I think we’d all agree that the world we live in is an exciting and sometimes challenging place to be! 

But even before COVID decided to unleash all manner of challenges for everyone on the planet, the last 10 years had seen massive changes in the hair and beauty industry from the huge inroads that social media has made to how we market ourselves and our businesses, to the ever-changing business models, and to the reinvention of the barbershop. 

My guest today is John Mosley, also known as ‘Popular Nobody’. John is a very talented barber, an educator and an entrepreneur with a big heart and a smile to match and at 6 foot 6 and 300lbs he cuts an imposing presence!  

In today’s podcast we will discuss:

• The importance of building a brand
• The attributes you need to succeed
• The lessons he’s learnt along the way
• The skills you need as an educator

And lots more!

In This Episode:

[01:46] Welcome to the show, John!

[02:14] John shares his background and what he's doing now.

[04:59] His whole family is in the beauty industry, and it was the last thing he wanted to do as a child.

[06:04] John speaks about being known as The Popular Nobody.

[08:01] John shares what is under his brand, The Popular Nobody, and how he came up with that brand.

[10:20] Do you work behind a chair, or do other parts of the industry take your time?

[13:12] John discusses who all make up The Popular Nobody Collective.

[15:24] John talks about how he ended up with celebrity clients.

[18:12] What's the most fulfilling part of being a barber for you?

[20:50] Listen as John discusses the culture in an African American barbershop. 

[24:02] John speaks about being told he can't do all hair; he can only do black hair.

[26:01] John shares his role with John Paul Mitchell Systems as the Artistic Director.

[28:12] John discusses the lessons he has learned from being behind a chair and transitioning to being an educator.

[30:24] What was the biggest challenge for you when you became an educator?

[33:08] John speaks about how social media and how it has affected his business and the industry in general.

[36:46] John talks about his podcast called Apex.

[40:26] What are the character traits that make someone successful in the beauty industry?

[43:44] John discusses having a child at 22 and how that made him grow up faster.

[45:10] John shares the most important advice they gave him as he was growing up.

[47:00] What is your biggest strength?

[49:05] John speaks about how he has reinvented himself over the years.

[51:23] How do you handle adversity when things don't work out the way you envisioned?

[53:17] John shares the advice he gives young people who want to be barbers.

[56:04] John tells us how to get on his Thursday Zoom calls with people around the world.

[58:26] Thank you for being on the show!

Links and Resources

Grow My Salon Business 

John Mosley

John Mosley

The Apex Podcast

@popular_nobody

Instagram | Twitter

@johnmosley

Instagram