OWNER: WILLIE TAYLOR

1. Briefly describe AllStarz Barbershop LLC and the products/services offered.

AllStarz is a veteran owned barbershop! A classic, but sports themed barbershop that specializes in all genres of hair texture. We specialize in the latest trends all the while maintaining a traditional feel in the shop. The atmosphere we’ve been told is ‘to die for’! We are located in the heart of Downtown Warrensburg! Along with the best haircuts for men, women, and kids; we have different men hair care products that we carry as well. One stop shop for your grooming needs!

2. How did you get started as a small business owner?

As a small business owner I received my first business license 16 years ago for the first time ever. The way I got started was a lot of prayer and sacrifices. I didn’t know much about business except I wanted to open one. 16 years later I don’t think today I could use that method. But it was all I had as resources in the community at that time. Getting started as a small business owner is by far a huge leap, but with the proper resources and community based organizations that help small business owners build great foundations for their business, it’s hard to lose.

3. What was your mission at the start of AllStarz Barbershop LLC and has that mission evolved over time?

To Survive!! 😎 But in all seriousness, my main focus and mission at that time was to stay focused on what I wanted 5, 10, 15 & 20 years to look like! And to write every goal and set back down! Today our mission is a bit different. It’s not about survival after all, it’s about sustainability at this point. And our focus is to dive deep into the power curve of successful small businesses! Attending every seminar or expo we possible can to maintain a edge on the hair and health industry. To change the lives and legacy of the people cutting hair as well as our clients that we serve.

4. How many employees does AllStarz Barbershop LLC have?

6

5. What is unique about AllStarz Barbershop LLC?

What is unique about us is our diversity in the workplace, and the diversity in our facility. The amount of community involvement is top notch. We believe in building a better future for and through our youth for they are truly our tomorrow. That’s our driven focus.

6. How much time did it take for AllStarz Barbershop LLC to earn a profit?

16 years ago, I opened up and made profit week three. 16 years later it’s a complete formula that we use in house to calculate profit and losses and as of 2017 upon opening the establishment, we made profit in month 6.

7. What has been a significant challenge that you have faced and overcome as a small business owner?

COVID-19 has by far been the ultimate challenge to date. Learning to operate and fully function during these unprecedented times has been a true test.

8. As a small business owner, how do you measure success?

As a small business owner success is often measured by whom you surround yourself with. In business it’s the same, who you become community partners with, how devoted you are to growing your brand in the community through engagement, to me is how you define and measure success. Being a pivotal puzzle piece to growing your community yields success on so many levels that money or clients could deliver. AllStarz is a major puzzle piece and advocate for our community. The heartbeat to The Burg! 💈

9. What do you like most about owning a small business?

What I love about owning a small business is being able to provide a platform for so many great individuals. Seeing your staff buy homes and upgrade their cars, and take nice vacations is moment where you feel accomplished to see someone else trusting your vision to feed their family. It’s different level of winning.

10. What piece of advice would you offer to new entrepreneurs?

Go to school, take seminars, do market research! Grind daily to find innovative ways to grow and develop not just your business or your brand but also how to challenge you as a individual to grow along with your business. Position yourself around successful people, places, and things!