April 10, 2017

Meet Benjamin Veloz Jr. of The World Famous Venice Barbershop in Venice Beach

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Veloz Jr.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I was about 12 years old collecting cans trying to make a couple bucks so I could keep up with the times. At 12 years old living in LA, I was already in life crisis mode about money. Me and my mother grew up in Inglewood Ca, and money was always an issue. So, I did what I could however I could do it. Little did I know that at 12 years old the mind of a child was turning into a modern-day hustler. Started collecting cans, walked into a barbershop at about 13 started sweeping hair for about $20 bucks a day. I worked 7 days a week through summer and worked weekends through school. Saved up and started djing as much as I could every weekend. Rolled that over and invested about $500 bucks in what is probably one of the greatest turning points in my life. I am 5 years invested in cutting hair and the positive energy and motivation has only gotten higher. I like the hustle, I like the conversation, and I love the life. Went from always worrying about where the next dollar would come to a different mind state on how could I help others. A haircut does a lot more work than one could imagine, a haircut is a fresh new start. Just like our lives each and every day. If we can get up and catch our breaths each and every day than we can get up and start whatever it is our heart and mind desires. Sky’s the limit.

Has it been a smooth road?
Hardest decision in my life was choosing a paycheck over a passion. I stopped Djing to work a job at Sprint selling phones because it paid more. My boss was a jerk, the owner treated us like crap, and worst of all I worked 14 hours a day there. It was terrible. I got fired for being a rebel one day at the office, filed for unemployment and ventured off into an interesting point in my life. It was like an experiment of a moment. I was dead broke, sat at home, let the beard grow. I clamed up and went away in life to really find who I was. After 6 months of moping over my lame depression, I started to learn to cut hair. Just like that I was back, I left the paycheck because it wasn’t about money any more. I loved cutting hair. I loved talking to people. About real life real problem stuff that I had gone through myself and fought. I won those battles and I won this battle. Till this day, I only pass on the wisdom to do whatever it is your heart desires. Do whatever it is that makes you happy. Remember if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. It is one of the best feelings to have the mind clean and clear of thought. I call it Nirvana. Total fulfillment of enlightenment.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are “The World Famous Venice Barbershop” we are world famous because it’s one hell of an experience. We are the place to be in Venice Beach. It could be a crazy day, or a dull day. But I think I like that fact that you will never know what your day is going to be like. Our service has no time. Sometimes we cut and talk. Sometimes we shave for hours. I think our service is what makes us the best. I live by our name world famous because we meet clients from around the world and the US. And there is nothing more rewarding when someone leaves your business and says “Wow that was the best damn shave or haircut I have ever gotten”. It’s that right there that makes it worth it. It’s that right there that makes you hungry for more. It’s that right there that makes you strive for greatness. It’s the best or nothing. I’m also pretty excited being my 1st year in business and learned so much. I’ve built this wonderful family of barbers that I hope one day we all get to just work together for a real long time. It’s not a job or a company it’s a way of life. It’s beautiful.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel LA is the place to be. We move faster we think faster and the city is so damn expensive it keeps you on your toes. (Lol) I mean come on your surround by the greatest weather in all of the US. We have some of the most unique business minds living and operating here and all that being said you could still go to the beach, surf smoke some pot. Cali is the place. LA is the place. Venice is the place. It doesn’t get any better than this. I learn from all the entrepreneurs here in LA all day every day. It’s the best of both worlds… Work hard Play harder.

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