We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Santana and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anthony, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I grew up watching my parents taking risks in this country, chasing after their dreams and start several businesses of their own one of them being construction cleaning. I started helping with the construction cleaning business and eventually took over. I added pressure washing to our services but I always knew I wanted to do more just like my parents did. I started cutting hair when I was in high school at 14 years old practicing on my friends and younger brothers. It was a hobby to me, something I enjoyed doing. After I graduated high school I got my barber license from the state of Texas. Once my construction cleaning business was fully established I started a business plan to open a barber shop since it was something I always had a passion for. I brought the business plan to my wife and we decided to go for it. I also knew I would need someone who is in the industry to help me run it so I got with my childhood friend who is also a barber and he partnered up with us. One of my main goals for Smooth Razors Barbershop is to open multiple locations around the DFW area.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am proud of myself for making my vision come to life. It all started with a business plan and a sketch I drew of what I wanted my barbershop to look like. When I found the perfect location it was just a shell. I assigned myself as the contractor and started the building process. Along the way I faced several challenges that kept delaying our opening date but eventually everything came together. Patience was a huge factor in overcoming those challenges, also, doing my research to find solutions to the problems that I faced. I never lost faith and trusted God that everything was going to work out. It definitely wasn’t easy but the end result was such a reward. I strive to live up to my vision and provide the best men’s grooming experience in our area. I have high expectations for my barbers and I work along side of them encouraging them to be the best they can be and put out their best work. I am really proud of the team I have put together, I admire their passion to keep growing within the industry. They work really hard and provide great service connecting with their clients. Not only do I want customers to love their haircut but I want to build strong relationships with them.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was raised in McKinney Tx and one of the most beautiful places here is our downtown. You can walk around and shop or sit down in Landon’s Winery to sip some good wine. There’s several places to eat at or grab coffee.
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?
My biggest mentors have been my parents. They’ve shown me that anything I set my mind to I can achieve with hard work and dedication. They are the true definition of the American Dream. I strive to follow into their footsteps as entrepreneurs and become successful just like they did. Secondly, my wife, for supporting my idea and working along side of me to make this dream possible.
Website: https://Www.smoothrazorsbarbershop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoothrazorsbarbershop?igsh=enB2MTVlY3ZxbTN0&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550574405987&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
KN.Visions