Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert A Medley Jr.
Hi Robert A, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I picked up the clippers at 14 years old and attempted to cut my own hair. From there it became a strong interest as I got older. My first apprenticeship was in 1991, trying to get a state barber license. Unfortunately, I left the barbershop I was doing my apprenticeship in, to be closer to home.. After moving around to over 40 plus barber shops and hair salons in the DMV area, basically sqondering my hours that had been submitted to the state board. I became a journeyman of sorts for years trying to complete that apprenticeship. As years pasted I would move to Atlanta in 2011 and left barbering behind to join the music industry. It was in 2013 that my mother called me requesting i go to Phoenix AZ to take care of my uncle who had a massive heart attack and wasn’t supposed to make it, so I got on a Greyhound and made my way west. Expired apprenticeship license being the only credential i had, as I arrived in Phoenix, AZ and immediately contacted there state board of barbers to introduce myself and find out what I’d need to do to become a Licensed barber in there state. I went to there office to meet the Chief inspector and he verified my completed apprenticeship credentials from Maryland, then informed me that all I needed to do was take there barbershop exam. I registered for that exam, took it and passed it. Giving me finally after so many years of working illegally as a barber the valid barber license I had been trying to accomplish over 20 plus years. After gaining this license i eventually moved to California and did reciprocity to transfer my license to a California state license. Moving forward I decided to return back home to Maryland in 2015 and repeat the reciprocity process to Maryland. To sum things up I left the area with an expired apprenticeship license and when I returned home and now hold three different state barber licenses, and am award winning barber. I now own TheBarberSpa located in Accokeek MD, for the past 6 years growing my yearly income well over six figures. I am RobTheBarber and this is a summarized version of my barber story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Moving from shop to shop for many different reasons. Not enough money in the shop, drugs being sold in or around the shop, terrible shop energy or can’t get along with other barbers based on being very good but not being legally licensed. Its tough growing a client base then leaving to start over again. Physical altercations verbal altercations
Jealous coworkers. Greedy owners to mention a few issues I’ve had to navigate to get to where I am at in this industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Medley by birth right i am a man that wears many hats. Im a licensed Massage Therapist, have barber license in 3 states, I am a USA Boxing Official Level II, also a Chef aswell as a music executive. My foundation is haircuts, and they say im at the top of the game and that included customer service and how I treat all the clients who choose TheBarberSpa for there services. I am a appointment only location. After years of addiction and going in and out of jail for child support, im right where Im supposed to be. Doing well and keeping hope alive. Did I mention im also a disabled Veteran.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
No luck involved at all…This has been all God…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MedleyTonsorial.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RobMedley
- Facebook: RobertAMedleyJr
- Youtube: RobAMedleyJ
