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Mr. Taper hails from the Bronx, N.Y. and lives in Atlanta.
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Name:Vinny Barberino D.O.B: 02-12-1982 City: Fayetteville, N.C School: Apprenticeship Age: 25 DNA: Precision Barber In the late 90’s dark caesars ruled; with braids and temple fades soon to surface. Vinny was the dude in school who made you think twice about attending without getting a fresh cut. “At that time, my brush was just as important as my school utensils.” After he got his first job at a nearby grocery store, his pops no longer paid for his cuts. Young Vinny did not like dropping that dough every two weeks. Being an artist by nature, he decided to try and cut his own hair. His mom bought him some off-brand clippers so he could experiment with his future. When going to school after cutting his own hair, his peers were curious about who did the work. Shortly after that, his basement was filled with his friends, some neighborhood kids, and even his pops. Four months later he went to check out his old barber Mr. Taper. Vinny told Mr. Taper how he was doing basement cuts. Mr. Taper saw the hunger in his eyes and made him an apprenticeship offer. Since he had a job and was a junior in high school, he started cutting part-time. After completing two apprenticeship terms; stateboard lost the records from his first one, Vinny acquired his license at 20 years old. Since then he has cut in 5 shops, cut in various shows across the country, placed in competitions, and currently manages one of the hottest shops in the country (Legends Barbershop, ATL). Although Vinny taught himself the basics of cutting at 16, Mr. Taper taught him the barber game and enhanced his skill level. Vinny’s cutting style is a combination of New York and D.C mixed with his artistry. His impact on the hair industry is greater than most barbers twice his experience. “Can’t leave cutting alone the game needs me…” “I’m tired of these dudes disrespecting the game, making barbering seem like it’s a sub par profession. You must understand that at the highest level of master barbering, we practice like five different trades besides the one we have mastered. Trades such as counselor, dermatologist, psychology, massage therapy, and artist.” We can only imagine what the future holds for him. |
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| B.G. Cutta | |||||||
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As a child you never realize that the people you surround yourself
with, even family, may one day inspire you to do great things. At
the young impressionable age of twelve I was inspired by my uncle
Anthony Brookins. Throughout my childhood in Ohio my uncle was my
barber. When my uncle could no longer cut my hair I was inspired
to try it. The Free Style Fade Era was in full effect and the year was 1989 when I put my curiosity to the test. Of course my first client was myself because not many adults would trust a twelve year old cutting their hair. After proving that I had talent, my stepfather became my first adult client. Soon after this I started my hustle. I charged my friends as well as my stepfather’s friends two dollars for a haircut. Years later I moved to South West Atlanta, it was 1992. This major move didn’t stop my hustle; I continued to cut in middle school and throughout the Allen Temple Projects. Just two short years later a near fatal event and the tragic death of my father changed my life forever. In March of 1994 I was grazed above my left ear at a teen night club. Soon after that I received word that my father had passed. These two events motivated me to hustle even harder and to never give up because life is too short to settle. I buckled down and became serious about making money. I started cutting my friends hair during lunch towards the end of high school. Due to short lunch breaks I acquired speed during this time. In 1997 I graduated Harper Archer High School and during that same summer I worked in my first barbershop. Thanks to Joe and Mr. Shareff I gained professional experience at Cut Authority Barbershop in Decatur, GA. Unable to see the potential that I had of becoming a professional barber, I stopped cutting and began pursuing a career as a graphic artist. In 1999 I graduated from Atlanta Technical Institute with a 2-year degree in Graphic Design. After a short span as a graphic artist, due to being laid off, I started the search for a job that allowed me to do what I love. I decided that I would no longer let my destiny be controlled by others. Fall of 2001 I started cutting hair at Alpha Design Barbershop. This will end up being the best career move I could have ever made. While working at Alpha Design I met two barbers that have had a huge impact on my life. The owner of the shop, Mr. Taper, and a fellow barber, Vinny Barberino, have aided me in perfecting my craft. They also helped me to understand the barber game. In 2003 I started cutting hair at Natural Blend Barbershop in Marietta, GA. I started my appenticeship in 2004 and completed the program and acquired my license in May 2006. Soon after in May 2007 I was blessed with the opportunity to purchase Natural Blend Barbershop, now known as True Skills Barbershop, from Mark Womble. I am also co-founder of a Barbers Only Magazine. Throughout this journey I have learned that in this world it is survival of the fittest, only the strong survive. My ultimate goal is to one day be inspiration for a young adult to become an entrepreneur. I want the youth to know that anything is truly possible with staying focus and keeping faith in God. Do not allow others to choose your destiny! |
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