Meet Damian Holmes | SMP Artist & Educator

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

Hi Damian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Establishing New Man SMP was largely a by-product of wanting to use my gifts in the interest of others, to the glory of God. I’m on a mission of restoring confidence by reversing the appearance of hair loss. A lack of confidence severeIy inhibits a man’s willingness to take risks in virtually all areas, so my services involve much more than simply looking better for its own sake. To be a “New Man” is to become a doer and minimizing regrets. It’s about cultivating the confidence to make eye contact with a potential employer, woman he may be interested in, or even starting his own business in the interest of others to the glory of God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With over 25 years of barbering experience comes an understanding of hairline symmetry, blending, attention to detail, active listening, and patience- all of which have been invaluable to my progress as an SMP artist. Becoming a new man in Christ Jesus also sets me apart because I now intuitively hold myself to His standards of conduct and ethics. Professionally, this means that I don’t charge clients based on what I think I can get away with or offer results I’m knowingly incapable of delivering. He also inspires me to pursue excellence because I now represent Him- not just my personal brand so I owe Him my best through the way I serve the clients He entrusts me with.

Establishing New Man SMP during the middle of a pandemic was by no means easy. However, the lockdowns allowed my entrepreneurial instincts to kick in and figure out ways to create new opportunities. I could either binge watch the latest Netflix series and resign myself to despair or respond and prepare. As daunting as it was, I chose the latter. To anyone it may concern: If you’re scared, do it anyway. I had to literally rearrange the face of my fears. During the lockdowns, mobile barbering services and personal savings sustained me while I chose to work on my flaws, gain clarity on my next moves, and execute.

I want the world to understand that ultimately, New Man is a movement- a rebirth of the most confident, best looking version of one’s self. It also reflects my own spiritual and personal journey; from a kid who barely graduated high school, to master barber, turned high school teacher, to entrepreneur. With God, all things are possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well if its football season, a Falcon’s game would be mandatory but let’s not move too quickly. For breakfast, a trip over to Thumb’s Up Diner on Edgewood Ave is mandatory. Later on we might work it off at Stone Mountain. After we put in work on the mountain, we would definitely get the best foot detox and massages ever at Mrs. Renee’s Health Solution’s in Lithonia. After a few rounds at Top Golf, we might swing through Fellaship,” Cam Newton’s Cigar Bar to kick back for a while.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is a verse of scripture from King Solomon that says “plans fail for the lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” With this in mind, I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have without Christ, first making me a “new man.” Beyond Him, my trainer Taylor Perry in Miami Florida is where I learned the actual art of SMP. He continues to be a great inspiration and an even better person. Enoch Glover of Scalp Carolinas located in Charlotte, has been tremendously selfless and a source of wisdom beyond what I could ever repay. Chris Herrera of the Art of SMP in Kensington, Maryland, one the most skilled SMP artists in the world has helped further my talents exponentially. The development of my business and access to clients wouldn’t have happened with my partners Dave of Scalp Mora and Michael Keenan. They have been an absolute Godsend.

From a more philosophical perspective, Booker T. Washington, and author Thomas Sowell, were both highly influential in my personal development, and career as a high school History and Economics teacher. They continue to shape the lens through which I view my opportunities and the world around me.

I thank God for my mother being a major source of my “why” when things get hard. She chose a life of sacrifice on my behalf and I owe her the chance to live her remaining days lacking nothing.

Instagram: @thenewmansmp

Facebook: thenewmansmp

Other: Thenewmansmp.com is under reconstruction right now. YouTube is coming soon! I can also be contacted directly at (770) 380-1240 or via email at: thenewmansmp@gmail.com

Image Credits
Jakari Ward