Meet Savage The Dapper Barber | Barber, Shop Owner, Author, & Brand Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Savage The Dapper Barber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Savage, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was born out of a desire to help other shop owners in the barbershops where I had worked. Over time, I realized that while my advice and suggestions were well-intentioned, they weren’t always welcomed or implemented. This led me to a pivotal decision: if I wanted to truly embrace my vision and creative potential, I needed to step out on my own. It wasn’t an easy choice by any means, but it was a necessary one for my personal and professional growth. Taking this leap allowed me to fully express my creativity and build a business that reflects my passion and values.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey to becoming a barber was far from conventional, and it’s a story that I’m incredibly proud of. It all started back in high school when I took matters into my own hands—literally—and began cutting my own hair after losing hope in finding a good barber. Soon, a few friends noticed and asked me to cut their hair as well.After high school, I joined the Marine Corps, where the grooming standards are strict, with male Marines required to sport some variation of a skin fade. I continued cutting my own hair while enlisted, and to help my peers save some money, I also cut theirs. At the time, I had no idea that barbering would become my career. It wasn’t until I was deployed on a naval vessel that the path started to take shape. My reenlistment was denied, and I faced the decision to either change my occupation or leave the Marine Corps.During that deployment, Marines were often tasked with extra duties, and I eventually found myself working in the ship’s barbershop. As word spread about my skills, I became the go-to barber for many on board. This had its perks—I didn’t have to wait in the long line for chow because I was cutting hair for the cooks, who made sure I was taken care of. Eventually, I became so sought after that I was given a key to the ship’s barbershop.One day, after receiving the news that my reenlistment was denied, I sat in the barbershop and had an epiphany: “I could just do this for a living.” I captured that moment with a photo, knowing it was a turning point. Once we returned to base, I made it a priority to learn how to become a barber. I visited the education center, and in what felt like a sign from above, I was told that they had just received information on becoming a barber the day before. This was all the confirmation I needed.I checked out Associated Barber College of San Diego that weekend and committed to attending once I separated from the Marines. Shortly after starting barber school, I began working on branding myself. I created a hybrid shear and razor logo and immediately got it tattooed on my right hand. This tattoo was a reminder to myself not to run back to the safety of the military structure when things got tough in my barbering journey.There were moments when I struggled to find a good shop to work in and even considered re-enlisting in the Army. However, the Army recruiter informed me that my hand tattoo disqualified me from joining, as it was on my saluting hand. That was the exact reminder I needed—this tattoo, and this career, were meant to keep me on the path I was destined for. No matter how many times I tried to walk away from barbering, something always called me back, and for that, I’m truly grateful.What sets me apart is that my journey isn’t just about cutting hair—it’s about perseverance, finding my calling, and never giving up, even when the odds seemed against me. My hair care brand, 19Nineteen Grooming, my Barber shop, Savage Barber Lounge, are reflections of this journey, built on the principles of authenticity, hard work, and a relentless drive to succeed. My story is a testament to following your passion and trusting the process, even when it’s not easy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience. We’d start each day with breakfast or brunch at Café Bastille—it’s a must for a perfect morning. For lunch, we’d either take a scenic drive up to Pompano Beach to dine at Beach House, where the ocean views are as good as the food, or, if we’re staying closer, we might grab some delicious tacos at Taco Craft or a mouthwatering smash burger from North South Grill.When it comes to dinner, I’d mix it up with some classic American fare at J. Alexander’s or indulge in some Italian cuisine at Divieto Ristorante. Both places offer fantastic dining experiences that are hard to beat.For our leisure time, I’d take them to the beach—nothing beats spending hours in the sun, tossing a frisbee or football around. And for a bit of adventure, we’d head to Homestead Training Center for some shooting. As an NRA certified range safety officer, I appreciate the opportunity to rent a private bay and enjoy some uninterrupted time on the range. It’s a great way to unwind and have some fun.This itinerary would show my best friend the best of what the area has to offer—good food, great company, and a mix of relaxation and excitement.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of my gratitude goes to God. There are moments when inspiration strikes seemingly out of nowhere, and all I have to do is act on it. Every time, it works out as long as I listen. A recent example would be the title for the podcast I’m about to launch. The idea for the podcast came to me months ago, but I set it aside until recently. One day, while I was cutting hair in the shop, the phrase “Beyond The Clipper” suddenly popped into my head. I was busy at the time, so I quickly texted it to myself to revisit later. That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about the phrase and all the ways it could be used. Even though it was late, and I was tired, the idea wouldn’t let me rest. The next morning, I made it a priority to explore the concept fully, which led to combining it with the original title I had in mind, resulting in “Talk Savage: Beyond The Clipper.”This kind of divine inspiration has guided me throughout nearly every journey I’ve undertaken. I don’t have traditional role models, mentors, or investors. What I do have is an unwavering faith that God’s guidance will lead me where I need to go, along with the people who depend on my success. For that, I can only offer my deepest thanks to Him.

Website: https://savagethedapperbarber.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagethedapperbarber?igsh=MXNrdnFucGplNDFwNw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamor-ferguson-492251ba?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app