Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikhail Brown.
Hi Mikhail, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After graduating as Valedictorian from Academy Charter High School, in Fall of 2008, I started at Long Island University C.W. Post. During this time, I began cutting hair in the University’s bathroom for additional income.
After graduating from Long Island University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Ed, the wanted a form of financial independence. In Feb 2013, I decided to be a full time barber because it provided an opportunity for income and flexibility (under the leadership of Nakoma Jones). After a series of unfortunate events, in March 2019, I then had to go to another shop. At the time it was named “Tiger Cuts”. Almost year to date, the shop closed because of the Covid Shut Down. During the height of the Pandemic, in June of 2020, the opportunity to own the shop was presented to me. I renamed it, rebranded the location and it was then, I became the owner of Thee Kingdom Komb, in Asbury Park, NJ. I graduated from Innovate Salon Academy with my barber license in November of 2021. I currently service my clients, mentor younger barbers and young men, and build community through the many avenues my establishment provides. I believe that when you put God 1st, you won’t ever be second.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Hiccups come with the journey. The road is seldom smooth and if it is, you’re going to be underdeveloped. Thank God, I’m good with people and I’m good with numbers. Major challenges were:
Changing the stigma that came with the shop
•Culture
•Aesthetic
•Price Point
Rebranding and re-staffing
Profit Margin Changing
Different Personalities
Managing people that manage people
Understanding of Principles and Morals
Implementation of Structure
Starting a family while building a business
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
You should know that Kingdom Komb is a brand that owns a barbershop and clothing. You can find cuts and culture in the same place. We specialize in servicing clients for their grooming services and providing apparel. Once you come through these doors, you’re now family.
It’s about the quality. From the hair cuts, to the clothing, I am about quality. According to the numbers we’re ranked #3 amongst all barbershops in Asbury Park, and we’re not even in final form. I’m proud of the impact and what the brand represents. It is a Symbol of Godliness, Strength, Royalty, Resilience and Quality.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say it’s my willingness and hunger for learning. I’m a student of life and it makes me always put things in perspective.
Pricing:
- I started doing this for free
- now I charge $50.00
- Hoodies: 50.00-70.00
- Crewneck: 40.00-50.00
- T-Shirts: 25.00-35.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theekingdomkomb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thee_kingdom_komb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikhail.brown.92
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/the_real_khail
