We recently had the chance to connect with Shawn Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shawn , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’ve learned that nothing is “normal” anymore. Especially my day, lol. I start my day around 6:15/ 6:30. After I get ready for work, I head in around 8am. I open my salon and barber school at 9am. I usually teach til around noon. Afterwards, I begin my client schedule from 4/6 clients daily six days a week. I end my day around 6/7pm. Head home & take care of my household. Right now, I’m also working on my wardrobe for the Beyonce concert. Oh, & I love cooking so it’s a must that I whip up something delicious for my menu.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I am Shawn Davis. A born and raised Nashville native. I grew up in The Tony Sudekum Housing projects in South Nashville. One of, if not the worst neighborhood in Nashville. Although it was far from easy, I had caring family members and friends who instilled standards and culture into myself and my siblings.
I graduated from McGavock High School, Class of 2001. I then attended MTSU studying Graphic Design with a mini in Dance. Although I never finished, I truly learned a lot about life and where I wanted to go with mine.
I’ve had a few jobs in my life, but while attending MTSU, I was working at The Wildhorse Saloon. I started as a food runner, but quickly climbed the ladder to a server, then bartender, retail associate, country line dance instructor, & Shift Manager. Almost everything I do for my businesses, I learned from working there. From hospitality, financing, advertising, you name it! I was and still am so grateful for that part of my working career. Readers, if you work for someone, pay attention to what is going on. Ask to learn the business from your superiors. I promise you it will be beneficial if you ever want to enter into entrepreneurship.
I’ve created my brand from merely an interest that I had in having locs. I currently own Team Loc$$mith, Inc. The Salon, Heir Hair Care, and Royalty Academy of Barbering. I manage and operate them all. I have 1 assistant who works in my salon. Although I knew her from childhood, she’s worked for me for over 12,years.
Under my brand name, “The Loc King”, I’ve been a featured artist at the largest international hair show, Bronner Bros. In Miami. I’ve also been a featured instructor at Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show and a list of others.
For the past 12+ years, over two dozen NFL players have booked with me & still do. I’ve had the privilege and honor to service them for birthdays, holidays, graduations, press junkets, weddings, and many other occasions. I wouldn’t trade my journey for nothing! I’ve been put in rooms I’ve never even knew existed.
Currently, my focus is the above, but 7 years ago, I wrote down my ten year goals. The Salon, the Barber school, and lastly… I want a restaurant. So, a client of mine and myself are putting together a business plan and we plan to launch by next year, 2026.
To be successful in being a business owner, you have to first have an interest or WANT to build an interest in what you want your business to be. My interest has lead to a 20+ year/ 6 figure annual salary career. Stick with it, even when things aren’t going as planned. Growth and success comes from consistency. My business does just that and I make sure hospitality is top tier! Lastly my brand stands out because I keep creativity flowing with every single client that sits in my chair. I treat everyone’s hair like it’s my own.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Communication or lack there of is what I believe breaks bonds between people.
Since the lack of communication breaks bonds, it’s obvious that by putting clear and concise communication into play, understanding is welcomed in. Bonds aren’t always restored from this, but it definitely gives closure to both parties.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I definitely would tell myself to give yourself grace Shawn. You’re actually more than you or even those around you thought you would be. Remain fearless and GO GET IT!!!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe in having “ friends” and being a good one. Unfortunately, for my 42 years of living, I’ve learned that friends, much like the seasons, come and go.
Ironically, as a child, my grandmother told us grandkids, “ you don’t have any friends”!
For those who have them, pay attention. I much rather avoid the distractions
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My ability to rebuild!
Being that I’ve been in this position before, I truly know what it takes to start over from scratch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Royalacademy.pro
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locstar2015?igsh=OTJ2Z3k3bzc0emNu&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18k9gpW5Cm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theloc-kingshawndavis5103?si=Jw6Al1xNJc_57haZ
- Other: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1101527977
