Meet Rajiv Patel of Nico’s Barber Shop in Gilbert and Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rajiv Patel.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rajiv. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We opened in March of 2018. “Look Good, Do Good is our the slogan at Nico’s and it’s more than a slogan. It’s how we operate and our total mindset as a company. We donate a meal to feed the hungry for every haircut we do to Feed My Starving Children. Since we opened, we are proud to say that we have donated more than 20,000 meals to kids around the world.

My father came to the United States from India and my mom from Nicaragua, so feeding kids overseas is a mission that’s very important to me. Having a focus on the world is close to my heart and my drive to give back fuels me everyday. I’ve always looked at opportunities to help poor and struggling countries. We just opened our second location in Mesa back in December 2019 and look forward to continued growth and opportunity

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When we opened, we had no idea what would come of it. We looked at it like a project and honestly hoped we could just break even so the success of the company has been a blessing and we are super grateful. Everything we have learned has been through trial and error and just learning as we go. I learned that doing something new has its advantages because you bring a new perspective to whatever you are doing. Fresh eyes. We’ve made some mistakes but have not made very many twice. That’s the key. Learn, adjust, adapt, instill.

Nico’s Barber Shop – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a full-service barbershop. One thing we really wanted is to create an environment that EVERYONE can feel comfortable in. Families, males, females, kids, everyone.

We are known for great haircuts, exceptional service and attention to detail. We focus on being a service company first. Our culture is understanding that it’s more than just haircuts, it’s putting others first and giving them an experience. It’s impact over profit. Putting our client’s needs first and having a proper consultation to really understand what they want.

We are most proud of our partnerships with local non-profits. Our meal program with FMSC. We do quarterly haircuts for the boys and girls at the Child Crisis Center. I personally cut the boy’s hair from their group home (boys 12-18). I cut 2-3 a week on average and it’s an honor to get to know them and be a friend to them. We also work with and donate to Lifting Hands International (they help with the refugee crisis across the world) and House of Refuge in Mesa. We want to create a legacy on giving and making our world better. Cutting hair is just our way of making it happen.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is making progress toward a goal, not the “end result”. Success will always be a moving target. Once you’ve “attained” or “mastered” something it’s not an end but just a door to something else. It’s a beautiful journey. Overall, I would also say success is inner peace. Knowing that you are making a difference in what you are doing and that is happiness.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1614 N. Higley Rd. 102
  Gilbert, AZ 85234
  1309 N. Greenfield Rd. 108
  Mesa, AZ 85209
• Website: www.nicosbarbershop.com
• Phone: 4806993696
• Email: hello@nicosbarbershop.com
• Instagram: @nicosbarbershopaz

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