Meet Javan smith | Barber /CEO of Christ Like Co.

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

Hi Javan, how does your business help the community?
I am the kind of person who doesn’t just do things without meaning behind it. My hearts too big for people and I feel like some bodies life relies on my obedience. By obedience I mean by being obedient to my purpose. There’s so many people who are broken, torn up and lack love in the life that need to be lifted up. If I’m not living in that purpose then so many people are still walking around broken .People need a reason to keep LIVING and through barbering and my clothing line I’m able to transform hearts and lead them to God and purpose. With barbering I have the ability to encourage and motivate people to new levels they never thought they could go while also giving people something tangible like a T-shirt to keep them going or to keep them anchored in their faith ,so they can walk in purpose.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Barber and an owner of a clothing line called Christ Like Co. I started off cutting hair in high school with the dreams of one day owning my own clothing line. I actually never meant to become a barber I kind of just stumbled into it. My barber kept jacking me up and I was done. I remember bargaining with my father telling him if he bought me a pair of clippers he would never have to pay for my brothers to get a haircut again in his life. After we talked he bought me a pair of clippers and the rest was history. I started cutting my own hair but in the process of learning to cut my own hair I felt like I needed to learn how to cut others so I can be better at cutting my own. It was a tough learning at first because I was taking a lot of people hairlines to the back of their neck. But with time I started to get good at it ,so I started to charge people and I blew up. I got the opportunity to work at a barbershop straight out of high school and working at the shop I was able to make enough money to start my own clothing line. Through barbering I was able to channel another stream of income. Barbering has been such an amazing blessing to my life and others. What I didn’t know was when walking into this Feild That It would mean me being a counselor and even a pastor to many. Sometimes it’s difficult walking with people through trauma and heartbreak etc. it’s the hardest thing I deal with daily because I mourn with those who mourn. It’s not all grim either Because you get to rejoice with those who rejoice.The greatest reward is knowing that I’m not just a barber but I’m their friend.

Christ like co. mission is to spread the gospel and encourage people through modern faith-based apparel. Being “Christ Like” is not by being perfect but it’s by taking up your cross daily, choosing to deny yourself, and walking in “Christ Like” character. We believe in showing “Christ Like” character by being the hands and feet of Jesus through serving others in love and giving back to those in need. The brand went through so many different business models to different types of styles and even different names .My Clothing line went through three name changes before it became the name I have today. It was very long process but worth it. Sometimes you have to go through different names and find what names are more brandable and what works for you. Marketable names are so essential when creating a business and so is professionalism because based off of how you present your business and how marketable your name is it will attract more people. People are more likely to get behind a company with a mission versus a company with no purpose. A mission gives people something they can relate to get behind. They were many financial Challenges in the beginning of my both businesses.He required me to save and become very frugal. When you don’t have a big clientele at first it’s hard to Make money as a Barber but if you’re patient and you steward your finances well you will succeed. I left my job as a dish cleaner to go work at A barbershop where I have no clientele, it was a lot of pressure. But you know what they say pressure makes diamonds because in my patience I was able to grow a clientele of over 100+ people and will be opening up my first barbershop sometime between this upcoming winter and spring! Right now as I am navigating this new name change for my brand I am continuing to build to my best ability. Everything that I’ve done to get to where I am today has been only through God alone and walking in faith. I can’t take any credit for my success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ever since the quarantine I have found a very strong love for the outdoors. Trails and different sceneries are truly astounding in Georgia. I I love the waterfalls and different trails. If talking good eats and chill places I love the Juke Joint,Poor Calvin’s and Juicy crab.The juke joint has amazing jazz music while serving a classy southern meal. I love to go hang out at Piedmont Park with friends or walk around Ponce and just hang out. You meet a lot of people there that you can talk to or play games with and it’s a ton of fun. The civil rights museum is a dope place to check out along with the botanical gardens.

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?
My Parents,Siblings and Girlfriend have been the biggest support that I’ve had. I Watched my father come from nothing to something by walking in purpose and striving to provide for my family. My parents raised me in such a special way where today I have the best qualities of both my Mother and Father. My siblings are always helping me and great with bouncing ideas off of. My wonderful girlfriend is always by my side pushing me to my greatest potential and always helping me the best she can. God is my number one Who grants me so much grace which I don’t deserve and allows me to do his work on the earth to impact and change the world.

Website: https://www.christlike.company/

Instagram: Javan.smith_ Christlike.co

Facebook: Chriklike.company

Image Credits
Joshgotacanon Dmcoke