Words by Donaldo Taylor

Recently, I caught up with Grooming Expert Craig the Barber. as he was returning home to Los Angeles from an island excursion in the Bahamas. Never a digit away from Dapper, I couldn’t help but notice how well dressed he was considering today’s norm for airport attire is dark shades, sweats, comfortable shoes, and fatigue. Yet, Craig has mastered the art  of blending the two worlds of Men’s Grooming and Fashion. A frequent contributor to Men’s Health Magazine, Craig’s client list spans across the globe starting from Super Mogul Diddy to the Crown Prince of Dubai. Quite the humble image icon, Craig has built his brand on the premise of hard work, passion for quality and superior service within his trade and steadfast diligence to helping his community.

Donaldo: What was the catalyst that drew you into Barbering/Cosmetology?

Craig: Great story! Well, as a young boy, my parents wouldn't allow me to get my haircut as frequently as I wanted, so I saved my allowance and bought my first pair of clippers. Since I had no clue on how to use them, I would go to the barbershop and watch the barbers cut hair as often as I could. One day I tried cutting my hair and failed miserably. However, after the patch grew back, I tried again and again until I could give myself a haircut on my own. During this time, my mother decided to leave her job to become a hairstylist and quickly converted the garage into a small salon. This is where I started cutting not only my hair, but friends and family as well. I loved it!

Donaldo: What would you consider to be your greatest challenge on transforming the everyday man?

Craig: That would be maintenance. Making sure that my clients can achieve and maintain the same look once they leave. I work very hard to educate them during the service to guarantee a better outcome once they're on their own.

Donaldo: What's the one key item that every man should have in their Grooming Kit?

Craig: That, my friend, would be a face moisturizer. Your skin will love you for it, and so will your friends and co-workers. Trust me; no one likes to look at a dry face. Not to mention, it can also double as a body lotion and a hair cream, if you're in a jam.

Donaldo: You have definitely made your mark in the industry. What's next for Craig the Barber?

Craig: Wow. thanks! Well, my goal for this year is to continue to build the awareness of my on-location barber service, The Grooming Concierge, and my brand, Craig the Barber® through a variety of projects, especially through my blog, TheMensRoom.com. I have a few other ideas brewing, but it's "top secret", ha! But, in all seriousness, I believe that if I continue to work hard and devote the necessary efforts to my trade, I will be prepared for more and more doors to open.

Donaldo: Being the owner of The Grooming Concierge, what sets you apart from your competition?

Craig: Great question! I think the bottom line, in my line of work, is to pay attention to the customer's requests. I make it my personal mission to try to focus all of my efforts on one customer at a time to guarantee my work, and to make sure they are completely satisfied. Believe it or not, although the average man may not be able to express in technical terms what he wants, most men are keenly aware of what they don't want. I pride myself on listening to what the client is saying he desires, and then using my knowledge and skill to give him exactly what he wants.

Donaldo: What motivates Craig the Barber everyday to get up out of bed to conquer the world?

Craig: Unfortunately, somewhere along the way it became somewhat of a stigma for men to take pride in their appearance and grooming regimens. Without being presumptuous, I would love to be directly involved in the dissolution of that negative stigma. I am dedicated to helping men navigate their way in the growing world of men's grooming, as I bring greater awareness and respect to the trade of barbering, as well as the art of the shave. I've often said that I want to create a "barber renaissance," to help bring awareness of my trade to a mainstream audience and encourage men to take some time to look good. Not only will others around them appreciate it, they will feel better about themselves.

Donaldo: Part of life is giving back to the Universe. What are you doing to give back?

Craig: I like to donate my services, when possible. I know that "gifting" a haircut may sound silly, but there are so many men and kids who cannot afford a haircut. Having a professional cut truly helps a man stand tall - or a young boy, especially for a new school year!

To "give back" is also one of the reasons why I was inspired to create my blog, TheMensRoom.com. It is an outlet for me to share the information and knowledge has to a wider audience base. I have received so many emails from people thanking me for sharing my tips, and hearing that it makes such a difference in their lives is worth it.

Donaldo: Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

Craig: It sounds cliché, but I find that I am inspired by many successful men and women who courageously stepped out into the unknown in pursuit of their dream. namely the late Reginald Lewis. He never stopped when people said he couldn't. He worked hard, and built a great life for himself and his family and in the process opened many doors for people to walk in his footsteps

Donaldo: What quote best describes you?

Craig: "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul." Quote from the poem Invictus, by William E. Henley

If you’re ever in the Los Angeles area you can find Craig the Barber at Gornik & Druckeer's located at the Montage Beverly Hills or 24/7 at www.Craigthebarber.com and the mensroom.com. Tell him Donaldo T. sent you!