Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanel Gilbert.
Hi Shanel, 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?
I always had an interest in cutting hair, Growing up I’ve had a creative side as I took art class from middle to highschool. I loved any opportunity to be creative and think of projects that were true and cool to me. At first, I wanted to be a tattoo artist who specialized in realism, until I tried, seeing it wasn’t my strongest trait. Throughout the time of highschool, I began getting edge-ups. I thought it was such a nice clean look on myself. That is what initially got me intrigued. I went to my first barbershop to get a edge up and as time continued I’d get fades along with my edge ups. I felt like the hottest on the block. There were so many times I’d try to get in for a cut just to end up waiting hours. That was the part I disliked most since at the time we didn’t have online booking like how we do now. Back then, people had to wait until it was their turn. I got tired of having to wait long hours just for an edge up that took 10-15 minutes max. That’s when I decided to buy my first pair of clippers. I did my research on YouTube and then Google to see pricing on how much it would cost to get the equipment. I ended up investing in my first pair of clippers, with trimmers. My first clipper was a Wahl clipper that I got off Amazon, I also bought Wahl detail trimmers since they were the best out at the time. From that point forward I began messing up my own hair thinking it was the greatest work ever. I was truly impressed how well I felt I did for my first few haircuts. From that point I had a number of friends who would let me practice for free along with clients who paid $5.00 to get a cut by a beginner barber like myself back in 2016. It took a while to get where I wanted to be as I went back and fourth with following through on barbering. Learning the technique to cutting hair was a bit challenging. I decided to really take it seriously, began working in my first shop in 2018 without a license. I had a shop take that risk on me, I ended up working for a number of shops from 2018 to 2022. I had the opportunity to work with shops that were struggling to shops that were very successful. I got to see so much within the time of learning while being able to build my clientele wherever I was. I cut hair for my school and gained clientele in Dallas. I worked in shops all over from North Richland hills, Burleson, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Aledo. I got to work alongside awesome owners who always answered my questions in regards to anything that came to mind relating to business. I also had the opportunity to see what it was like to run a shop by not being put in the position but just being expected to do. I have always been a person who is a quick thinker, problem solver and someone who take initiative to get it done.
Once I understood the ins and outs of barbering and what it looked like on the back end, I felt I could do it myself. I told myself that I would eventually take the risk as I felt there were pros and cons to all places. I saw where I could be different and provide a space for growth to others. I looked at shops to start in 2021 but I wasn’t confident like how I was the second time round. I didn’t have as much funds needed to come out of pocket. I didn’t understand how rent is calculated in a commercial building, along with everything else that comes with owning a business. I decided to take a step back and to get my credentials right to look for a bigger and better spot later down the road. 2023 came around, I found multiple locations that would make sense for my vision. I chose the best location based off of my knowledge from being in the area since a child. Once I found my location, I had the information needed and understanding to take that next step. When I did, not once did I look back. Ever since the day I signed my lease back in 2023 and having to build my business up from nothing I made a promise to myself to do whatever it takes to not allow my business to fail. Here we are rolling into 2025 and I couldn’t be more proud of the process and where I’m at this day in life with the business I started back in 2023.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles I realized that I was never shown was having to learn that you have to be every position for a business. It’s not just coming in and doing your one job.
It’s about making sure your marketing, understand the reasoning of your marketing. Being a leader to your team, while also having to build a team. Making good decisions in regards to business to not fall behind. Understanding ways to scale business each year to not stay stagnant. While learning all the things that come at hand that you may not have figured out in the moment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vigorous Underdogs Barbershop ?
Vigorous Underdogs Barbershop is one of the first modern quality barbershop that is located in North Richland hills, TX.
Here at Vigorous Underdogs we provide hair and beard services to customers in surrounding areas. What makes us different? We truly specialize in all hair types, nothing is too difficult as we are here to execute the results you look for.
We are known for having a chill, relaxed environment with down to earn barbers that have knowledge in modern day styles.
At Vigorous Underdogs, we are set apart from others by going above and beyond for our clients. From your first visit to every visit, we take pride in the work we do and we understand that not every cut or any cut has to be quick or feel like a chop shop. We care no matter if your a repeat or it’s your first time!
I’m proud that I am building a brand that people are familiar with and know about. We provide a welcoming atmosphere for everyone and truly make it a vibe. It makes me so proud to know people find us by word of mouth. Especially when it’s due to seeing how nice our cuts are on the clients that leave our chair.
If you are looking for a new barber, or barbershop that you want to call home. Come check us out as we take pride in the services we offer. From Gentleman cuts, skin fades, designs, long hair transformations, and more we are here for your needs! To not only get it right the first time but every time. We make it easy as we accept tap to pay, cash, and cash app if needed! We make it easy for you to come in, enjoy your service and walk out feeling like a million bucks to take on the day! We promise the compliments will follow!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor is find people who you gravitate to. Ask people who have done it and ask questions to help you. Being open and willing to network can help anyone find a mentor but to also gain knowledge in places you may lack.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vigorous-underdogs.square.site/
- Instagram: https://share.google/LIl5Ns0MGorcf4kTf
- Facebook: https://share.google/4oXce6YozWIyNfPaw
