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Barbershops can be sacred spaces where young boys and men nurture a sense of community.
Steve Evans, owner of Stevie E’s Place in Akron, Ohio, experienced this firsthand as a child. His dad would often take him to his local barber for a haircut. The shop owner had a strict policy: Late customers had to wait until the end of the day for their turn in the chair. Evans admits to occasional tardiness, but as he waited, he learned invaluable lessons and unwittingly discovered his lifelong passion.
“Just sitting there watching them for hours, seeing the connection with the customer, seeing the reaction afterwards, and just being able to show what you could do in your own way, it was inspiring to me.”
Steve Evans, Owner, Stevie E’s Place
Years later, Evans would become a barber himself. After 10 years working at a local barbershop, the owner handpicked Evans as his successor once he was ready to retire. In 2018, Evans assumed ownership of the business and renamed it Stevie E’s Place.
Since taking over the shop, Evans says he’s learned that maintaining a small business requires not only passion, but team-building skills and a deep commitment to customers. His experience showcases how other first-time entrepreneurs can grow their businesses and build their own legacies.
Opening up shop
Taking over an established business required Evans to seek advice and support from people he trusted. Coriano Johnson, a long-time customer and State Farm® agent[AG1] , was one of the people Evans turned to.
“Steve told me about it [the business], and I said, ‘I can help you.’ I said, ‘Let’s talk about insurance so you can protect your new business.’”
Johnson helped Evans set up his small business insurance, walking him through what his policy options can be. Like Evans, Johnson says it’s important for first-time entrepreneurs to get the right policy customized to fit their needs. For Evans, that meant property and liability coverage, covering equipment such as his barber tools, chairs and set-up booth.
Evans says his relationship with Johnson was critical to helping him properly set up his business. Developing and nurturing good relationships—whether with State Farm[IG4] customers or his community—has also helped Evans grow his business.
As a business owner, Evans says it’s crucial to “stand firm on your word” and always show up for your customers.
“You’ve got to be consistent. You’ve got to be here, whether or not the guys show up, it’s on you to be there. The doors need to be open. The responsibility is on the owner, which can be tough sometimes, but that’s just part of business.”
Steve Evans, Owner, Stevie E’s Place
Evans prides himself on creating a clean, safe and welcoming environment for his customers and used funds from a Small Business Administration loan to update the shop’s appearance and buy new tools. Customers took notice, often commenting on how nice the shop is, but what makes Evans even happier is how his business has become a staple in the community and how he’s able to connect with younger generations.
“It’s important for me to be out in the community,” he says. “I love being in my barbershop, but when I do have the chance to step away from behind the chair and be out and around people and see what’s going on, that really does it for me. I’m not just in it for the money. I’m in it to help change lives any way I can.”
Learning and growing as an entrepreneur
A big reason for Evans’ success so far is because he realized early he couldn’t do it alone. He says first-time business owners also should seek help from other experienced professionals, such as an accountant or bookkeeper, which will allow them to focus more on their craft.
“You can’t do it all on your own. You’re going to need help. It takes a lot to manage the business and do the work at the same time,” Evans says.
Johnson says that like Evans, every new business owner should make sure they are insured for their needs.
Business owners also should consider sitting down with their agent on an annual basis to review their policy and to help the business owners evaluate that their coverage still aligns with their needs. Significant revenue growth, new employees, new purchases, or a change in the business’s location are all events that could trigger a policy review, Johnson adds.
Effective financial management can be crucial for a business to be successful, but so is the right mindset. Evans says it’s important to realize the first five years can be tough. When he was first starting out, Evans often told himself failure wasn’t an option. Six years in, Evans’ deep belief in himself has paid off. His advice for other entrepreneurs is to be just as resilient.
“Don’t give up on your dream. Continue to develop your craft,” he says. “Don’t get complacent, but be willing to grow and stay focused.”
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