Welcome back to Takemetotheheights! It feels incredible bringing another interview to you, the incredible readers who continue to make all of this possible for Takemetotheheights!!
With any interview we do here at Takemetotheheights, it’s imperative for us to continue to share the narrative of small owned businesses, but we also remember to highlight/continue to champion those who not only look like us, show understanding and show community, it’s just as important for us to showcase businesses that practice intentionality.
Being intentional/purposeful is one of the many driving forces that pushes us here at Takemetotheheights that in turn, pushes us to keep sharing these particular type of blog posts!
Let’s read on and meet another individual/(fellow business owner) who prides himself on the practice behind grooming and creating a comforting/inviting space for his clients as they walk in for barber services.
Let’s meet Troy D. Johnson, part owner of The Standard Grooming Barbershop.
Takemetotheheights: Can you tell the readers who you are?
Troy: My name is Troy D. Johnson. I’m a barber/ image enhancer, philanthropist and part owner of The Standard Grooming Barbershop with Vince Jamael. The Standard Grooming Barbershop is located In Brooklyn, New York.
TMTTHS: How/why did you get into entrepreneurship?
Troy: I got into entrepreneurship because I realized at an earlier age that it was the only way to control your life, time; and still be able to give back to my community while helping circulate the black dollar.
TMTTHS: Can you tell the readers about The Standard Grooming Co.?
TDJ:The Standard Grooming Co is a barbershop where Black men, women, and children can come and experience a modern shop with a great vibe enriched with old barbershop values.
We value being current with hair style trends and technology to help move our industry forward hence the name, Standard Grooming.
TMTTHS: What sets The Standard Grooming apart from other barbershops?
Troy: For one, we are an appointment only barbershop. We value the one thing you can never get back and that is your time. We don’t do walk-ins (as we continuously honor our clients time) or shape ups (we create an environment where the experience is unforgettable for clients) We also maybe the only shop that no matter what chair you sit in, you will get an amazing haircut. (We all are nasty with the clippers 🤣) Because of that, we often cut each others’ clients hair and that has become our culture in the shop.
TDJ:We also have a pop-up street wear brand called Never Settle that Vince and I started during the pandemic. It started off being The Standard Grooming merchandise, (clothing) our clients could buy and feel proud about supporting a black owned business. We then designed one hoodie that said “Never settle”, and from that, it became its own movement and brand.
The New York Times also did an article on The Standard Grooming during the pandemic. Not only was it a win for us, but, it also helped to push our narrative even further.
TMTTHS: Where do you see The Standard Grooming five years from now?
Troy: In 5 years, I see us (myself alongside Vince, the other owner of the Standard Grooming Co.) franchising the brand to help elevate the industry while giving our community an opportunity to be a business owner.
TMTTHS: What advice do you have for anyone looking to go into the grooming business?
Troy: (I would say) ask your self these three questions:
- Would you cut hair for free?
- Do you enjoy making people feel good?
- Do you love being creative?
TMTTHS: How would you want people to feel when they walk in/leave The Standard Grooming after getting a service(s)?
Troy: I want people to feel comfortable in our space, feel amazing and fearless after your cut and inspired after your experience.
TMTTHS: How can people find The Standard Grooming?
Troy: You can find The Standard Grooming on Instagram @standardgrooming or our website at thestandardgrooming.com
TMTTHS: Any last thoughts you’d like to share about The Standard Grooming?
TDJ: The Standard Grooming was created from us wanting to do more and touch more lives in our community “Our Way”. I feel the barbershop is a pivotal piece to the black community and we take pride in representing our community (in creating) a positive way and safe space for all of us.
What better way to end off the interview in highlighting a safe space for all of us. Be sure to visit The Standard Grooming for your barbershop/grooming needs. You can book your next appointment by visiting thestandardgrooming.com! or by visiting their respective Instagram page! Let us know when you’ll book in our replies or by sounding off in our messages by visiting Takemetotheheights on insta!
As always, stay tuned for any other interviews we’ll have here at Takemetotheheights!
With peace and love,
Editor-in Chief
takemetotheheights 