Ask for forgiveness, not permission

The barbers who shaped me

In Episode 5 of Uncle Eshawn, I reflect on the barbers, mentors, peers, and personalities that helped shape me — not just as a barber, but as a man, creative, and business owner. This episode is about influence, mentorship, competition, friendship, and the lessons passed down through barbershop culture. From Chicago’s Barbershop to the people who sharpened me through conversation, pressure, style, discipline, and example, I talk about how environments and the people inside them can completely change the trajectory of your life. I also touch on current topics including Euphoria, music, culture, and the importance of representation and influence within creative spaces.

From the block to the Smocks pt. 2

Episode 4 picks up where Part 1 left off. In this episode, I talk about my experience in barber college, the relationships and insecurities that shaped me early on, and eventually stepping into Chicago’s Barbershop — an environment that pushed me creatively, professionally, and personally. This episode is about pressure, growth, identity, mentorship, and trying to find your place while building confidence in real time. I also touch on Euphoria, Drake’s new music, and the ongoing conversation around culture and influence in hip-hop.

From the block to the smocks pt.1

In Episode 3 of Uncle Eshawn, I take you through the beginning of my barber journey and the path that led me here. Before the barbershop, before the podcast, and before becoming my own boss, I was trying to figure out who I was and what kind of life I wanted to build. I talk about growing up in the foster system, wanting to become a social worker, working at the Apple Store, working at the airport, and the experiences that slowly pushed me toward creativity, independence, and barbering. I also reflect on the early influence of Harvey’s Barbershop and the barbers who first encouraged me to pursue the craft. This is Part One of my barber story. In the next episode, I’ll pick up at barber college and continue the journey through Chicago’s Barbershop and eventually opening Haight Street Barbershop.

Becoming Uncle Eshawn

In Episode 2 of Uncle Eshawn, I talk about the role and responsibility behind the name. This episode is about becoming a guardian, growing into responsibility, and learning how life can change the way you move through the world. I reflect on identity, pressure, discipline, family, and what it means to show up for someone outside of yourself.

Ask for forgiveness, not permission

In the first episode of Uncle Eshawn, I’m introducing myself and the mindset behind starting this podcast. I talk about taking a leap of faith, asking for forgiveness instead of permission, and stepping into something new without waiting for everything to be perfect. I also break down the different identities I’ve built over time , from Furious $tyles to SFzoo — and how they all connect to who I am today. Along the way, I touch on the idea of being a “barber/ (slash),” something my mentor instilled in me, and what it means to be more than just one thing. I close out with a few current topics and conversations that stood out this week, from culture to business. This is just the beginning.