Meet Leslie Smith | Barber/Instructor/Barber College Owner

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

Hi Leslie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I started my barbering career 16 years ago, at Texas Barber College in Dallas, Texas. Prior to starting barber college, I was trying to find my way in life, thinking about going to college to get a degree in more traditional career choices, I found myself ungrounded and in need of something that would be stable and provide for my family as a young mother, without the demands of those traditional career choices.

Prayerfully contemplating the best path, I began to realize that while I was growing up my dad, Roy Phillips, a successful barber since 1981, had provided for our family and was home in the evenings with us. Working in a secretarial position, at the time, I asked myself “Why don’t I go to barber college?” I enrolled the next week and never looked back. I was ALL IN — like most everything I set my mind to do. That was the Summer of 2007. By the Summer of 2008, I had successfully completed barber college. I began working at my dad’s shop – Mabank Barbershop where I spent 8 1/2 years developing and critiquing my barbering skills and building an amazing and very loyal clientele.

In January 2017, it was time to open a new chapter in my life and move on to open my own shop – Eustace Barbershop. Little did I know that God was taking me to the next level in my chosen profession of Barbering.
In early February 2020, God put a new plan in my heart — to be a teacher. Then while attending a marriage conference, on February 14, 2020, a woman, who I did not know, came up to me and confirmed the plan, by saying: “You are going to be an instructor.” After praying with my husband, Chris, about it, I enrolled in a barber instructor program that next week. I completed the program in June 2020, with some very undeniable Divine Intervention, and became a barber instructor that very same month. Things were definitely moving the way and at a pace only God could plan and attain. No one could have achieved the things that I accomplished, in such a short period of time, during one of the most bizarre situations this country had ever faced, without His will being played out right before my very eyes!

First Class Barber College was in the works and years in the making. I never dreamed
that I would be an instructor, let alone a barber college owner. During this process, I have asked: “Why me, Lord?” and I feel He says: “because I chose you”. He set the plans in motion, and I was a willing vessel to do what He led me to do. He provided every resource, and I ran with it, listening very intently to all the small details.

First Class Barber College opened on August 13, 2020! Time has flown by since we opened 3 years ago! We have enrolled over 40 students and we are blessed to watch the barbering industry grow!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Barbering is a true art. I like to teach the “good ole fashion way” of cutting hair. What sets us apart from other schools and instruction is that we do not allow our students to learn how to cut hair by using guards or attachments combs. We teach the clipper over comb method. Many of our students that start the program have watched videos online and have been “self-taught” with guards in the past, realize we have a much different way than others. We are always up for the challenge. We also offer services to the public Monday – Friday that include hair cuts and straight razor shaves at a discount.

One of the perks at First Class Barber College is the fun, laid back, family oriented environment! We have had students graduate and wish they could come back to school! We are blessed to offer a safe and secure place to get your barbering education!

There are many challenges that have come with opening the college. 9 times out of 10 the inquiring future barbers are excited to get started in our program but need help financially. First Class Barber College offers quality education and training at half the price of other schools. We offer payment plans and in-house financing to those that cannot afford to pay the tuition in full. It has benefited numerous students that have completed the program.

When you attend this college, you will receive a professional education in one of the oldest professions known to man — barbering. First Class Barber College will provide you the opportunity to be set apart and a step above the rest. The program will offer the education it takes to learn the art and sciences of barbering and build the confidence needed to pass the state exams and continue your own success story! This career is life changing and one that will always be in high demand!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to start this college and giving me the wisdom to help future barbers get their careers started. Chris Smith, my husband. For always jumping on the bandwagon in all my endeavors and supporting me 100%! He even completed the barbering program! We are keeping the barbering tradition alive in our family!
Roy Phillips, my Dad, Mabank Barbershop. Giving me the skills and an absolute love for barbering! We have 100 years of barbering in our family.
My Mom for helping me with all the logistics as always!!! I love you!
Leslie Kiker “Mrs. K”, Instructor at First Class Barber College. My right hand lady!!! I couldn’t do it without her and I DON’T WANT TO TRY!!!!
My children that supported me working late into the night to get this school up and running! 3 of my children have completed the barbering program and are now barbers!
and last but not least
Every Student that has entered our doors and chosen First Class Barber College for their barbering education!

Website: 1stclassbarbercollege@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090562155964