A Few Minutes with Kevin Wilson
8.01.2017
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LISC StoriesA Few Minutes with...
Kevin Wilson, Proprietor of Master Barbers
When Kevin Wilson comes to work each morning, he’s ready to clip, trim and shave at Master Barbers, his haircutting salon along Imperial Avenue in Encanto.
Even though he’s only been in business for himself less than six months, he’s also mastered the art of financing – by taking advantage of LISC San Diego’s KIVA micro-loan program.
A San Diego native, Wilson recently returned from Boston after three years. Already, because of Master Barbers’ quick success, he was honored by San Diego City Council member Myrtle Cole on July 19, receiving a Letter of Commendation, now proudly framed. He was the first award-winner in District 4 to be so honored.
“LISC has been awesome. They made me realize that there are community-based organizations that want to help small businesses.”
Q: What do you like most about cutting hair?
A:The artistry, and I like making people feel good. There’s nothing like making a customer feel better when they leave the shop than when they first came in. That’s what keeps me going, the friendships I’ve made.
Q: What gives you the most satisfaction?
A: The freedom and being able to keep to your own schedule. I get to interact personally with a lot of different people who’ve become customers and good friends.
Q: How’d you learn how to cut hair?
A: When I was growing up, I’d watched my dad cut my grandfather’s hair. Once I realized that I could do it myself, I started to cut my own hair. My interest in having my own shop grew from there.
Q: How has LISC San Diego helped you?
A: LISC has been awesome. They made me realize that there are community-based organizations that want to help small businesses. I didn’t know what LISC was until I started to apply for the KIVA micro-lending loan. They were matching every dollar. When someone made a donation, they matched that amount.
Q: Were you aware of LISC before?
A: No, I didn’t know anything about LISC. But now that I know what they do, I’m very, very happy that I met with their people – and they’re still helping me today. I know this: I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for LISC.
Kevin Wilson, Proprietor
Master Barbers
6375 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, CA 92105
619-822-7329