Meet Alton Phillips of Little Elm, Tx

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alton Phillips.

Hi Alton, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into barbering started long before I ever picked up a set of clippers. Growing up, I watched my mom a single mother hustle by braiding hair on the side while raising my siblings and me. As a kid, I didn’t fully understand what I was witnessing, but I was paying attention. I saw her work ethic, her consistency, and how she used her skill to provide for our family. That was my first real introduction to the hair industry and entrepreneurship.

Barbering is also part of my family legacy, even if I didn’t experience it firsthand at the time. I’m a third-generation barber something I came to learn through the stories my father shared with me later in life. My dad told me about my grandfather, who ran a barbershop out of his garage and charged 25 cents a haircut. Hearing those stories helped me understand that barbering wasn’t just something I chose it was something rooted in my family history.

Those two influences watching my mother build something with her hands and learning about the legacy of barbering in my family shaped how I approach the craft today. What began as observation eventually became purpose. Barbering became not just my profession, but a way to build, serve, and create something meaningful that extends beyond me.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, there were seasons filled with uncertainty, sacrifice, and lessons learned the hard way. Early on, one of my biggest struggles was understanding that being talented with clippers didn’t automatically make me good at business. I had to learn pricing, client retention, leadership, and financial discipline through trial and error.

There were moments of burnout long days, inconsistent income, and the pressure of carrying responsibility not just for myself, but for others. I also had to unlearn the mindset that barbering had a ceiling. For a long time, the industry didn’t always encourage barbers to think beyond the chair, and breaking out of that mental box was a challenge in itself.

Another struggle was patience. Growth didn’t happen overnight. Building credibility, trust, and a platform took time, consistency, and faith when results weren’t immediate. But every obstacle forced me to sharpen my character, my vision, and my leadership.

Looking back, those struggles weren’t setbacks they were preparation. They shaped how I lead today and why I’m passionate about helping other barbers avoid unnecessary mistakes and see what’s possible when they commit to growth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m a professional barber, entrepreneur, and educator. I take pride in being excellent with my clippers, but I’ve always believed that barbering is about more than technical skill alone. The chair is where relationships are built, trust is earned, and influence begins.

That belief is the foundation of my work and the inspiration behind the More Than a Barber podcast a platform I created to challenge the idea that barbers are limited to the chair. Through the podcast, mentorship, and consulting, I focus on helping barbers develop professionally, think entrepreneurially, and recognize the value of their voice, creativity, and leadership.

I’m known for bridging craftsmanship with purpose. I help barbers understand how to elevate the client experience, build sustainable businesses, and create opportunities beyond traditional barbering—whether that’s ownership, content creation, education, or brand building.

What I’m most proud of is the impact. Seeing barbers I’ve worked with gain confidence, increase their income, step into leadership, and open their own doors reminds me why this work matters. What sets me apart is my ability to see barbering as a platform, not a limitation and to help others do the same

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship has been one of the greatest accelerators in my life and career. I truly believe having a mentor is the cheat code to success especially as an entrepreneur or content creator. A mentor can’t do the work for you, but they can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes, see blind spots, and get to your destination faster.

What’s worked best for me is proximity and intentionality. I didn’t look for mentors to impress I looked for people whose results and character aligned with where I wanted to go. I asked questions, showed up consistently, and applied what I was taught. Respect and action are what turn conversations into real mentorship.

Networking, for me, has always been relationship-first. It’s not about collecting contacts; it’s about building trust. I’ve learned that when you focus on serving, adding value, and being genuine, the right connections happen naturally.

Just as important as having mentors has been becoming one. Being able to pour into others, share lessons learned, and help barbers and creatives grow has been just as impactful as the guidance I’ve received. Mentorship creates momentum and when it’s done right, it multiplies far beyond one person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Vipbarberlounge.studio
• Instagram: @Vip.barberlounge

Image Credits
My wife Andrea Phillips (@drealovesyou