Today we’d like to introduce you to Daryl Hicks.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Orange County. My father was a barber, as well as, my grandfather. Dad owned his own barber shop, which he operated for over 35 years. Upon my graduation from high school, I joined the Army and served 4 years. After being honorably discharged I started working for Disneyland repairing their arcade games, then got a job with Dave & Buster’s managing the amusement operations. This is where I learned the importance of managing. Dave and Buster showed me that you can take an idea, Dave owned an arcade, and Buster owned a restaurant, and then combined their businesses to make something really cool. That’s what inspired me to take my two life experiences, barbering and arcades, and combine them. I still remember my exit interview with D&B, telling them that I was going to barber school and follow in my father’s footsteps. They didn’t believe that I would give up a job like I had, to go cut hair.
Well, as the years have passed, I opened In The Game Barber Shop in March 2010 and I can’t be more proud or happier with my choice. I have created my vision, a barber shop styled after my fathers, but also, with an arcade / bar feel to it. I remember countless times being out with Dad, say a restaurant, and he always had some patron coming up and saying hello. I now get that same experience myself when I’m out and about in my community, and for me, it’s a great feeling. I feel lucky to live and own a business in Huntington Beach, Surf City USA, and it is important for me to have a positive impact in the city I call home.
Every year since opening, I have been blessed with growth of my business and that success comes from the support of the barbers and patrons which have made In The Game Barber Shop what it is. Thank You!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting your own business is never a smooth road. I had to cash in my 401K and finance it with everything I had saved. I remember in the beginning, wondering if I would be able to pay rent and grinding my teeth all night while sleeping. The fear of not knowing if you have what it takes to make it. But, my years in the Army taught me to not give up, get up, fight on, and believe in what you’re doing.
There was the long hours and days at the start. I was working 7 days a week, minimum 10 hour days, which might not seem like a lot to some, but try standing on your feet for that long every day and some days not getting time to stop and eat. The time away from my wife and daughter, which you can’t get back. I have had 1 vacation in the 7 and a half years of being open. Most of that struggle is behind me now, I typically work a normal 5 days. And have found over time a great group of barbers to work at the shop. It is crucial to every business to have workers that support you, as well as, you supporting them. It takes time and maybe you have to go through several people before you get the right ones for your business, but it makes all the difference once you get that group.
In The Game Barber Shop – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In The Game offers traditional barber services in a relaxed, guy friendly environment. A place where anybody can come and feel welcomed. We have made a name for ourselves in providing quality men’s haircuts, as well as, straight razor shaves at a fair price. There is also, a licensed Esthetician at the shop to take care of your skin needs. We have an assortment of men’s hair grooming products (Layrite, Johnny B, and Reuzel) for you to sample with your cut and purchase if you like, because most guy’s need help in figuring out how to maintain their cut and style.
Inside our Barber Shop, we have several TV’s to watch your favorite sports from, free arcade games to play while waiting, a free beverage of choice, to include soda, bottle water or beer with your cut, and not to forget the sucker for every kid at heart, young and old. There is a good selection of magazines to read through. And we seem to get a lot of compliments on our own music playlist being played. Guys are fairly easy to make happy; give them something to drink, a game to watch, and an arcade game where you’re driving or shooting at something, all for free! and they’re pretty happy.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Having my father tell me he is proud of me for what I have created with my barber shop.
Pricing:
- Regular Haircut – $18
- Straight Razor Shave – $30
Contact Info:
- Address: 6916 Warner Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - Website: www.inthegamebarbershop.com
- Phone: 7148480088
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: In The Game Barber Shop
- Yelp: In The Game Barber Shop
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
