Rising Stars: Meet Julian Payne of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Payne.

Hi Julian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins with curiosity. As a kid, I was fascinated by discovery — I spent hours exploring the woods of Maryland behind my house, turning every fallen branch into a compass and every trail into a new adventure. Those quiet explorations taught me that discovery isn’t always about distance; it’s about perspective — the ability to find wonder in the world around you.

In my early teens, I learned something that would change how I viewed my own path forever: the legendary Arctic explorer and published author Matthew Henson, the first African American to reach the North Pole, was my great uncle. His courage and brilliance — paired with the humility of a man whose achievements were overlooked for decades — inspired me to view exploration not just as travel, but as a calling.

That legacy was carried forward by my father, Samuel Payne, who years later stood at a podium in Washington, D.C., representing our family and honoring that same spirit of discovery. As an employee of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), he was invited to speak at the Naval Intelligence Command’s Black History Month ceremony. He shared our great uncle’s story — how Henson braved the unknown, reached the North Pole 45 minutes before Admiral Peary, and helped reshape history. My father’s message was powerful: that each of us inherits a responsibility to explore our full potential, even when the world doesn’t immediately recognize it.

That moment deeply shaped how I saw the purpose of innovation and exploration in today’s world. Human migration, travel, and connection are not modern inventions — they are ancient instincts. The urge to explore and the need for community are written into our DNA. And now, as we stand at the bridge between human experience and artificial intelligence, I believe we have the opportunity to bring that same spirit into a new frontier.

That belief gave birth to Breadcrumbzs — a travel technology platform that combines the human spirit of exploration with the intelligence of AI. Our proprietary SMS-based Travel Assistant allows users to do something simple yet revolutionary:
Book airline tickets, reserve hotels, and make restaurant bookings — all through a single text message.

No apps to download, no complicated interfaces — just the power of human conversation, guided by technology. Breadcrumbzs makes travel personal again. It learns your preferences, helps you find hidden gems, and turns your phone into a gateway for discovery.

To me, Breadcrumbzs isn’t just a company — it’s a continuation of my family’s legacy. From Matthew Henson’s Arctic expeditions to my father’s words in Washington, D.C., to the digital landscapes we navigate today, the message remains constant: the world is still full of uncharted territory — and exploration, whether physical or digital, is still one of humanity’s greatest callings.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been far from smooth. I built Breadcrumbzs completely on my own, without outside investment or financial backing — just vision, belief, and relentless determination. Every milestone came from personal sacrifice, late nights, and learning how to turn limitations into opportunities.

At the same time, I’ve been running another company, The Original Mobile Barbershop, which I founded 18 years before as a pioneer in the barbering industry. Balancing two companies in completely different sectors — one rooted in human service and the other in cutting-edge technology — has tested my endurance and focus.

The biggest challenge has been navigating uncertainty. As a serial entrepreneur, you’re constantly faced with decisions that carry risk, especially in a rapidly changing world driven by artificial intelligence. The pace of innovation can be both inspiring and overwhelming. Without traditional funding or a large team, I’ve had to rely on creativity, discipline, and adaptability to move both companies forward.

Still, those challenges became my greatest teachers. They taught me that resilience and belief are the true currencies of entrepreneurship — and that building something meaningful often means betting entirely on yourself.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Before tech, I built a legacy in the world of grooming as the founder of The Original Mobile Barbershop Company, a business that redefined convenience and connection by bringing the barbershop directly to clients. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with some of the most iconic names in sports and entertainment — including the late, great Kobe Bryant, whom I groomed for over five years during his sixth championship run. My clientele also included legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Eddie Murphy, and hip-hop icons such as Kanye West, Redman, Method Man, DMX, and countless artists from Def Jam, Motown, Priority Records interscope Records and more.

Those experiences taught me about precision, professionalism, and presence — qualities I now bring into technology. What sets me apart is my ability to merge worlds: the human touch of service with the intelligence of AI. Whether through a haircut or a travel assistant, my mission remains the same — to create meaningful, connected experiences that bridge people, culture, and innovation.

What are your plans for the future?
I see the future as an opportunity to scale both the technology and the impact of my work. With Breadcrumbzs, my goal is to evolve our SMS-based AI Travel Assistant into the most trusted, human-centered travel platform in the world — where anyone can discover hidden gems, book flights, hotels, and restaurant reservations instantly through a simple text. We’re building toward integrations that make the experience even richer, from curated local experiences to real-time concierge-level support, all powered by AI but rooted in human connection.

At the same time, I plan to expand The Original Mobile Barbershop Company into a larger ecosystem of services and training programs that empower barbers and entrepreneurs across the country. My vision is to merge culture, service, and technology in ways that create opportunities for others the way my journey has for me.

Looking ahead, I’m also preparing to raise strategic capital and build partnerships to scale Breadcrumbzs globally. The big change I’m most excited about is showing that AI can be personal, authentic, and community-driven — turning travel from a transaction into an experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Breadcrumbzs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followmybreadcrumbzs?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breadcrumbzs?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianpayne4842555b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: https://x.com/breadcrumblez?s=21
• Other: https://wefunder.com/breadcrumbzstechinc