Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Gwynn.
Hi Marcus, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was 14 when I picked up my first clipper. My father worked at the City Hall in University city and someone was donating some clippers. He took them and came home and gave them to me. I asked “What am I going to do with these?!” ..He replied “I don’t know..Cut Hair”. The next week I had my first client which was my Best friend Keith. After that the word got out and I was cutting the whole neighborhood in my parents basement. Every weekend I would go to my cousin Damon’s barbershop and watch him intently while I wait for my haircut. I didn’t really take it serious until my cousin Damon and Aunt Tina both told me “You’re too talented with those clippers not to go to school and make it a career”. So I listened, I then attended Eclips Barber College to strengthen my talents and gifts. The staff there was by far the best teacher combination ever. Mr. Norman was an Artist who inducted me into what he called “The Picasso Family” , Mr. Grimes(R.I.P) was the Clipper over comb guru, and Mr. Johnson . It was there where I learned “Barber Integrity, professionalism and the discipline I needed to be where I am today. I graduated in February of 2014 and the same day I went to my cousins barbershop Damon’s shop to set up my station. I was there for the next 6 years. Then Covid-19 came and forced me to get a job. I started EMT school at Christian Northeast Hospital and also worked as Head of Security at the Helium Comedy club, The Apple Store and The Pagent. In 2022 I got hired at the IRS for 5 years. There I moved around a little and with the help of my Mentor Mrs. Sheila Gurley I landed a Job as a Program Manager in the Cybersecurity Department. With all of that I still felt as though I wasn’t doing enough and I realized that God called me to serve and to help uplift people and community. After a lot of prayer and long talks with my Wife JoAnna Gwynn we decided to leave the federal workforce and open my own Faith based Barbershop. Blessed Hands Barber & Beauty!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it was a smooth road because for a long time I struggled with knowing what I wanted out of life professionally. Since I’ve picked up the clippers at 14 I’ve been Homeless, picked up 2nd jobs just to stay afloat, I’ve gotten married and had kids and had to adjust to find a perfect balance with work and home life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always been a creative type of person. I specialize in the art of Fading and razor work. I’m known for being a creative person..I did music for almost 10 years songwriting and performing. First enrolled into Forest Park community college for Acting and classical Piano mimicking Jamie Foxx. I’m most proud of the God fearing Man I’ve become. My knowledge and experience, sense of humor and witty nature, and the light that shines within me sets me apart. The work I do in the community also, I hold 6am Men’s prayer sessions every first Monday of the month, Anually back to school drives, Held a Toy drive Christmas of 25 and donated to the Missouri Baptist children’s home, host Books and Bourbon event bi-monthly at my shop for Men to share and sharpen each other through books.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes I Pray daily for my business, my clients and the work of my hands. I read my Bible daily and daily devotionals. I’ve also read books like “48 laws of Power by Robert Green”, “The Man the moment demands by Jason Wilson”, “ The way of the superior man by David Dida” which all helped my development in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Blessedhandsstl.com
- Instagram: @Blessedhands314 & @Godschild314
- Facebook: Marcus GodsChild Gwynn
