The Passion of Barbering

In general, many barbershops and hair salons, both private owners and retail chain establishments catered to one type of client as it relates to race and gender and their workforce was basically the same. However, as a career military person this author was introduced to workforce diversity early on in life. If it could work for the military, this writer came to believe diversity had a good opportunity of working operating a multi-chair barbershop. Diversity in both workforce and clientele base has proven to be a win-win situation. This author chose to focus the area of diversity associated with race and gender. In November 1994, my first establishment consists of six stations. The make-up of the workforce consisted of 1 female and 5 male. The racial breakdown was 1 Caucasian, 4 African American and 1 Filipino. The purpose of building a diverse workforce was to engender and cultivate diverse clientele base that would generate and increase various source for revenue flow. Within two years, all funds used to get the doors opened were made back. As a result of the shops popularity, the diversity in workforce dwindled because the Caucasian and Filipino decided to open their individual shops in different cities. As a result of losing two barbers and diverseness, I was able to maintain a diverse clientele. I was able to hire an African American female. I stressed to my barbers that if you provide a quality product, treat your client with respect, stay away from politics and religion and you will be successful in this industry. A scientific survey conducted during the dissertation process for this author revealed that 95% of the shop owners surveyed did not support a diverse workforce staff even if the clientele base was diverse.Often there can be unforeseen problems associated as it relates to diversity with gender. However, contingent upon the number of employees, structure, management, ownership and more important the organization’s culture most of these problems could be minimized. At the turn of the 20th century into the millennium, the hair styles of men encompassed chemicals, braids, crew cuts, pompadour, flat tops, afros and the like. That fad was short lived as women started wearing short hair and getting haircuts at what was once a traditional men barbershop. More recently, the young barbers became innovative and artistic by cutting letters and designs into the hair cut or style. As such, these young artists commenced challenging their abilities by attending or competing in various hair shows. Attending hair shows are recognized as continuing education within the industry. Most barber schools and barber apprenticeship programs recognize and award student for attending these events.