Inspiring Conversations with Matthew Hernandez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Hernandez.

Hi Matthew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Honestly, I wasn’t really a good kid in high school. Was running out of options for school, on the verge of not graduating, and there was a trade program for barber college. In order to graduate, I took advantage of the program and ended up falling in love with cutting hair.

I started just cutting family and friends in my parent’s garage, worked at the mall, and for other barbershops before I ended up at Dapper Don’s, establishing my own brand and business. I’ve been in this industry for 11 years, and what keeps me going is I found when people feel good, I feel good.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road.

The first few years are pretty tough as a barber – you have to build yourself and your brand. Honestly, that’s with anything that you do. If the passion for cutting hair wasn’t there, I probably would have given up a long time ago.

You learn different traits other than just cutting hair. You learn communication, customer service, and getting out of your shell.

As you know, we’re big fans of MJ the Barber. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Surface level, I offer barbering services like cutting beards, designs, coloring services, etc. – typical things you would want your barber to do. But I think what sets me apart is I really build personal relationships with my clients. I’m a business owner, a dad, and a husband, so I can really relate a lot to each and every one of my clients.

I have clients who I’ve been cutting for years, and now I’m cutting their kids. I talked about this earlier, about “building my brand” – I not only want people to get a good service from me (because if you look good, you feel good), but I also want them feeling like they just left lunch with a friend.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Word of mouth definitely goes along way.

So does posting/reposting my brand, business, or work that I do. I really appreciate when my clients post themselves on social media after seeing me, and tagging me in it. I have 3 kids, so managing advertisement on my own is not something I am good at, so I let social media and word of mouth get my name and my work out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: mjyourbarber.com
• Instagram: @_mjthebarber or @dapperdons.vip