Meet Michael J Hamilton II | Barber/ Fashion Designer/Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael J Hamilton II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael J, why did you pursue a creative career?
Great Question. My career path as a barber officially started my creative journey. The ability to transform someone’s look based upon their desires and instructions just spoke to me. But the true genesis of it all, unbeknownst to me, was majoring in Fashion Merchandising in college.
Fast forward thru my barbering career and I also had a stint in film school at The Art Institute of Dallas to become a film director. Creativity. Then I ventured off into the world of Spoken Word poetry. GREAT experience for myself. I have always had a way with words and writing, so the expression of prose in a verbal manner fit my profile. The Pandemic and subsequent quarantine that we experienced in 2020 brought about a full circle of sorts for me. As I stayed sequestered in my home for a month, the idea for my clothing line,
SKOOL CLOTHES was born.

Schooling Kings Out Of Love is the meaning of the acronym. The idea that mentoring younger men and passing on knowledge just makes my heart feel fulfilled. From the foray into the urban athletic fashion world, came the desire to have a podcast. Which brings us to NOW, with the “SKOOL & The G.A.N.G.” podcast. The opportunity to speak directly to the masses feeds the desire to educate and enlighten this generations young black man.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My SKOOL brand is my labor of love. Both the clothing line and the podcast are extensions of who I am and what I believe the people need. The clothes represent the urban prep/athletic style that I have been known for since high school. Check my resume’. And the podcast (SKOOL & The G.A.N.G) is an extension of my everyday desire to share knowledge with the youngstas. Being a barber for 29 years, the conversations that I have been privileged to and participated in, have shaped my thought process. I revel in the knowledge passed on to me by some of the older gentlemen that I have encountered over the years. Becoming the professional barber that I am today was carefully crafted under the tutelage of Mr Azzie Arnick of Garland, TX. 18 years of learning, barbering and life lessons, have helped me overcome hurdles put into my path. Being a solid representative for yourself will help you conquer all challenges that present themselves along the way. Be it haircuts, sweatshirts or episodes of the podcast, being a consistent version of myself and giving people something they can count on is MANDATORY. I want the world to know that whether it’s Magnificent Styles or SKOOL brand( Merch & Content) you’re getting the very best of me. True and authentic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting me here in the city, we’d be in for a good time. I’m a relatively home oriented individual but I enjoy a good time like everyone else. We would definitely get our workouts in with Tyson The Transformer (FB & Instagram) as our health is our wealth. We would eat at some of the best black-owned restaurants in the city. Southern Gourmet Kitchen in Plano, What’s Clucking chicken in Plano, Pangea in Garland, DJs Steakhouse in Addison & Wingfields hamburger in Oak Cliff, just to name a few places.

If the weather permits, we would definitely hit up Klyde Warren Park and also the Dallas Arboretum. As well as the Perot Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or not in Arlington.

For the nightlife activity that he would probably want to engage in, the first place we would go is VINETTIS for drinks and dancing. Sandaga 813 would be the venue for live music and dancing. Ekko lounge is new to the Carrollton area but I have heard that it was a great place to mingle and have a great time doing it. I would probably sneak in at least one day party during the visit. Preferably one at Peoples Last Stand.

Our city has so much to explore that we would probably uncover something that I hadn’t even heard of.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout-outs, first and foremost ,would have to go to my children. I have 5 kids that range in age from 29, 28, 25, 2 and 1. There are 4 girls and 1 boy. He is the middle child. The thought of leaving a legacy for them to be proud of is a strong desire that I have, Being a good father has always meant a lot to me. I have not been a perfect father, no one has, but I have always been a LOVING and PRESENT father. After helping to put two of my older kids thru college at the University of Texas at Austin, myself and my ex were blessed with not only one but two beautiful baby girls in the span of 17 months. Wow! My Ex deserves a shout-out for being the mother to my girls that they deserve and I appreciate. Lastly, My mother has ALWAYS been a strong supporter of whatever it is that I have endeavored to try. And i love her for that.

Website: Skoolclothes.org

Instagram: Skoolandthegang214 & skoolclothes2310

Twitter: @trillpoet214

Facebook: Michael James Hamilton II

Youtube: Kings Love Media