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

Hi J. Dillard, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As a former barbershop owner, I believe the barbershop is a community centerpiece where individuals and families can come together and communicate in a friendly environment. In my opinion, the barbershop is the first and original social media outlet.

Many good people come to the barbershop for a service and leave confidently. It’s also a haven for parents to bring their children and have them feel safe. Lastly, barbershops often receive recognition for giving back to the community by offering free haircuts.

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 started cutting my hair at age ten and, in 1999, became a licensed barber and barbershop owner while attending Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. Initially, I did not take risks because my mindset was I just needed to be able to cover my business expenses without relying on booth rentals from other barbers. However, this mindset negatively affected my business and personal expenses. As I progressed in my career, I became more equipped with learning on the fly and taking more risks, indicating that I believed in my product, brand, and ability to be a successful barbershop owner. Taking more risks also allowed me to do better marketing, bring in the necessary help, and expand my business by opening other barbershops within a 15-mile radius of my first barbershop. Throughout my 22-year career as a barber, I continually follow my clippers on this journey of succeeding in life and business. This journey has allowed me to visit 46 states and 12 countries.

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 my best friend to Topgolf in Midtown Atlanta, The Gathering Spot, and Bar Vegan in Ponce City Marketing.

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 want to shoutout my mother and siblings and my incredible team of people who believe in me and the visions I create.

Instagram: @iamjdillard and @jdthekidbarber

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-dillard-855974b6/

Image Credits
Images: Angelo Riley Book Illustrations: Akeem S. Roberts

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.