Brand Building: His journey from military service to becoming a nationally recognized barber and business owner. cover art

Brand Building: His journey from military service to becoming a nationally recognized barber and business owner.

Brand Building: His journey from military service to becoming a nationally recognized barber and business owner.

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About this listen

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ozell Graham.

A successful barber and entrepreneur, founder of The Fade Shop and creator of At Ease hair and skincare products.

Purpose of Interview:
To share the guest’s journey from military service to becoming a nationally recognized barber and business owner, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit, community involvement, and mentorship within the barbering industry.

🧭 Purpose & Themes

  1. Entrepreneurship & Branding

    • The guest founded The Fade Shop in 1996 while serving in the military.
    • Created At Ease product line to address common grooming issues like razor bumps.
    • Emphasized the importance of branding, product development, and wearing multiple hats as a business owner.
  2. Community & Mentorship

    • Deep involvement in community service, including back-to-school events and holiday giveaways.
    • Mentors youth and barbers through the OG Barber Conference.
    • Believes barbers play multifaceted roles: mentor, counselor, fashion consultant, and more.
  3. Cultural Impact of Barbershops

    • Barbershops are described as cornerstones of the community.
    • They serve as safe spaces for conversation, advice, and personal growth.
  4. Career Path & Passion

    • Initially wanted to be a Greyhound bus driver but found passion in barbering during military service.
    • First celebrity client was Usher Raymond.
    • Advocates for passion-driven careers: “Would you do it for free?”

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • “If you look good, you feel good. You feel good, you do good. You do good, you get paid.”
  • “Barbering is more than just a haircut—it’s about care, connection, and community.”
  • “You can always work for them, or you can work for you.”
  • “It’s okay to be a copycat—just copy the right cat.”
  • “Your network is your net worth.”

💬 Notable Quotes

  • “I joined the military to learn how to drive. Once I started driving, I hated it.”
  • “My first celebrity client was Usher Raymond—before I even had a license.”
  • “We’re not just barbers. We’re mentors, consultants, and community leaders.”
  • “Mentorship is planting positive seeds. Somebody is always watching.”
  • “I do this for free—that’s how much I love it.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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