Today we’d like to introduce you to Kartel Banks.
Hi Kartel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Growing up, I’ve always had an interest in barbering. I remember being very intrigued with the process of a haircut. I started my barbering career fresh out of high school at age 18. One day my senior year in high school, we had an assignment about what we saw ourselves doing in the future. I told my teacher, Mr.Grimes, I wanted to become a barber. That was the first time I told someone other than my family about my interest in barbering. He was all for it. He told me about a barber course that a barber he knew personally was hosting and gave me the contact information to sign up. I reached out and signed up for the course.
During the course, I was challenged because this was a new skill I was learning, but it was mostly a technique based on cutting. Starting, you don’t know what techniques work best for you because barbering isn’t a “one size fits all” situation. There are many tools and ways to achieve a nice clean haircut; you have to figure out what works for you.
After the course, I better understood what techniques work best for me, but I faced another challenge. Clientele. I knew I had to build my clientele but didn’t know how. So I ran to what I knew best—social media. I would market myself weekly by going viral, making funny statuses, and bringing attention to my profile so that my audience would see I’m a barber and my work is like no other. While in my first year of cutting, I cut the hair of known influencers, producers, and artists. I also engaged in business with clients from different states. Experiencing these events during my first year of business shaped who I am today because it showed me how to conduct myself in certain situations, the importance of marketing, and the importance of providing great customer service. These experiences also gave me my lane in the barbering industry as a Luxury Traveling Barber. I am now working with St.Louis, Chicago, and Atlanta clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is always challenging with business. It looks like it’s smooth sailing, but it’s not. You will face challenges, certainly, but it’s up to you to push through and have tunnel vision with a goal for yourself and your business in mind.
We’ve been impressed with Kartel Kutz, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Kartel Kutz is a Luxury Traveling Barber service for people who want to look and feel their best. You should know you will have an experience like nothing you’ve ever had with a matching cut specialized for just you. I specialize in trimming, fading, and enhancing men’s and women’s hair. What sets me apart is that my services are top-tier, providing you with a luxurious experience in the comfort of your own space, guaranteeing you’ll want to book again! I am most proud that I have many returning clients, which indicates that I am doing a great job keeping my customers satisfied. I want readers to know this is just the beginning, and the brand always seeks ways to improve the Kartel Kutz experience.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I advise anyone seeking a mentor to be your mentor. Be you and never change who you are for anybody. Authenticity is key because there is only one you. Create your lane, stay in it, and stay humble; everything will fall into place.
Pricing:
- $115 Housecalls
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/kartelkutz
