We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started when I was 15 years old that’s when I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Seeing my mom struggle made me want different.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Tenacity as a barbershop owner, my journey has been shaped by resilience, community, and a commitment to excellence. Here’s a glimpse into what sets my barbershop apart, the challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

ICU LOOKIN BARBER STUDIO isn’t just a place to get a haircut; it’s a community hub where every client is treated like family. We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch grooming services in a welcoming environment. Our team is diverse, skilled, and dedicated to continuous learning, ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends and cater to the unique needs of our clientele.

The path to success wasn’t without its hurdles. From securing financing to building a loyal clientele, every step required hard work and perseverance. One significant challenge was navigating the economic downturns that affected small businesses. However, by staying adaptable and focusing on providing exceptional service, we managed to not only survive but thrive.

Lessons Learned

Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with clients fosters loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Continuous Education: The beauty industry is ever-evolving. Investing in training ensures our team remains at the forefront of trends and techniques.

Adaptability: Being flexible and open to change allows us to navigate challenges effectively and seize new opportunities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A little bit of every where especially 3 Ward if you know you know.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly I have no shout out just seeing other business owners was motivation enough. People who didn’t think I could do it was my strength. Now I will say there are a few people that really deserve credit and recognition because when i was at my lowest there was no hesitation when i needed some one the most. So I would like to give credit to Darryl Gains at Nasa Johnson Space Center he help my dream come true as my business partner at Role Models Barber Beauty Studio 2013-2017. I also want to thank Kirk Grady at Fed Ex he supported my dream along the way as well. Last but not least Anthony Morris at Tony’s Pest Control. These guys are great role models and business minded and investors who believed in me so I would like them to know I appreciate them and they deserve recognition for that.

Instagram: icu_lookin_barber_studio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.