It all started with a bad haircut, but it left a lasting mark.
- Jack Boyd
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Week after week, Michael – known as GS – sat in the barber’s chair watching his fade and lineup get botched. Eventually, frustration turned into action. Armed with a cheap pair of clippers and zero experience, he took matters into his own hands. The result? Worse than the barber’s. But it was his, and that was enough to get started.
At 14, he began cutting hair for friends, family, and anyone else who would let him. Low-stakes practice slowly built his confidence and sharpened his skills. He believed that with enough determination and the grace of God, he could turn this into something bigger. Almost instinctively, he began documenting his journey. He knew early on that telling his story would be more powerful than just setting a price.
Someone once told him to “charge what you’re worth.” But GS realized something more practical: it’s not about what you think you’re worth, it’s what the market is willing to pay. So, he started small, kept his prices low, and focused on proving his value through results and consistency.
One of the toughest challenges in the beginning was building a client base without a shop. Cutting from home meant zero walk-ins. Everything had to come through social media, which came with its own issues, from inconsistent bookings to risky encounters, especially while charging lower rates. But over time, his reputation grew, and so did his mindset.
He started investing in himself – mentorships, marketing knowledge, pricing strategy, and refining his technique. That commitment paid off. He began attracting higher-value clients, including some with real influence. It wasn’t just luck, though, as from a young age, GS had tried everything – renting reptiles, flipping tech, reselling sneakers. Not every venture stuck, but every failure taught him how to sell. That skill became his edge – he wasn’t afraid to pitch himself, follow up, and close.
Networking also played a huge role in his growth. One story stands out: GS wanted to connect with someone important in San Diego, but the only contact he had was a barber who cut his hair. So, he flew over 1,200 miles to get a cut from the guy’s friend, just to make the connection. The next day, he got a second cut – this time from the actual person he’d come to meet. That bold move paid off and sparked a lasting relationship that continues to open doors.
Now, GS has moved beyond just cutting. He mentors a group of over 50 young barbers, helping them build their own paths to success. In just four months, he’s scaled his program to bring in $17K–$18K a month in recurring revenue, and this is just the start.
Looking ahead, he plans to keep cutting once a week simply because he enjoys it. But the real focus is on scaling his mentorship business. By the time he graduates from high school, his goal is to hit $60K–$70K a month. It’s not just about income but also about showing what’s possible. He’s aiming to buy a Porsche 911 by 16 and a Lamborghini Urus by 18… not to show off, but to serve as proof to others that big goals can be reached with the right mindset.
For GS, the mindset has been everything. He learned early that if you want to grow, you must act like the person you're working to become. That means making bold decisions rooted in belief, even when it’s uncomfortable.
And that is exactly what’s taken him this far.
YouTube: GSTHEKIDD - YouTube
Best barber out there, he’s a legend for sure