Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Harris.
Hi Larissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Merrillville, IN. Born and raised. In school, I’ve always expressed myself through the arts, specifically dance. I danced competitively through school and my first year of college. After I completed my first year of undergrad, I slipped into this period of feeling lost and uncertain. I enjoyed college and excelled academically but I felt as if I should be pursuing something else.
After sitting in that feeling for a while I decided to not return to college for the following semester. I didn’t know then but that decision jump-started a lifelong adventure of self-discovery and entrepreneurship.
I began to research other avenues of education I could invest in to cultivate the skills I already had. As I mentioned I’ve always been an artsy individual. After a couple of months of exploring my mom and I had a conversation that lit a spark inside of me.
My mom said, “You should go to barber school”. Even though I never cut hair a day in my life, or held a pair of clippers, something inside of me knew I could do it. I still do not know where she got that idea from, but I believe divine guidance comes when we are in a position to receive it.
Shortly after, I reached out to a family friend who was a well-established barber in the community. In my free time, I spent time at the barbershop shadowing and sweeping. I did my first haircut there, and I knew then that barbering was my next pursuit.
I decided to enroll in Barber College in 2015. I went to school full-time and worked my call center job full-time. I went to school 8 am-5 pm and worked 6 pm-2 am. Tired but determined I graduated in 2016.
I quit the call center job the day after passing my state exam. I jumped all in and developed my skills and clientele in the first year. I put in a lot of work and long hours. To get clients I would park outside of mega stores like Kmart and Walmart and wait for people to walk up to hand them a business card.
I’ve been a professional barber for 8 + years now.
During my time in the industry, I’ve operated in three states: Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee. I taught barber education in Downtown Chicago, hosted multiple personal growth workshops and conferences, opened up a private barber studio, and competed in multiple barber competitions.
My experience in the hair industry has transformed my life and now I am dedicated to sharing what I’ve learned.
In November 2023, I decided to step back from cutting behind the chair full-time to focus on a creative project. That project is TBCU. TBCU- The Barber Code Unlocked is an online barber academy that provides courses and resources for enthusiasts who want to learn the art of barbering. We help creatives learn how to develop barber and business skills
The Barber Code Unlocked makes nontraditional education accessible and affordable. Our mission is to maximize the earning potential of artsy individuals globally. In 2024, my focus is on expanding TBCU, coaching, and growing as a leader.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been a smooth road. I’ve had to do a lot of learning, unlearning, and stretching.
Main challenges I faced:
- Confidence
- Rejection/Disappointment
- Mindset
Confidence and the view we have of ourselves control how we show up in our personal lives and business. As I developed along the way I had a difficult time giving myself the flowers I deserved. I don’t believe in boasting but I do believe in taking out time to acknowledge the effort you put in. Getting stronger spiritually helped me a lot in this area. Seeking my validation in Christ and not people changed my perspective, and released a lot of weight of perfectionism I was carrying.
Rejection was difficult because who likes being told no? Or being excluded? I learned that rejection is a tool and not truth. I discovered the power of using rejection as a tool to lift me instead of putting me down. Sometimes rejection makes room for the right opportunity. Rejection also helps build character, through the practice of showing up anyway.
My mindset is a big one because I had to decide that I was going to allow myself to be great. I had to change how I viewed my life and the people around me. I had to become a master’s student and allow curiosity to flow through me. I made up my mind that I don’t have it all figured out and the experience is in the process.
I make an intentional effort daily to progress in all of these areas.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional barber, and I specialize in male grooming. This ranges from haircuts to beards, and shaves.
I am known for providing consistent quality services to men, women, and children. I am most proud of the relationships I’ve gained.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and patience.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Yes, a major lesson I learned is to be present and do what I can with what I have right now because we do not know what the future holds. When Covid hit I just opened my private barber studio in Crown Point, IN. I had to close not even 3 months after opening due to the shutdown.
I was devastated. Lost money and the ability to work. Suddenly, I went from having it all planned out to not having a plan. However, that experience taught me how to be present and plan with flexibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: larissadiamond.com
