Meet Kenneth Orange Jr. | Owner/Master Barber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenneth Orange Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenneth, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When it came to just the thought of becoming a business owner, fear would always creep in. Even though I strongly desired and knew that owning a business was a part of my purpose in life, I still allowed fear to come in and hold me back. I would always think of the possibility of letting my wife and children down if I didn’t succeed with my business, or afraid that my family and I would be without because I might not get things going the way that I needed to. It was a difficult process to deal with honestly. But through it all, God has been faithful and has lead me through every step of the way. My business actually started out better than I imagined.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’d say the thing that I am most proud of, is the fact that I stayed the course of the journey and didn’t give up even when things just seemed impossible. Since I didn’t give up on the process, I am now able to do that which I love to do. The process to getting where I am today was definitely long and difficult but well worth the elevation. During the process not only did I grow in my business, but as a person of wisdom and understanding. The only way I was able to overcome the difficulties within the process was the fact that I had to trust and believe in the faithfulness of my Father (God). One thing I tell people that I come in contact with as well as my customers, “If you really want to know who you are, go to the one that created you and just simply ask.” By doing that I found myself and what my purpose in life was, which placed me into a business where it’s needed most. Helping people heal and deal with the reality of life with the Word of truth. If we’re all honest, we all will need someone at some point in our lives to help us with the things that we just simply don’t understand or even want to deal with. I see that need and am willing to help in any way I can possibly to help those that struggle with life and help point them in the right direction towards the source of all our answers. My barbershop is not just an average barbershop and that is what sets me apart from others. When you enter into Blessed Kutz Barbershop LLC, you enter into an environment where change can take place. Not with just a change in their appearance, but with a better outlook of themselves and life. I’m a person that’s big on professionalism. Society sees professionalism in most cases with appearance and attire, I see professionalism as a persons character. I feel that ones character can make or break the influence one has over another, which can also play part in the outcome of their situation. I may not be able to help everybody, but I am always willing to help somebody to be better. I am most proud that I am able to simply helps others overcome.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest, I do not have an answer for that. My priorities have been my wife and children so that’s all I really think of at the end of the day. Besides going out to eat and maybe places like Dave and Busters, Top Golf, the Movie Theater or Bowling, that is honestly all I can think of.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I’d like to shout out my beautiful wife D’Ann Orange for never doubting me, but always supporting and pushing me to be my best. She’s always held me accountable and lets me know when I need to step it up. To my mother Veleria, you were my first customer and have been my biggest cheerleader since that day. Next, to all of my family that has supported and encouraged me during the process, thank you. To a good friend of mine Chris Deputy the owner of Dep City Barbershop for the wonderful 8 years I spent cutting hair in his shop while growing and becoming a better barber and businessmen. To all of my customers old and new for their business, support and the great conversations and laughs. Also to my spiritual parents Stan and Sonya Drake for the prayers, encouragement, affirmations and support. Lastly but definitely not least, I have to shout out my Heavenly Father God for placing life and purpose inside of me. If it wasn’t for God I would not be where I am now.

Website: www.blessedkutzbarbershop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessedkutz_barbershop/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blessedkutzbarbershop

Image Credits
Jerome Coverson Productions Blessed Kutz Barbershop LLC