Today we’d like to introduce you to David Gross.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was a kid living in Annapolis, my dad used to cut my brother and my hair. Then when I grew up I started using his old clippers and cutting some friends and family around the community. The day before my 18th birthday I went with my dad to get a haircut and the owner asked my dad “do you know anybody that wants to cut hair?” My dad replied “yea. Him.” The owner went on to explain the barber apprentice program and asked me if I would be interested, immediately after, my dad took me next door snd bought me some professional clippers and my barber story began. Shortly after I began working at Afrolistics in Glen burnie. Met some amazing people who helped me get to where I am today! 2015 I opened my first shop and I have been helping young men and women achieve their dreams of becoming barbers ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to get here was filled with trial and tribulations but the divine knew exactly what I needed to create the man here today. First off, being a first generation black business owner, you have to figure a lot of things out on your own. The discovery and execution process of opening a brick and mortar business can make someone want to quit before they even start. The everyday struggles of being a small business owner are often overlooked but you got to be resilient. Thank God I persevered. My team and I had a wild ride. Repeat flooding from neighboring businesses. Arbitrations from people who considered themselves rivals. The hiring struggle of finding qualified candidates that also support the vision and mission. The COVID 19 pandemic before the world found out barbers were essential. Of course we knew that already but it began the evolution of the modern barbering practices that we see today from sanitation to the actual appointment booking process itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently duel licensed Master Barber and Cosmetologist owner/operator of A King’s Barbershop in Glen Burnie and Cape Hair scene and Barbershop in Annapolis. Also a full time high school barber teacher at the Center of Applied Technology North in Severn, Md. My main focus is creating opportunities through barbering. Providing education and employment opportunities for people looking to fall in love with the trade like i did. Proud to have signed off on some top notch barbers in Anne Arundel and surrounding counties. Continues to push and educate young men and women on the totality of what to expect in Barbering and Cosmetology. Show the up and coming barbers the business as well as just having love for the game.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Keeping God first is key to any success. Faith is the motor that drives ambition. You really have to believe in what you’re doing. Next is being humble and teachable. Never stop learning. Discipline when times are good and when times are not so good. Some people skills are always good. Makes networking easier. After that it’s really just work ethic and dedication. How bad do you want it?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davedabarber1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Adhr1y1nv/
