We had the good fortune of connecting with Marrico Simpson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Marrico, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success thus far along with the brand is dealing with adversity. When it comes to success that someone is seeking to find; in most cases, there will always be adversity that he/she will have to face to get to their destination. When you learn how to deal with failure and denial without giving up, you build a character within yourself to learn how to deal with adversities as such.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more? What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is that I act upon what I speak. My mom always told me “Rico when you say you’re going to do something you always do it.” I’m not a person that just has visions and dreams and does not pursue them. I believe this is what sets me apart, just having faith and acting towards the things I speak into the atmosphere.
What you are most proud of or excited about?
I am most excited about the journey that God has me on. He gave me an idea and I acted upon it and now I have a granted patent as an African-American from a small town called State Line in Mississippi with a population of approximately 400 people. I’m proud that I didn’t let my speech impediment cripple me and keep me from being a positive example for others that face similar adversities.
How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy?
I got here through faith, patience, and obedience. Trusting the process when things get tough is not always easy. However, I stuck through it, with the help of my family, friends, and my business team, when things didn’t look very bright. I was denied and rejected continuously but I kept the faith and things worked in my favor.
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I have learned to never give up, never let anyone dictate your future. I learned that you must take advantage of all opportunities that are present to you. Life is not easy as trials and tribulations are always in the mix especially when you are destined to be great.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I grew up in a small town called State Line, in the state of Mississippi. During my childhood, I dealt with a severe speech impediment that crippled my verbal communication skills. Due to this speech issue, I was bullied and picked on, therefore; I felt I was labeled the least likely to succeed. At the age of 17, I joined the US Navy and served 10 years active duty service (2005-2015) before being medically discharged after being diagnosed with a Chronic Kidney Disease. While going through my medical issues, things became more of a challenge for me while taking daily medications and trying to manage through life. After being discharged from the military, I pursued my passion of barbering, working and managing the barbershop and school I owned while I was in the military. Barbering has always been my passion since the age of 12 and it helped open doors and birth the idea of my patented product called CutBrush and CutBrush 4Pets. The idea of the CutBrush was born at my school during a teaching session of properly self-grooming with the traditional clipper. One of my students had an issue with understanding how to cut with the grain of the hair with the traditional tool. His misunderstanding of which direction to cut his hair opened the thought of a clipper blade installed within the bristles of a wave brush. I knew this was a great idea and it was something that I had to pursue further. Therefore, I submitted a patent application in Nov. 2017 and was finally approved in Dec. 2019 after being denied numerous times. Before the patent approval, in 2018, I founded the company 4MAS Grooming Inc, which was named after my daughters initials of their name Mallori, Madilyn, and Maci A. Simpson. I wanted to create a legacy for them, therefore the name 4MAS was the best option. However, this is the main reason for the name but another reason behind the brand name is to do it for the mass of people that didn’t have the opportunity to be in the position that I am in today. As of today we “4MAS,” are the leading Black-Owned Clipper and Trimmer company that has the world’s first motorized clipper and brush “CutBrush,” all in one tool to help simplify self and pet grooming with other hair care products. After dealing with a speech impediment, a Chronic illness, and everything else life threw at me; I know I was born to fight and be the effective leader that will represent well as a successful African-American that sets a positive example for others.
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?
Giving an itinerary of Atlanta
Eat: Negril, it is an upscale Caribbean restaurant in the midtown area. My wife and I really enjoy the live music, the warm hospitality and the food. We highly recommend their Ackee and Saltfish Spring Rolls, Oxtails, and the House Red Snapper Escovitch style.
Drink: My wife and I love to drink wine from time to time. One place that we would recommend is Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. This is a relaxing resort siting on thousands of acres with tons of wine selections.
Visit: Stone Mountain Cherokee and Walk-up Trails which is a 6-mile. While walking this trail, the stunning Atlanta Skyline view is amazing. The lake was breathe-taking and relaxing while we enjoyed the beautiful swaths of the forest.
Things to do: Caribbean Carnival downtown which is usually held on memorial weekend is a must do. It’s a deep appreciation of the Caribbean culture with the dancing, music, and food. It’s very family orientated, and I must say, although I’m an American, the Caribbean people are some of the most exciting to hang around.
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?
First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without Him bringing me through the failure and blessing me with the creativity none of this would be possible. Secondly, my Grandparents, Mom, Dad, Wife, Kids, Brothers, Sisters, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and my entire family and friends that continue to show their support by uplifting me with encouraging words and prayer. Next, my entire 4MAS Team, they work extremely hard to keep the brand at a very high success level. Last but not least, those that didn’t believe in me and thought that I would fail, I thank them also cause it was my motivation.
Website: 4masgrooming.com
Instagram: 4mas_grooming
Linkedin: Marrico Simpson
Facebook: 4MAS Grooming
Youtube: 4MAS Grooming