Today we’d like to introduce you to Wasim Al Shuqdam
Hi Wasim, 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?
My name is Wasim Al Shuqdam and I was born in Lebanon and raised in Jordan. I started barbering when I was 14 and opened my first barbershop at 20. From 20 to 28 the barbershop was my whole life. When I was 28 I decided to follow my brother to America to pursue my passions further. I landed in Los Angeles and became involved in the food scene first. I started working at a restaurant and learned how to cook and became passionate about curating dishes. After 5 years of dedicating myself to my craft of cooking. I decided to leave the cooking for my family at home, and dive back into my true passion; barbering. I started my search for a shop and ended up in the booming North Hollywood area. I was able to quickly build my clientele, and even the managerial ladder. I worked hard for 5 years building my following and felt confident enough to take the next step. In 2022 I opened and refurbished my second barbershop in North Hollywood- The Humble Barber. With help from friends, family, and of course my loyal clients, I have been able to create a welcoming, neighborhood barbershop that everyone is welcome in.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When arriving in America, I brought my whole family with me, but soon realized that people were not as welcoming and I I did not have the support I had back home. I had to figure it out on my own, but I was determined to find my way. I sent my family back home so they did not have to struggle with me. I was alone. I had no money and no friends, I had to sleep in Islamic centers to keep myself warm at night. I walked everywhere and found some support from strangers who helped me day by day. I was able to buy a bicycle to get around to find work. I was motivated to find work, build myself, and bring my family back to a stable, comfortable home. I worked little jobs to get by and was able to buy a car which became my home and bed, and the gym would soon become my very own private bathroom. After hustling for a grueling 8 months and finally landing a job at the restaurant I was eager to bring my family back, I missed them too much and knew I would have more motivation to work even harder with them by my side.
There were people back home in Jordan telling me I wouldn’t be able to support my family or become successful, little did they know that their lack of confidence in me was my biggest motivator.
I’d like to thank my brother for helping me along the way even while figuring out his own path here in America, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without his guidance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Humble Barber is a dream come true. Being able to operate and own a business of my own in the beautiful Los Angeles seemed so out of reach, and now it is in the palm of my hand. I not only own, but also work in my establishment. I specialize in barbering services including haircuts, shaves and beard trims, and facials. As an individual and a shop we are known for our positive energy, welcoming demeanor , always enjoying some good music and good conversation. We welcome anyone and everyone and are grateful to work in an area with some many amazing people from all walks of life.
How do you think about happiness?
My number one reason for everything I do, what brings me the most joy, is my family. I have a beautiful wife, Rasha, she is my inspiration and anchor in everything I do. My oldest child, my daughter Nada, who amazes me everyday with her knowledge, she is finishing high school and hopes to study medicine in college. My eldest son ,Mohammed, is a dreamer who is constantly planning for the future, and always guiding the people he cares for along the way. My youngest son, Zaid, is a feisty but gentle person who always has his friends’ and family’s back no matter the situation. It brings me so much joy knowing I am able to live everyday with and for my family.
I am also a simple man who loves a drive in a fast car, and a good meal surrounded by my friends.
Pricing:
- Haircut – $40
- Haircut & Beard – $60
- Beard Service. – $25
- Buzz Cut – $25
- The Humble Experience- $70
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thehumblebarber.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumblebarbernoho/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-humble-barber-san-fernando-valley
