CM: | Tell us about yourself: (education/training, years of experience, specialty, etc.) |
YB: |
My name is Youssef and I am humbled to share a piece of my story. I was born in Egypt, and grew up from VA, PA, CT, MD and ATL for the past 13 years. I have experience with cutting hair since I was 12, at the age of 16 I got my barber’s apprentice license. Two years after putting in the necessary 2200 hours, I passed the state board examinations, and have since had my Master Barber license. I have an Associate’sdegree, and established my career in the barbering industry. Since I've moved to Atlanta, I opened twobarbershops, Diamond Cuts 1 and 2 located in South Atlanta. We have an amazing team of 14 barbers and 3 stylists. We received Barbershop of the Year in 2019, 2021, and 2022. I am the creator of the Curl Sponge and product line, 2019 I also received product of the year. I specialize in all hair types and haircuts but have always preferred to think outside of the box. I created a haircut called "the Oreo Fade" (reverse fade). My videos have millions of views across social media. My high-profile clients range from artists to professional athletes. Such as Chance theRapper, Migos, August Alsina, French Montana, Freeway Ricky, Big Boi, Rich Homie Quan, Jermaine Dupree, Bow Wow, Chris Combs, CyHi, Safaree, Emmanuel and Phillip Hudson, Eastside Evo, Jaylen Brown, Jae Crowder, Clint Frazier, Jeff Okudah, Clint Capela, to modestly name a few. I worked on set for SNL, Jimmy Kimmel, TheLate Late show, Ellen show, David lettermen, Barber Shop 3 the movie, Rap Game season 2,3 and 4. Rhythm and Flow on Netflix. BET Hip Hop awards, 2020 NBA All Star Week. Various Magazines such as GQ Parent Magazine Kontrol Mag, Thirsty Roots, Fast Company. Published on CNN, featured on Vice TV, CBS, NBC Barbershop Connect. I’ve attended and competed (multiple award winner), instructed classes, panels, and sold my brand at so many Hair Shows across the states including the Virgin Islands. This has allowed me to develop professional relationships with many barbers and companies around the world. I’ve been featured on instructional DVDs, one called ‘Key to the Game’, alongside some of the best barbers in the industry. I have also been awarded Atlanta Style Icon by Rolling OutMagazine and awarded Top 10 Barbers of ATL by Barbernomics. For the past three years I was listed as top 50 barbers in the United States by Barbers Only Magazine. I am thankful and blessed to share my gifts with the world and help inspire one hair cut at a time. @YoussefBarber |
CM: |
What made you want to become a barber? |
YB: |
Funny story. I kept getting messed up by barbers, so I would go home and fix it. My classmates in 6th grade would ask who did it(after I fixed in the bathroom mirror) and would say “I did!” Then they began to ask me to do theirs! That’s how it all started. |
CM: |
What is a moment in your career that you are most proud of? |
YB: |
Opening my own shop at the age of 23. |