What this symbol represents for me is art. An art that I've dedicated myself to for the past 7 years. Barbering is another form of artistic expression for me. I'm a very creative person and God knew this career would be a perfect fit for me.

Who would have thought a kid who dreamed of being a top 5 rapper from the small town of Maywood,IL would be here.

I honestly didn't think I'd make it past 21. So many of my friends were murdered and I figured I'd be caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. Thanks be to God for allowing me to make it out of the neighborhood.

My passion comes from my family. I come from a strong line of men who made a way out of no way. My father is a mechanic who painted cars and who was all around a handy person. My uncles and older cousins took on that same trade. Coming up I was just a creative type, never was that handy.

Music and art caught my attention a lot. At nine years old I was making mixtapes with cassettes and wanted to be a DJ. I won my first talent show in 3rd grade playing the bongos.

My older brother Byron, was a barber and he was cutting my hair all through grade school. He was awesome. He passed away at 26 when I was only 12. If he was here we'd be cutting side by side today...

I didn't know this until a few years ago but my grandfather was a barber. My attention to detail came through him for sure. God has been ordering my steps since the beginning and allowing me to use my gifts to provide for my family. Being a business owner is priceless and I'm forever grateful. Thank you for reading...

Reflection..

J.Griffin