We had the good fortune of connecting with Elan Suret and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was in my 20’s when the real estate market crashed. This catapulted my barber career, because I needed to find an industry that would survive a recession as well as cashflow. It was in the barbershop, while getting my hair cut that I had the idea to open a barbershop. The barber that I had at the time told me that just opening a shop wouldn’t be a smart business move for longevity. He told me that I should become a barber first and learn the industry before opening a shop. I took his advice to heart and did some meditating on it, came up with a plan to get into and finish barber school, and get my business off the ground.

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 chose to be a barber because I have always been able to use clippers, ever since I was a child. I took the traditional route in life and went to a university. I got a job in management in my early 20’s and kept up with that career, until I realized I will never monetarily make what I felt I deserved. I left Corporate America in my mid/late 20’s and began a career in real estate. This gave me independence and financial freedom that was more in alignment with my financial goals. Real Estate went well until the market crashed. This is when I made a decision to become a barber with aspirations to open a barbershop. It was not a linear journey to becoming a barber and there were times I have wanted to quit. I am grateful to my significant others over this time and my family during this time for the support given. All of that allowed me to stay focused and not give up. Over the years I have learned that consistency and professionalism is the key to being a successful barber, of course one must have talent as well. I have also seen how marketing has changed over the past decade and have had to adjust to a more digital approach in order to draw in clientele and stay busy.

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.
Atlanta has so many fun things to do. I would take my friend to BeetleCat in the Highland area on Friday night for good seafood in a restaurant that makes you feel like you are on a ship. On Saturday I would take my friend to Snooze for brunch, I love Juan’s breakfast tacos and the pineapple pancake. We would then go chill in West Midtown by the pool for a bit. For dinner we would go to C&S in Sandy Springs or we would go to Capital Grille in Buckhead. On Sunday, my friend and I would visit Ponce City Market and check out Larayia’s Bodega. I love prosecco, so we would get a prosecco pop at King of Pops and then walk the Beltline. From the Beltline, we would go eat at Slutty Vegan on Edgewood. If my friend planned on staying in town until Monday then for dinner Sunday evening, we would get food at the Marietta Food Hall. I like B.A.D. Gyal Vegan there, but Pita Mediterranean is good too. I do not club much anymore so I cannot recommend anything for night life.

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?
I would like to thank my former barber Kamal for encouraging me to become a barber. I would also like to thank my family for supporting my endeavors. I would like to thank Atlanta Technical College and the Barber Department for its excellent education and professionalism. Lastly, I would like to thank my Wife, for being a constant conduit of love and support. She is the greatest gift the barbershop has blessed me with, as she is also my client. 

Website: www.maneesthetic.com

Instagram: maneesthetic.atl

Facebook: Mane Esthetic

Other: I have a google my business profile.

Image Credits
Wade O’neal III – TKO Images, Dallasx TX

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