Serve your needs by serving the needs of others first. -Tyrik Jackson
A pioneer to some is a creator or a master of an invention. In the case of Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s own Tyrik Jackson, this is an accurate statement. It is safe to say that when it comes to the art of barbering, Tyrik’s name is mentioned throughout the nation.
Tyrik is an innovator and a trendsetter, bringing a unique style to barbering that has transcended through the works of many barbers. “Our style of barbering is everywhere,” Tyrik mentioned when the Line Up Barber Magazine got the opportunity to sit with him. Tyrik is a member of what we call “THE 3 KINGS OF BARBERING.” We were honored to take in all that this pioneer of barbering had to tell us. It was truly a humbling experience to hear from Tyrik that nothing was just given to him. He worked harder than the hardest person in the room to get to this point in his life.
“It was always about being better than who I was yesterday, every day… I never worried about what the next guy was doing because it was way more important to worry about the guy in the mirror.”
Art was always my niche. I wanted to attend art school. It was the freedom of expression that spoke to me the most, so my heart was set on doing that and seeing where it would take me. I got into some trouble that landed me into me having to sing in a school concert. I really didn’t want to sing but it was for Black History month so I did it and put on a great performance. The funny thing is God makes no mistakes. The night of the concert, I was given a ride home by the very man who ended up giving me an opportunity to change my life. Champ Hall was Lancaster’s premiere barber and after he gave me a ride home that night, I went into his barbershop the next day to share my gratitude. I walked in and immediately fell for the culture, the sounds, and the laughter. It was where I wanted to be. That is when I decided to negotiate cleaning the shop for haircuts. I was learning by watching. It was going to open the door for me.
Taking into consideration all that I learned from my experience at Champ’s, I would never give up the opportunity that he gave me. Without it, who knows what would’ve become of me. It was a blessing.
I got a shot to become an apprentice and gain my hours. I worked hard, sharpened my skills and became the barber for a lot of people who walked into Champs. I was a student to this craft. I studied hair, every type and every form. I needed that knowledge. It was going to help me set myself apart from everyone else so I knew how important it was for me to do this.
Once I became a barber, I loved the feeling of importance and how everyone knew who I was. Being a “celebrity barber” started at home and being around the guys at the shop who helped me grow up in the craft. They taught me right from wrong to keep me on the right path. There wasn’t anything like that in my life at the time so like I said, my time at Champs was truly a blessing.
My fondest memory at Champ’s Barbershop was this time I was cleaning windows and a barber didn’t show up. I mentioned to Champ that I could help if he needed me. It was Easter weekend
so it was going to be extremely busy. After a little bit of convincing, Champ agreed. When I was setting up, the barber then showed up but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from wanting to cut
some hair. I called my father and asked him for a favor. A few minutes later, in walked my father with my barber chair from home. Champ and I shared a station and we went to work. I remember
being hot and sweaty. I do not remember the cuts or what they looked like but I do remember the moment it was done, I was ready to do more work.
My time at Champ’s was coming to an end. My wings needed to spread and I felt that the barbershop would be just fine given all the talent and knowledge I was leaving behind. I created “Sharper Image,” a barber shop in my own image. I wanted it to reflect and embody everything that I stood for in this business, which was doing business the right way. I wanted to assemble a team of talented barbers that strived to be the best people they could be because that allowed them to be great barbers. Having two barbershops with barbers having the longest terms of employment with me speaks volumes on the way they are treated as men and women working under me. I always felt that if I treated those who work with me with the utmost respect, they would never need to seek any other places of employment. That goes a long way in the employer/employee relationship.
Three and a half years ago, I opened my own barber school in Philadelphia and named it Premiere Barber School, where if you don’t know it, you will learn it here. I worked so hard for the knowledge I have obtained and I’ll share it for free. Nowadays, barbers won’t check their egos at the door to sit down with one another and just gain knowledge. Some barbers I guess just feel they know it all. I, for one, will never know it all if I am still learning. I enjoy sitting down and getting to know other barbers. Meeting them for the first time to see who or how I impacted their careers is a humbling experience. In life, we all have someone who influenced us to be better and do better. It’s called growth and we have that one person or more that helped mold us to who we are today. I was lucky enough to have five.
I had two loving parents who cared. They could never teach me what they didn’t know themselves but they taught me the meaning of hard work. My father was a single dad who worked endlessly to make sure I had everything and that taught me work ethic at an early age. My mother worked hard as well to give me a good life. They did, and I thank them for all they have given me.
One person throughout school who saw something in me and saw that I could surpass my potential and be great was Ms.White. She knew I would be someone one day. She pushed me by signing me up for college prep classes. She taught me how to be a respectable young man and showed me the way to become a professional and how to carry myself in a manner of respect. It is one of those things that I hold close to me. I could never repay Ms.White for all she did for me and I thank her every day.
Pastor Joseph Woods was my second biggest influence. He taught me to be in tune with myself spiritually, how to get right with my spirit, and how important that was in order to stay grounded and humble. As a young man of age 16, it was something the Lord knew I needed.
Champ Hall opened the door for me at 17. He gave me an opportunity and a platform to create myself in this industry and taught me everything I needed to excel in this business. Those lessons, I will always pass on to those willing to learn.
I am a loving father and husband before anything. All that I do in life gets all of me, with all my effort. I put my heart and soul into it. It’s that work ethic I saw growing up and it’s a gift and a curse sometimes. I am a first generation businessman, homeowner and teacher so my lessons in life are taught on an everyday basis. Nobody will give you anything. You work and work harder and if your spirit is right with God, blessings will forever find you. “I know who I am internally so I never have to convince myself of who I am” is my constant reminder and knowledge I pass down. Always stay true to everything that is you and you will never lose sight of yourself.
IT IS WITHIN THAT HONEST CONFIDENCE THAT I WILL FOREVER KNOW WHO I AM AND I HONESTLY AM ALWAYS CONFIDENT ABOUT THAT.
