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Hey Reader,

100 newsletters and counting! Here's a quote from my 1st newsletter published in January 2023.

Like most barbers, I am my biggest critic. That haircut could have been better. That newsletter could have been better.

I actually think this posture is evidence of a 'growth mindset', which is a good thing. But, in the midst of a pursuit to becoming better, it's just as important to acknowledge how much better we've become.

As I've officially hit 100 newsletters, it's easy to start picking apart what could have been better. Why is it more difficult to celebrate and easier to criticize?

Today, I'm choosing to do the more difficult of the two.

As I read that quote from newsletter no.01, I do believe we've become a Guideline for the barber industry.

Throughout the last 2.5 years I've consulted various leaders and companies in the barber industry. In many cases, they were curious to connect because of what I've written about in these newsletters.

From consulting various barber companies, to writing for media platforms, to consulting barber schools and coaching successful/rising educators. It's wild to see the opportunities that have come from simply reporting the latest from the industry and sharing an opinion.

Through writing, I've developed a unique opinion on where we are, where we've been and where we're going. An opinion that ended up being more valuable than I ever anticipated.

This past week, I had a meeting with a company that helps creators start businesses. They're interested in starting a business within the men's grooming industry and wanted to run their thinking by me. As I answered their questions, I was able to pull from many stories and trends shared in this newsletter. They were impressed and said the 1 hour meeting saved their team weeks of research.

Also this past week, one of the most popular barber booking app platforms reached out. They're writing a blog about 'how to become a barber' and wanted to include some quotes from me. They'd found some blogs from my website.

Early this week, I had another meeting with one of my favorite brands in the barber community. They're considering hosting an event and wanted to talk through their ideas about event schedule and navigating possible brand sponsorships to help cover the cost. As someone with a background in events and who has attended many barber events/expos, we brainstormed various options to host the most impactful event that aligned with their brand.

See something, say something.

If anything, these stories demonstrate the power of using your voice. Like any community, I believe they are better when those in it speak up. Maybe this newsletter has been my way of actively participating in our community.

Writing has offered a space for me to find my voice. Some might like what I have to say, others might not and that's okay. I think I'm most proud that I've chosen to say something.

I'm not sure if any of this resonates with you, but if there's something you feel like you have to say...you should say it too. And as always, if you ever need a sounding board to bounce your ideas off of, please reach out. I'd love to connect.

Looking forward, I'm going to slightly pivot and focus on sharing my voice in podcast form. Long form content feels like a better place to go deeper on topics that I've been craving to talk more about. You can expect weekly episodes from me until I hit 100.

21 episodes have been published, so looks like I have 79 to go. If you want to catch up, here's the link.

As always, if you've read this far, thanks for your support and I genuinely hope you've found these newsletters to be interesting, innovative and practical.

doza.

P.S. If you were late to the party, you can read all of my newsletters here.

Written by: Matthew Mendoza​​
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