Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Palafox.
Julian, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well here’s a little back story on me, I’ve been a licensed barber in Dallas for over 12 years. In that time I’ve been able to visit over 100 barbershops from Texas to Miami, California, and New York. I did this because I wanted to study the Barbershop Culture. One thing I found in common was the way the barbershop is changing. People no longer go to the barbershop just for a haircut, they want an experience. They want to feel like they’re a part of the shop. They want quality service and they want to feel like they’re a part of that community. Because that’s what barbershops are, they’re the cornerstone of the community. This led me to begin thinking of how I could create a similar yet still unique atmosphere right here in Oak Cliff.
Everything about REVOLT has a purpose. I started seeking out antique barber-chairs, 1920 Kokens. I collected one chair a month and began refurbishing them. Each chair is over 100 yrs old. There’s no telling how many barbers have worked behind these chairs or how many clients sat in them.
After seeking out my chairs I began my search for a location. I found a location in an area on Jefferson Blvd. that hasn’t had a new business in a long time. I wanted my shop to be in this part of Dallas because I love Oak Cliff. My building was vacant for over 15 years. It needed a complete build-out, I even tore the old floors out myself on Christmas Day. I chose the location because I wanted to bring new traffic and fresh faces in the area. I really wanted to help bring new businesses to this part of Dallas.
I have a Dallas-based artist art available in the shop on display and in the future, I would like more local artists to display their art as well. It gives my shop a unique vibe.
My Goal for 2019 was to create five new jobs in my shop and create new tax revenue in oak cliff. That’s one of my ways of giving back to the community, while still uplifting people and being a positive impact in their lives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been the opposite of a smooth road. It’s actually been a very bumpy ride. Finding a location with the square footage I desired wasn’t easy. Finding a closely matching antique Barberchair was also a very difficult task and it was costly having my chairs refurbished. But I knew what I wanted so I didn’t mind the struggle. I think the most difficult task of them all was finding the right Staff. It took me six months to become fully staffed, but I truly believe I have a real group of team players now. And I’m so grateful to have them working by my side.
Tell us more about the business.
Revolt Barbershop is a traditional barbershop located in Oak Cliff – right next to Texas Theater one block away from the Bishop Arts District. Revolt Barbershop is a barber owned and operated shop that practices the craft of classic barbering while incorporating new, modern hair-cutting and shaving techniques. All Revolts Barbers specialize in classic haircuts as well as beard shaping and straight razor shaves.
It’s difficult to pinpoint what really sets us apart as a shop, being that the DFW has so many amazing and unique barbershops and hair salons. What sets us all apart is our vision and what we desire to contribute to the community around us. As for my shop and it’s esthetic, I went for more of a modern vibe with a twist of the classic barbershop. Revolt is an outward expression of myself. Also, I listen to music more than I watch TV, so when you walk into the shop you’re most likely going to hear everything from Jazz and Blues in the mornings and sometimes rainy days, to conscious rap like J Cole & Kendrick Lamar, and old school like Jay-z, Nas, and Biggie in the afternoons. I love the cultural diversity in my shop, everyone’s welcome. And Everyone working behind our chairs is going to greet you and offer you a beverage and we’re going to ensure you look and feel your best.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think I believed in good luck and bad luck at one point in my life, but that’s no longer my train of thought today. I believe we all have the choice to change our circumstances. I don’t believe in mistakes, everything really does happen for a reason. If you really want it you have to go out there and make it happen. The struggles we go through shape our character depending on how we let them, and the good things are our rewards for our hard work. If the things we wanted came easy we wouldn’t appreciate them.
In life, we aren’t asked to be born into certain situations, and sometimes we’re not taught the most important lessons we need to learn until we experience them for ourselves. But in business, if we want to succeed we must be able to pivot out of bad situations and find solutions. My point is that in both life and business troubles will occur, but the pressure from our “bad luck” is what truly molds our character.
Contact Info:
- Address: Revolt Barbershop
113 w Jefferson boulevard Dallas TX 75208 - Website: WWW.REVOLTBARBERSHOP.COM
- Phone: 2147083516
- Email: revoltbarbershop@gmail.com
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