Today we’d like to introduce you to Vincent Clark.
Hi Vincent, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started cutting hair back in high school, mostly for my friends, and I did it for free. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but barbering was already becoming my foundation. Life took a turn when I went to prison at 23. When I came home at 26, finding steady work was difficult, and barbering was one of the few skills I truly had and believed in.
I leaned into it. I worked in multiple barbershops, sharpened my craft, learned the business, and built relationships with clients. During COVID, when everything was uncertain, my wife and I made a decision to bet on ourselves. We saved every dollar we could, buying toolboxes, chairs, and equipment piece by piece with the goal of opening our own shop.
That leap of faith paid off. Today, I own a barbershop in the Haltom City area with a team of 14 barbers. We’ve built a strong reputation, a loyal clientele, and a shop that’s recognized as one of the best barbershops in the DFW area. What started as cutting friends’ hair in high school turned into a career, a business, and an opportunity to give others the same chance I gave myself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the main obstacles we faced was the sheer number of barbershops in the area. The market was already crowded, so standing out was essential. Instead of seeing that as a setback, we focused on setting ourselves apart—through professionalism, consistency, quality service, and creating a barbershop culture that clients could feel the moment they walked in. By doing things differently and holding ourselves to a higher standard, we were able to earn trust, build loyalty, and establish ourselves as a go-to shop in the community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in artistic freestyle designs that allow me to be creative and give each client something unique. That artistic side is a big part of my work, but just as important is the environment I help create in the shop. I’m known for keeping the energy high—making my clients and my barbers laugh—so the shop feels less like a business and more like a family.
What I’m most proud of is my barbers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They show up every day with passion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to give back to the community. Watching them grow, succeed, and support others means more to me than any personal accomplishment.
What sets me apart from other barbers is my hustle and my availability. I’m always there for my clients, no matter the time or day. I listen to what they talk about, remember the details, and make sure they know they matter. That personal connection, combined with consistency and hard work, is what keeps people coming back.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as impact, not income. It’s not about how much money you make or what you own. To me, success is building a business that gives back to the community and creates opportunities to positively influence the youth. Being able to mentor, inspire, and show the next generation that there’s a different path available to them—that’s real success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.txbarbercartel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txbarbercartel
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cartelbarbervinny
