Meet Travis Sanders | Business Owner & Author and Master Barber

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

Hi Travis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Haircuts by Travis and Lansing Barber College, my thought process was driven by a combination of passion, community impact, and strategic planning.
Starting Haircuts by Travis and Lansing Barber College- Identifying a Need and Passion:
– Passion for Barbering: My journey began with a deep passion for barbering. Graduating from Lansing Barber Styling College, I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that shaped my career.
– Community Impact: I recognized the importance of providing quality education and opportunities in the barbering industry, especially for those who might not pursue traditional college paths.
– Preserving a Legacy:
– Acquisition of Lansing Barber College: When I learned that Lansing Barber College was going out of business, I saw an opportunity to preserve its legacy and continue its mission of excellence in barbering education.
– Commitment to Excellence: My goal was to maintain the high standards of the college and ensure that future generations could benefit from the same opportunities I had.
– Strategic Planning and Execution:
– Business Expansion: I expanded the college by purchasing a new building, which allowed for more space, newer equipment, and better facilities.
– Educational Excellence: I focused on providing comprehensive training that prepared students for state licensing exams and successful careers in barbering.
Writing “Life Lessons Learned from Barbering”- Sharing Personal Experiences:
– Inspiration from Mentorship: I was inspired by my uncle and mentor, John Boles, who encouraged me to pursue barbering. This mentorship played a crucial role in my career and personal development.
– Life Lessons: My book aims to share the valuable life lessons I learned through the practice of barbering, such as resilience, dedication, and the importance of community.
– Providing Guidance and Motivation:
– Empowering Others: The book is designed to inspire and motivate others by sharing stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success through hard work and determination.
– Educational Tool: It serves as an educational resource for aspiring barbers and entrepreneurs, offering practical advice and insights into the industry.
– Reflecting on Personal Growth:
– Personal Journey: Writing the book was also a way for me to reflect on my own journey, the obstacles I faced, and the successes I achieved. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of positive mentorship.
– Legacy Building: The book contributes to my legacy, ensuring that my experiences and lessons can benefit others long after my career.
These endeavors reflect my deep commitment to personal growth, community impact, and the desire to inspire and educate others. They are driven by my passion for barbering and dedication to helping others achieve their potential.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
About My Business Haircuts by Travis and Lansing Barber College are more than just places to get a haircut or learn barbering skills; they are community hubs where passion, education, and personal growth intersect. Here’s what sets us apart:
– Commitment to Excellence:
– We strive to provide top-notch barbering services and education. Our focus is on quality, whether it’s a haircut or a training session. We ensure that every client and student receives the best possible experience.
– Community Focus:
– Our business is deeply rooted in the community. We believe in giving back and supporting local initiatives. This community-centric approach helps us build strong, lasting relationships with our clients and students.
– Legacy and Tradition:
– We are proud to carry on the legacy of Lansing Barber College, which has been a cornerstone of barbering education since 1982. Preserving this legacy while innovating and expanding has been a key part of our mission.
The Journey to SuccessGetting to where we are today has been a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Here’s a bit about how we navigated this path:
– Challenges Faced:
– Acquisition and Expansion: When we learned that Lansing Barber College was going out of business, we saw an opportunity to preserve its legacy. Acquiring the college and expanding it was a significant challenge, but our passion for barbering and education drove us forward.
– Maintaining Standards: Ensuring that we maintained the high standards of the college while introducing new facilities and equipment required meticulous planning and execution.
– Overcoming Challenges:
– Resilience and Determination: We faced numerous obstacles, from financial hurdles to logistical issues. However, our resilience and determination helped us overcome these challenges. We stayed focused on our goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them.
– Community Support: The support from our community played a crucial role. Our clients, students, and local partners believed in our vision and helped us through tough times.
Lessons LearnedThroughout this journey, we’ve learned several valuable lessons:
– The Power of Perseverance:
– Success doesn’t come easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude. Perseverance has been key to overcoming the challenges we faced.
– Importance of Community:
– Building strong community ties is essential. Our community has been our backbone, providing support and encouragement when we needed it most.
– Continuous Learning and Adaptation:
– The barbering industry is constantly evolving. Staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is crucial. We emphasize continuous learning and adaptation to stay ahead.
Our Brand and StoryWhat I want the world to know about our brand and story is that Haircuts by Travis and Lansing Barber College are built on a foundation of passion, resilience, and community. We are dedicated to providing excellent services and education, and we believe in the transformative power of barbering. Our story is one of perseverance, community support, and a commitment to excellence.
We aim to inspire others through our journey and show that with determination and a positive mindset, anything is possible. Our brand stands for quality, community, and continuous growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my brother will be in town for the up coming holidays and I will be taking him the Perfect Note for good live music and drinks. As well as L on North that has great food and drinks as well as live music.. We will also go to the College football Hall of fame downtown

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 great uncle, John was my mentor that guided me and directed me to become a Barber, which in turn pushed me to do everything I’ve done right now. Purchasing Lansing, Barber college writing my book. The documentaryThat’s been done on me as well .

Website: https://Www.haircutsbytravis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haircutsbytravis/profilecard/?igsh=MTlsemJxOGJ1bGJlZw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lansing-barber-college-4636b718b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083373750724&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083373750724&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/haircuts-by-travis-marietta

Image Credits
Images uploaded, my client Richard