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

Hi Dorian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that taking risk has played an important part in my career due to the fact that I’m driven off of faith and it took a good amount of faith to leave my “stable” job to become a business owner and to count on myself to make things happen. You tend to realize your worth more when it’s all on you to produce.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was a correctional officer for 12.5 years but I’ve always had a passion for barbering. I picked up my first pair of clippers at the age of 13, cutting my friends and family it always seemed to follow me, Every job I had i would always end up cutting my coworkers hair and it always kept some money in my pocket. After working in the detention center for so long I began to realize that I was only one application away from being replaced by someone else. I began to write out my plans and goals as being a barber if I were to ever become one. Things started to fall in place effortlessly after I attained my barber license , I then gave my 2 week notice as a C.O. and perused my passion as a barber . I opened my first shop in 2011 In Berlin Md, my 2nd shop in crofton md 2017 ,my 3rd shop in Salisbury md in 2018, my 4th shop in Buckhead Atlanta in July of this year also with a mobile barber shop to be able to service clients on the go . I’m big on speaking positive things into existence and putting tremendous effort into your craft to get the most out of it . No one should ever question the effort that you put into your business and the pride that you exhibit reflects it. . I’ve learned that the experiences of life is a lesson and there are no losses occurred. The one thing about my brand is that I’m passionate about giving back and I love to see others win no matter what . success in my opinion is measured on happiness when your purpose is being fulfilled

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.
I would take them to a few places to show the history of the city , Martin Luther King exhibits , Tyler Perry studios, Atlantic Station, a show at the Tabernacle , have a good meal at Houston’s , Bennihannahs , Sundial Restaurant in the Westin hotel, and the city market place (Ponce Market) then finish it off with seeing Jamal Bryant on Sunday morning

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 mother and father definitely have been my biggest support system along with my brother encouraging me to never look back and to aim high. The most recent book that I’ve read was “ A perfect day to boss up” it keeps me motivated and inspired to do more than average .

Instagram: @dorianthegroomerpurnell

Facebook: Dorian the groomer Purnell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.