successful and helped many young men and women.

Welcome to Club Fifty, Kevin!

MEET KEVIN B. PHIPPS

Kevin B. Phipps, known to many as “Tiger,” is a Master Barber and Instructor. He is the CEO/Director of Phipps Academy of Barbering in the surrounding suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

Kevin was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where he developed an interest in Barbering at 13. He started going door to door, offering haircuts. Not soon after, at 16, his passion led him to work alongside his Uncle Lou in his barbershop, where he was taught the fundamentals and skills necessary to become an exceptional barber. He furthered his knowledge by attending McCoy Barber College and Cain’s Barber College.

Kevin opened his first barbershop called Tiger’s Design Masters, at 20. He realized his goals and aspirations were bigger than just cutting hair; he wanted to teach and train others in this great profession.

In 2004 while “Trusting the Process,” Kevin opened Ultimate Touch Barber College in Richton Park, IL. His dream had become a realization, and students from all around began their journey of becoming certified professional barbers through Kevin’s leadership, guidance, and training.

Kevin has started new endeavors, which include a name change for the school from Ultimate Touch Barber College to Phipps Academy of Barbering. This academy holds true to Kevin’s high standards of excellence and productivity. Students can expect to receive the knowledge, training, and certification necessary to become well-rounded future professionals and entrepreneurs.

Kevin is 56 years old; he is single. Education: None, Church Affiliate:
Marketplace for Believers International. He enjoys working out,
traveling, listening to music, and playing sports. He has three adult children.

IN CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN B. PHIPPS

C50: Kevin, you’re the CEO and director of Phipps Academy of Barbering; talk to us about how you wanted to become a barber and how old you were when you realized this was a profession you wanted to get into. 

K.P. Not knowing my father, I lived in an environment where there were not a lot of positive role models, but there was one, my Uncle Lou. I admired him and patterned my life by what I learned from him. Around 14, I started cutting hair in the church and my neighborhood. And by the time I turned 16, I was working alongside my Uncle Lou in his barber shop.

C50: What skills do you need to become a barber, and how did you hone your craft?  

K.P. The skills you need to become a barber are to practice the technique of clipper over comb and shear over comb. Also, learn to use a razor and master all your barber techniques. I honed my craft by practicing every day the different methods for hours at a time until I became a master at it. This is where dedication and hard work pays off.  

C50: What are some disadvantages of being a barber? 

K.P. Some disadvantages of being a barber are working 10-12 hours daily. It can be very taxing on the body. Also, it can affect your social life because the weekends are the busiest. After standing on your feet for those long hours, it doesn’t leave much time for you to enjoy your weekend. “That’s the life of the barber.” 

C50: Is being a barber a very competitive job? 

K.P. Of course, you must master your craft and be the best you can be if you’re striving to be the best in the industry. There are levels to this profession. It requires skill, technique, and mastery.

C50: How old were you when you opened your first barber shop? And what were the risks did you encounter?  

K.P. I was 19 years old. I did not encounter any risks. My faith, determination, dedication, and attitude determined my outcome.

C50: Kevin, what were your goals for owning your barber shop?  

K.P. My goals for owning my barber shop were to be financially independent and successful in life and to teach others how to do the same. 

C50: Please share with us how you succeeded in the barbering industry.  

K.P. I gained success through hard work, dedication, and reaching the mastery level. I practiced and made the proper adjustments to have structure and order in my life.

C50: Is owning a barber shop a lucrative business, and is it possible to make six figures as a barber?  

K.P. Yes. Owning a barber shop can be a lucrative business. One can succeed in this business by applying oneself, sharpening your people skills, and submitting to the process.

C50: Kevin, what are some critical tips and tricks for growing your barber shop business/academy?  

K.P. Some critical tips for growing your business would be to have a professional environment with no profanity. Be sure to run your business the way you run your home; keep a family-structured environment. Make sure to dress accordingly and show respect toward one another. Lastly, the music you play and your conversations in your barber shop or academy should be conducive to a professional environment. 

C50: How do you keep abreast of the latest hairstyles and hair trends?  

K.P. I keep abreast of the latest hairstyles and hair trends through continuing education, watching the industry, attending workshops, and the different phases that the industry may be going through. 

Bonus Question

C50: Where can our loyal readers find you so they can get that fresh lineup, cut, and style?

Kevin B. Phipps, CEO/Director

Master Barber & Instructor

3732 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471

266 N. Kinzie, Bradley, IL 60915

Telephone: 708.228.9908

Website:  www.phippsacademy.com 

Facebook: Phipps Academy of Barbering

C50: There you have Golden Divas & Divos, a man with a master plan involving clippers. Check him out and get ready to get CLIPPED!!!