Brand Masters is a new series that explores what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in the contemporary landscape of culture. Whether you’re building a name for yourself or your label/store, these individuals have gone through the process and drop dimes.
This week’s episode of Brand Masters comes right in time for the CT Barber Expo happening this weekend. Founder and entrepreneur Jay “Majors” Raposo took some time to dish out the secrets to success. Jay Majors as he’s known in the industry, shared with us years ago how he built the biggest barber conference in the world. In this interview, the Director of Community Relations for Squire explains exactly what it means to be an entrepreneur, the importance of branding, and how to get your money making more money.
How to be successful
As Jay previously mentioned in multiple interviews, it takes a lot of streams of income to be successful. So building up to that is what everyone needs to focus on – you don’t just start out with multiple streams. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to be good at building relationships – something Willis the Barber stresses. On top of that, you need to have the urge to execute on the vision, collaboration, whatever comes your way.
Execution is especially important when it comes to collabs, you have to sus out the other party within the first three days and see how badly they want it. “How consistent they are the first 3 days of me dealing with them – do they answer emails in time? Do they answer my phone calls? Did they pay me properly? Right away? Do they provide the information that I need for the contract? And, what do their past events look like?”
“If you give the same, like, constant effort day in, day out, the doors are going to open for you. So, I believe that you can be your own blessing blocker by having goals, right?”
Branding
All of that is important because of branding – no one wants to work with a dud. You collaborate to elevate, not to take away. And the most important aspect of branding is the consumer, because they’re the one buying the product or service and can make or break you instantly.
So what’s the secret secret sauce that Jay attributes to his success and brand? Positivity and knowing where he comes from.
First time barber advice
Everyone has to start from somewhere and you have to learn from your mistakes. A lot of people think that working up towards multiple shops will increase revenue streams, but that’s actually false. Jay Majors is telling you that even under one roof, you can make that money because of all the overhead you save.
“Grow into it, not out of it [the barbershop].”
And even more importantly, before you can take over the world, take over your community first.
And just know that haters will come, even from the people that are closest to you.
Legacy
A final piece of advice that Jay leaves it to invest in real estate. Instead of banking on the trade show to be his baby, he uses the revenue to buy property because that’s easier to transfer to his kids. He also has an interesting take on how we can cockblock ourselves if we set too many goals.
Jay Majors hopes to see everyone this weekend in Connecticut for the CT Barber Expo happening at Mohegan Sun Casino from August 14-16. You can head over to ctbarberexpo.com to purchase tickets.
To keep up with Jay Majors and the CT Barber Expo, check out the social media accounts below and drop a comment if you’re attending this weekend!
This series was made possible by Squire, the premier barbershop POS software. To learn more, hit up getsquire.com.
If you’re a first time barber or even someone established, look out for more episodes of Brand Masters each week.
Written by Matt Peng
Interview conducted by Curvel Baptiste
Transcription by Olivia Hawkins
Produced by Madeline Carpentiere
Photos via Jay Majors
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