What drives you?
I would say I've had a big drive to be the best man I could be in life ever since I was a child. With that drive, I have reached goals and heights I never imagined I could reach. I would say there comes a time that you do feel like it’s time to slow down a bit and let your foot off the gas, but I get motivated and encouraged by so many people that are watching me from a far and even people that call me mentor. Each week, I experience someone telling me that they are inspired or motivated by what they see me doing so it’s nearly impossible to chill after you have so many people watching and rooting for you. They motivate me to go even harder. Knowing I’m helping others is my motivation. We are all here on this earth for a distinct purpose and I’m just trying to fulfill mine!
Tell us about The Wade H. Menendez Foundation.
The Wade H Menendez Foundation is something I started some years ago to help people. We offer makeovers to the homeless population in different cities and we also give to families in need. We’re in the process of raising funds currently to give scholarships to youth and young adults that want to attend barber and cosmetology school. Many stylists and barbers are practicing without a license mainly due to the tuition for those schools being so high that they can’t really afford to go while working to make money, so we want to be able to help with that.
How has the success of Custom Hair Units changed your life?
The success of Custom Hair Units has afforded me the opportunity to expand my reach and help many other people around the world to feel more confident and also has afforded me the opportunity to help other barbers and stylist earn more income which is one of the best feelings for me to be one of the trailblazers for this industry. Of course, the income I’ve made from this has been a blessing to me and those around me. Now I can make more impact and thankfully, have funds and resources to do so. It’s a fact that we are all blessed to be a blessing to others!
Are you please with how well "man weaves" have been received? Are you surprised?
When I first started with doing the units it wasn’t as popular or accepted as it is now but I’m glad to see that over the years it’s grown more than I ever could've imagined and it’s almost a common thing for a lot of barbers and stylists to do for men now. More men are more open about having it done and even tell others that they have it. It wasn’t like that when I first started so I’m glad that it’s something that has grown on people. If there is an option to have hair and you want it, I don’t see why you shouldn' have it! It’s good to be open minded, especially these days.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
When I’m not working I enjoy chillin at home or hanging with people that I vibe well with. I’m very family oriented so I love time with my family and friends. I also like to travel the world every chance that I get as it has helped broaden my mind in many ways. Me being a musician as well, I love going to concerts, open mics or anything with live music.
What are your favorite products and tools?
I’m working on my own hair products and merchandise currently but I love Palmers, Scotch Porter and Shea Moisture Men Hair Products. As far as clippers, I’m mainly a Wahl guy!
Is there anyone in the industry that inspires you to go harder? If so who and why?
There are a lot of great master barbers and educators in our industry; many that have paved the way for people like me and I salute all of them. I would say each of us have our own identity and lane which separates us from the next.
What sets you apart from other master-barbers/educators?
What has separated me mainly was the hair units for men . When I started doing them there were only a handful of others doing them for African Americans. I mainly learned from a guy name Nelstylez and Toni love out of Atlanta. After them teaching their techniques and some trial and error on my part, I started training other barbers and stylist which has helped me make a mark in the industry today. I also would say before the units got popular for me I was working with different networks like BET, TV One, and a host of other major companies so people knew me as a celebrity barber before the units but I’ve personally never liked that title, lol. I cut everybody that’s paying! lol But these are the things that I would say set me apart from the average master barber and educator. I feel like we all should take what we do serious and do it to the best of our ability.
What are your long term career goals?
Long term career goals are to open more barber salons in different states and open some barber schools to continue to train other barbers and stylist.
Obviously you understand the importance of social media. What's something every professional barber should use social media for?
If you're a barber or stylist, Social Media should be used for business branding and marketing purposes. You can expose some of your life because people do want to connect to who you truly are when you're not behind the chair but it’s a fine line. You should remain professional if you want to grow your brand. You never know who’s watching you. Turn your page into a business page and always post quality content. Quality brings loyal clients.
What one thing do you feel is key to building a brand?
Quality and consistency and knowing your targeted audience is key to building a good brand. Many people tend to be all over the place and wonder why they aren’t growing. Take time to study who your market is and what they like. Know what type of clientele you are trying to attract. Take notes and apply them. Also make sure you as a person look the part and handle yourself in a professional manner. If you don’t respect yourself who else will? Image goes a long way. People judge you by how you look and carry yourself before anything.
What failure/mistake turned out to be your biggest lesson/blessing?
Many times in life we will make mistakes and fail but failing isn’t always bad. We have to learn the lesson in it and keep persevering. The key is to learn and keep going. That’s part of being successful at anything in life. We’re stronger than we realize. Keep fighting until you reach your goals. It’s sooner than you may think.
Photos courtesy of Wade The Barber
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