From Barber to Builder: The Identity Shift That Changes Everything

I just dropped a new video about my journey from behind the chair to the content world, but here's what I didn't mention in those 15 minutes - the exact moment I realized I wasn't just a barber anymore.

It wasn't some dramatic epiphany. It was actually pretty uncomfortable.

The Day Everything Shifted

For years, I was grinding like every barber out there - maximizing clients, working every day I could, building my reputation one cut at a time. But then I hit a wall. I needed schedule flexibility. I couldn't just work FOR someone anymore.

That should have been exciting, right?

Instead, I was terrified.

For the longest time, when anyone asked what I did, I'd just say "I'm a barber." Even when I was already creating content, teaching globally, building STMNT Grooming - I couldn't own these other lanes.

Why? Because stepping into something different felt foreign. I'd spent years building authority as a barber, but the moment I tapped into new lanes, I was a beginner again. And that scared me.

The Identity Trap That Keeps You Stuck

Here's the thing most barbers don't realize: You're not just cutting hair. You're solving problems.

• You're solving confidence problems

• You're solving style problems

• You're solving self-image problems

Once you see that, everything changes. You're not limited to a chair anymore - you're a problem solver who happens to be really good with clippers.

The Builder vs. Barber Test

Want to know if you're ready to make this shift? Ask yourself this question (my girlfriend asked me this and it changed everything about 5 years ago now):

"Could you do exactly what you're doing now for another 5 years at this pace and still be happy?"

I instantly knew I couldn't.

If your answer is no, you're already thinking like a builder. You just need to start acting like one.

The Two Biggest Mistakes I See Barbers Make

1. Giving up too soon - They don't give themselves a fair chance to see results

2. Not doing it enough - You might have the greatest idea, but if you're not testing it consistently, you'll never know if it actually works

The only way to know if something connects is to put it out there consistently and get real feedback from the world.

The 3 Lanes Framework (How I Actually Built Beyond the Chair)

Here's exactly how I expanded - and you can use this same roadmap:

Lane 1: Creative (Content Creation)

• Started simple: 1 post per day documenting my cuts

• Turned client transformations into before/after stories

• Used barbershop conversations as content ideas

• Result: Built to 15K+ following by just showing my daily work

Lane 2: Education (Teaching & Systems)

• Took what I was already explaining to clients and filmed it

• Created step-by-step tutorials for techniques I'd mastered (very short content)

• Started teaching other barbers what I'd learned

• Got my first education role at 10-15K following on IG

• Featured barber to help create the education system for Pivot Point Barbering (a full circle moment because I learned from this book too! They still use it today)

• Result: Global educator role with Babyliss Pro, STMNT Grooming, independently, traveling to 22+ countries + many US cities

Lane 3: Business (Partnerships & Strategy)

• Used content credibility to attract brand partnerships

• Created STMNT Grooming by combining barbering experience + business skills + edu content

• Create a new lane under LAB STUDIOS with my girlfriend, expanding into content production services

• Result: Multiple revenue streams beyond just cutting hair

The key: Pick ONE lane first. Get to an efficient level of knowledge and skill. Then add the next.

This Week's Tip: The One-Day Content Strategy

Here's something that completely changed how I approach content - and you can start this tomorrow without changing your identity:

Pick one lane you want to explore (content creation, education, business insights, etc.), then merge it with what you're already doing.

For example: If you choose content creation, don't just "make content." Instead, show a video of you doing barbering BUT also capture the content creation part. Film yourself setting up the shot, adjusting angles, or explaining why you chose that specific technique to showcase.

You're not changing what you do - you're just documenting it differently.

This instantly teaches you:

• How to format videos

• How to capture better angles

• Different content styles through experimentation

• How to diversify what you create

The game-changer: Most people don't realize that one day in the shop could give you enough content for an entire week. But because they haven't built the habit of documenting, they think creating content is this massive separate thing.

Reality: One day of work + one day of prep/sorting/edit = 7 days of content.

You're already doing the work. Now you're just getting better at capturing it.

Your 30-Minute Challenge This Week

Pick ONE direction you want to explore beyond the chair. Maybe it's:

• Teaching a technique on social media

• Writing about your barbering philosophy

• Documenting your day-to-day process

• Sharing business insights

Then commit to doing it EVERY DAY this month.

Don't try to build the perfect plan. Just start building.

Watch today's video to see the full story of how I expanded beyond the chair:

👉 Watch here: Not Just A Barber

Building beyond the chair isn't as foreign as it used to be - barber creatives everywhere are tapping into it. But here's the thing: we need to own it. Not just think about it or dabble around the edges, but actually go all in on it.

Have a great week ahead!

SOF!