Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Smith.
Hi Ali, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Barbering was never something I would have imagined doing but it actually ended up saving my life! I first picked up a pair of clippers after being medically discharged from the military (training instructor) due to it “being out of uniform” so when I got back home I couldn’t find a barber that gave me the cut that I wanted. I’m guessing at the time, it was taboo for a woman to walk into a barbershop and get a basic haircut but I was done with the shop after so many failed attempts. So I ended up going to the store and purchasing a pair of clippers and I started cutting my own hair and once I finally got the hang of it, family and friends began to ask about my cuts. Once I told them that I was the one who was cutting my hair, no one believed me at first then it went to them asking to cut their hair. From there, it went from friends and family to their friends and family and before I knew it, I was traveling all over the city servicing clients. My “claim to fame” began when I started posting the haircuts I was doing on MySpace; thinking I was posting for people down the street but then I realized people all over the world could see my work! I began to grow a worldwide fanbase through my haircuts. I was invited to visit Australia to showcase my work, I received fan mail from Africa, China and Japan and it was when I discovered the secret world of Barber Battles that I knew this was something I would love forever!
When I say that barbering saved my life, I mean that it gave me something to focus on and become better and better everyday. Through being homeless and sleeping in my car to dealing with anger issues that ended in me having numerous visits in county jails, it was the love for the industry, the clients I had who were motivating me to go further into the career but most importantly, the accomplishments and recognition I was receiving from everyone that really forced me to change my entire life for the better!
After 15 years, I have been recognized as one of the top female barbers in the nation for two consecutive years, awarded at multiple barber battles, became a platform artist traveling the country to showcases, even became a barber instructor to teach others up and coming barbers the barber game from my experience. Each student that I taught has successfully passed the state board test on their first try and now are making a living for their families. In 2017, I founded “Mobile Master Barber,” which is a mobile barber service company and since I opened up, I have cut celebrities visiting the Orlando area, serviced multiple wedding parties for groomsmen, worked amongst major corporations like Chic-fila and Harley-Davidson and during COVID, I worked with Senator Stewart (FL) to change the law for mobile barbering to become legal.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has been far from easy but it each lesson has definitely been worth it! To be a female in a male-dominated industry, I had to grow some tough skin. I have faced every type of “-ism” you can think of: racism, sexism and even homophobia. There have been many days of wanting to give up and quit but each day I just kept getting up and going to work like nothing ever happened. The moment in my life where I thought I was about to really give it all up and which led me to my niche: going mobile, was when I went through my divorce. That tore every piece of happiness out of me so I became miserable which leaked into my work. One thing about being an entrepreneur is that we don’t have business problems, we have personal problems that interfere with our businesses. As for me, that is when I knew it was time to separate from the barbershop, take time to myself but also find a way to continue working. I opened up a private suite and would have one on one visits with my clients versus being in a busy barbershop with everyone around. In that moment, I began to heal and focus on my business. I ended up leaving from that private studio to going fully mobile and I haven’t looked back since!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Mobile Master Barber?
Mobile Master Barber is a personal grooming service, primarily for men, that provides services on-location to our clients within the greater Orlando area (for now). This company opened up in 2017 and has been very effective during the pandemic due to the demand of having private sessions in the home instead of going out to the barbershops. Our services range from Full Service Haircuts to Lather Beard Shaves and even Facials. We service men, women and children of all ages, sexual orientations, etc. We have a Membership program for those who want recurring services through the month and Advance Service Packages for those who want to buy in bulk and use the services as needed. Our service area is within Orange County but we do go outside of the service area on request.
The “Mobile Master Barber” brand prides itself in convenience, privacy and exclusivity. Our clients love not having to leave their homes and offices to wait in traffic, wait in the barbershop, wait for the barber and deal with the environment they could be subjected to. We specialize in servicing Autistic children and servicing patients in the hospitals in the area. The nurses and doctors are always amazed when we show up! For Autistic children, they feel more comfortable at home with our services so it easier for them and also for the parents.
We also love to do charity events for back to school, homeless shelters, Christmas events and pretty much anything we can get to. Giving back to the community is a major part of our business because it is the community that keeps us alive. Barbering not only makes people look good, but feel good so we don’t mind giving out haircuts to those who need it.
Any big plans?
The future is looking bright for me and Mobile Master Barber! My dream to go mobile started when I saw a Sprinter van and how big it was and had a thought to put a barber chair inside. So, I have been chasing that dream ever since. I want to own a mobile barber unit for my clients to enjoy the full spa-like experience on wheels. I also want to hire a team of barbers and begin the spread the brand. I have many years of experience to share and it is time to spread my seeds and watch them grow.
Pricing:
- Pricing for mobile service is $100.00/visit
- Pricing for Memberships begin at $75.00/month
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@mobilemasterbarber.com
- Website: www.mobilemasterbarber.com
- Instagram: @MobileMasterBarber
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MobileMasterBarber
- Twitter: @MMBLLC_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHSh69tOeLnDkpyPMPc3azw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mobile-master-barber-orlando-27
