Meet Vincent Moye | Master Barber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vincent Moye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vincent, what inspires you?
I am inspired by pain, struggle, lack, and the determination to not go back.

For example, early in my career in my building stage I had it rough. There was this one time I will never forget.

I was on my way to the barbershop, and I was running out of gas. I got to the gas station and had to ask a stranger for ten dollars just to make it to the shop. That stranger was kind enough to help me. I sat in that car for five minutes and thought to myself. I will never let that happen again. My position in life is important. I must make it happen at all times! I prayed to God for help and through him I can overcome all.

In life, you must remember that the rear-view mirror is small, but your windshield is so big. There is a reason for that. Don’t focus on what’s behind you, focus on what is in front of you! You could glance from time to time but always focus on what’s in front of you. Drive forward and never backwards! You may need to put that car in reverse at times, but that is in an effort to move forward!

I had to experience that backwards moment in my life to move forward and I’ve been taking off ever since. All thanks to God!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
VL the Barber began as a 16 year old teen who was very ambitious and wanted to earn money! I began cutting my immediate family and friends’ hair and the rest is history. The referrals began and kept coming! I continued to practice and get better in my skills. As my clientele grew, I knew I had done something right and began to take myself and business more seriously. My career started in very humble beginnings. I was cutting hair in my step father’s shop located in the “hood”. Over the years, I have spent time mastering my gift and as a result, here I am today. God really smiled on me and gave me the ability to connect with people through a haircut and inspirational conversation. As a barber you play many roles! I am VL the Barber, I am Uncle Vince, I am a therapist, I am a father, I am so much more than just a master barber. Clients become my family, and I am always here for family! That’s what separates me from the rest. You may come to me empty, and I will do my best to pour into you while getting a fresh haircut. People remember what you did for them and I’m in the “show me” business. I show people all the time how solid I am! Providing a haircut gives a physical confidence and boost your appearance; but speaking life into people helps them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You will never leave my chair feeling worse than you came in. I have learned so many lessons along the way and faced many challenges, however, I overcame with the help of God. My biggest takeaway from my career is to not take anything for granted! I am forever humble and grateful because without my clients and supporters I would not be who I am today. I want the world to know that I am intentional about my brand and committed to my clients. I service all clients with care and compassion, no matter the age! I provide warm towel service and extra care to the young men as well as old. I think it’s important to teach men how to “self care” and let them know that it is a necessary and healthy

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city is Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. There are tons of fun activities to do there! From day parties to bars, to restaurants to watching the night life come alive by experiencing museums, rooftops and so much more! The beach down here is so beautiful as well! I truly just love Las Olas. There is so much to do there, and I would recommend it to anybody. One of my favorite restaurants is Beach House, which serves up great ambience and a relaxing view of the beach!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to Spencer Chestnut! He gave me my first opportunity to become an entrepreneur. He taught me everything about the actual business, how to run it, govern myself and gave me a chance to prove myself. It’s crazy how life works because God knew how much I needed him, but God was preparing me to be there for him! Spencer had to go away for a while and needed me to take over his business. I used that platform to create my own and applied everything he taught me.

Next, shoutout is to Darius ( DK) Trumer! When I decided to venture out on my own, he was instrumental in motivating me, believing in me and giving me a chance. He got his hands on some barber mats and gave me a space in his building so I could cut hair. I was going through a financial crisis and he didn’t charge me a dime! Most of all, he never made me feel like a failure and continued to provide inspiration and support. I am forever grateful for what he has done for me many of times in my life.

Also, shout out is to Rodnel (T Boy) Vedrine.

I moved down to Florida with nothing!

I came to his barbershop, and he gave me an opportunity to cut hair in his shop. I was new to town and knew no one, so my clientele is organic. He was instrumental in helping me build my clients. In fact, he did something that was so selfless that put me in tears. Rodnel, the owner of the barber shop got a big sidewalk sign for the barbershop and instead of putting his face on it he put my picture cutting hair in front of it so the community could get familiar with my face when they come into the shop. He helped me build this foundation that I have now in south FL.

A huge key to my success is my wife, LaKeisha Moye. She inspired me to get my license and get myself together. She has been through thick and thin with me! If it wasn’t for her, I would still be cutting hair in the projects with barely anything to my name. She’s my backbone, a great supporter and someone who knows how to keep me going! She recharges me and gives me the strength to go back out in the world and conquer it everyday! My woman is number 1 and I love her so dearly! With her by my side, I know there is nothing I cannot do. Thank you for being there for me since day 1!

Website: https://g.co/kgs/KMK4Sw8

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlthebarber?igsh=a2V4aWt3NHlvNzcw

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vlthebarber?_t=8qLsPXFGhep&_r=1

Image Credits
Kenneth Lamore
Davory Mckoy
Christopher Machado