We recently had the chance to connect with Lilly Benitez and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Lilly, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to build something that empowers others on a much larger scale than I ever imagined: Shobase. It’s a bold step, because unlike my past ventures, Blade Craft Barbershop, Academy, and Steam Craft Coffee, which are rooted in physical spaces and experiences, Shobase is a digital platform that opens the door for creators everywhere to monetize their craft with intention and dignity.
What once felt intimidating, like stepping into the tech world, pitching investors, and scaling nationally, is now something I feel uniquely prepared for, because I’ve seen firsthand how community, craftsmanship, and storytelling transform lives. Shobase carries the soul of Blade Craft and Steam. It’s about quality, legacy, and giving creators tools to succeed on their own terms. I’m no longer afraid of the magnitude of the mission. I’m energized by it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lilly Benitez! An entrepreneur, author, and founder of Blade Craft Barbershop, Steam Craft Coffee, and now, Shobase. My journey started with a passion for craftsmanship and evolved into building brands that blend legacy, culture, and innovation. From training hundreds of barbers at my academy to curating cigar, coffee, and grooming experiences in small-town Texas, I’ve always believed in creating spaces (and now digital tools) that elevate people’s lives.
Right now, I’m pouring that energy into Shobase, a platform designed to help creators monetize their craft with intention. It’s a blend of everything I’ve lived: hands-on excellence, storytelling, and the freedom to build something meaningful on your own terms.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Most of what I believe about work came from watching my father—he was a carpenter. He built things with his hands, his heart, and a quiet kind of excellence. I watched him measure twice, cut once, and never take shortcuts, even when no one was around to see. He taught me that real work is sacred—it’s about pride, consistency, and leaving something better than you found it.
That foundation has shaped everything I do—whether it’s crafting a space like Blade Craft or Steam Craft, or building a platform like Shobase with my Co Founder. The tools may look different now, but the craftsmanship is the same.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and presence in a way success never could. It stripped away the noise and showed me what really matters such as character over comfort, resilience over results. When things fell apart, I learned to rebuild, not just businesses, but belief in myself.
Success can validate you, but suffering refines you. It’s where I learned to lead with empathy, to listen more than I speak, and to find meaning even in the mess. That perspective is what fuels everything I build now, from the barbershop to the coffee shop to Shobase. I don’t just want to win: I want it to mean something.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that hard work alone was enough. That if I just kept my head down and gave it everything I had, success would follow. But I’ve learned that’s not always true.
Hard work is important, but so are strategy, boundaries, relationships, and knowing when to pause. Pushing through without direction doesn’t always lead to progress. Now I focus on working with clarity and purpose, not just effort.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand deeply that everything is connected—your work, your story, your healing, your legacy. Most people separate those things, but I’ve learned they all flow into each other.
The way you show up in your business is often a reflection of how you’ve shown up for yourself. Your ability to lead others is tied to how well you’ve navigated your own pain. And the more you align with who you truly are, the more powerful your impact becomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bladecraftbarber.com
- Instagram: @bladecraftlilly
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillybenitez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B53gdq3Rp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: @bladecraftlilly
