Meet Stephen Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Smith. 

Hi Stephen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is a crazy one. I began cutting my own hair when I was 14 years old. I got pretty good at it fairly quickly. I would cut my own friends’ and co-workers’ hair for many, many years while working an entire law enforcement career. As that job began to take its toll on me, I contemplated a career change by attending barber academy, as the trade had always appealed to me. I made the decision to do it, attended barber academy, and graduated, having set school records. I was successful in two local Raleigh barber shops immediately after school for the first few years. During the summer of 2022, I decided that my ambitious, lofty goals could only be reached by being on my own when I opened my own barber shop, “Stay Handsome Barber Studio.” I’m proud to report that my endeavor is very successful and is located in the Midtown area of North Raleigh. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. Very much, no. It was not easy. A relationship that meant very much to me as I had only just begun barber school came to an abrupt, unexpected end. I would need to quickly find a full-time job to work, while I would attend full-time barber school for a year and a half. These were 18-hour days. It was a very, very difficult time. But I knew I had to do what I set out to do. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an NC registered Master Barber. My focus is on the traditional barbering trade, specializing in scissor haircuts, straight razor shave/cut techniques, and beard work. Local radio personalities, famous social media content creators, and several members of the Carolina Hurricanes are regular clients of mine. My attention to detail, customer service, and pride in my work is what sets me apart from others. I have become a brand locally and the work I put in to be one of Raleigh’s best is relentless. I simply love what I do, and it shows. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
It would surprise most people that I’m an absolute introvert. I’m so “on” at work that when my workday is over, I need to somewhat isolate in order to “refuel my tank.” Outside of the energy of the shop, I’m a bit of a quiet homebody. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: stayhandsome13
• Other: book.thecut.co/Stephen

Image Credits
Robert Liberatore