Fee Cutz it Interview | Respect The Barber
How did you get your name?: Well my first name is Felicia, my preferred name which is my nick name is Fee. I started practicing cuts on my Wife, son and my sister. Regardless of them being my main support, I love to support and encourage myself. When the art is completed, I love to ask them " Who cuts it ? ". They would respond and say "Fee Cuts It ! " I loved it and I ran with that. On the contrary the name Queen Barber Of Shaolin was created through my own artistic vision. I needed a name that coincides with how I view myself, the image I'm building , and my city that I'm representing. Later on in my adult life I started to enlighten myself on the past and I found a few goodreads online. I was elated to learn about the many Empires and Kingdoms that were ruled by Black Queens and Kings in the past. Many of the foundations were built on compassion, aggression and success. I have dreams of building an empire with a strong foundation, therefore I am a Queen. The other part of my name which is Shaolin was first used by a well known rap group created in Staten Island called the Wu-Tang Clang. The name Shaolin stems from Shaolin Kung Fu which combines Ch'an philosophy and martial arts. I personally don't practice martial arts but I am solely focused on peace and meditation. Wu Tang Clang's artistry idea with the name gravitating. Both names play like music to my ears and because of the support of my family and holding myself to very high standards, I decided to use both.
Where are you from?: I'm from Staten Island New York Baby !!!
How did you get into barbering?: Back in high school I use to doodle when my work was complete. I am not a sketch artist but I would sketch fades, hairlines and mohawks. After a while I knew this emotion was innate. At that time I made the choice to suppress that hunger for growth and understanding. I knew I had no knowledge of the industry and High School, I made the choice to stick to the status quo. Later in my adult life a set of clippers & a T-liner were placed in my hand by my older sister. She was tired of going to the barbershop and asked me "Do you know how to use these?" I chuckled* and stated that drawing and erasing is not the same as cutting and growing back 2 weeks later. She asked me to try it out anyway so I did and it came out pretty good.
Another reason I started barbering was because my wife Alexandria decides to do the big chop. Here I am arranging for her to have an appointment for her new cut and she aggressively says "NOPE !" She then grabs a fold out chair placed it in the kitchen, puts on a lamp with no lamp shade, then places a pair of Wahl faders in my hand and says "Let's do this". After the second crown I cut I never put my clippers down. I began planning and writing down my short term and long term goals and that's how I got started.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?: Some of the steps that I use to advance my skills and knowledge, was watching and asking questions to tenured Barbers. Everyone knows you have to sit with the OG's a few times to learn. Also working in a Barbershop for a few hours for hands on training taught me an immense amount. Lastly enrolling myself into Barbering School to be able to excel in every area of this industry.
Where do you cut hair?: Against The Grain Barbershop & American Barber Institute
What does your setup look like?: I enjoy traveling so my style of setup is everything portable no matter the color or size. For example I own a silver clipper suitcase which protects my clippers incase there's impact. My top favorite carrier would be my roller suitcase that I pull. It relieves tension on the lower back after days of holding any other carrier. My last one Is my Barber bookbag which has comfortable shoulder straps when traveling. On the contrary my supplies are set up along my station when I am at the Barbershop. I prefer to have everything in black as far as black barber gloves, black neck strips, combs, brushes, razor blades etc. Also hair products are placed in black bottles. I do have an infatuation with the color black. I see it as a very professional, clean, sleek and fashionable business color.
What is your goal when you cut someone's hair?: My goal when cutting a clients hair is to work at my pace. I am using machines and sharp objects and being careful is also being professional. My other goal is to always pay attention to details of the clients request. Next I rarely focus on locking in clientele, I'm more focused on making sure the client walks away with the best experience. Having the client express to other people about their experience with Fee Cutz It THE Queen Barber Of Shaolin is great for business!
What music do you prefer to listen to when cutting hair?: The music that I prefer to listen to while cutting hair would be RnB, reggae Hip Hop, inspirational music , pop, house music. I also click the Pandora app to play the top hits. I love all styles of music even on a daily.
Tell us a story about a haircut you will always remember: I will always remember the hair cut that I did on my wife which was the previous story I gave. Her big chop was memorable to me because it came out great, my wife was so supportive and I physically told myself that "I have what it takes". After harsh criticism from my own self about my own work I still decided to begin the growing process with this innate emotion. It was time to stop suppressing this growth with this unexplainable talent.
What is your dream as a barber?: My dream as a Barber is to be a well known showcase/celebrity barber. Since working in different barber shops i've learned the different types of clients. Some that I have encountered just like to look clean for work or for a random occasion. I enjoy my artistic clients that I share ideas with and vice versa. The type of clients that have no choice but to remain clean cut or have no choice but to switch up their crown style because of being in an artistic work field. Increasing the number of those clients is a dream. I view hair as your royal crown, therefore hair styles are not just styles. It is your statement that you make when you don't feel like using words. I made that term just to give people my artistic outlook on the barber industry from my perspective.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a barber?: The best advice I would give someone who would like to become a barber is to just go for it. The barber industry has so much room for new talent no matter what your age is. Second, don't forget to always keep the clients needs in mind before your own. It is always recommended to give suggestions but stay away from "Selfish Barbering". Next, never get discouraged when clients do not return, they are entitled to try you out just as much as you are trying them out. Also, stay connected by reading, researching and talking to some of the OG's in the industry. Gaining knowledge consistently on a daily basis will keep you sailing. Lastly and most importantly get your Barber license. The objective is to grow your brand with an honest, professional and rapidly growing brand. You will learn In school and you will learn in the field but you can open many more doors with that L-card (License) trust me.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fee______________/
Stereotype Co’s mission is to shine light on dreamers around the world.
Your support helps us continue make a difference.