HarlemLIVE

Harlem is an area where business is always active. There are many organizations and companies making money, while also making the community smile. Barbershops have a big influence on local residents because customers come to share stories and talk while getting the opportunity to look good at the beginning or the end of the day. Polo Greene’s Barbershop is one business where the employees not only work for the money, but to benefit the community as well. Greene’s customers keep coming back not only for the great haircuts, but because of their relationships with the people who work at the shop. Mr. Greene says “People keep coming back for both the great haircuts and the friendly, comfortable environment. My mother taught me to always be clean… As my job is a profession I represent this.”

Mr. Greene believes his customers come first. “I can help people come up with solutions to whatever they are going through. Everybody talks in the hair salon and some just want to get advice. I handle things with ease and help you make the best decisions. I enjoy talking to people. It’s no pressure, even if you come close to helping solve their problem that’s OK too. It’s watching that equals experience.” Mr. Greene says that skills help also: “Skills start to develop as you perfect it. Apply to yourself and help others. No two barber cuts the same.”

While interviewing him I learned that he is also a man of creativity who wants to dazzle his customers. He always makes sure his employees are also on top of their jobs. He cannot afford to have it all go down the drain. “I specialize in the Steve Harvey, Martin Lawrence, and Derek Jeter. People ask what my secret is, but the key is to have the ability to cut to perfection and have unique styles. For example, Bob is excellent with the razor, while Clarence does Cesar haircuts. Jeff is OK but he’s the barber that just cuts the hair. He is not a styling barber. I envision all kinds of designs for each person’s personal style. This makes the person feel special. I’m not here to hurt you. I get to create certain looks. I have seen different styles and I get to express my idea. I can see my shop in many places. Key word is respect. No “N” word, No cursing”.

Mr. Greene has a way of connecting to his male clientele but Mrs. Lourdes views her job from a more feminine perspective. She was inspired by her ethnicity coming from the Dominican Republic. She says, “I was on vacation in the Dominican Republic and I was speaking to my husband about owning a salon. We used our credit cards but it was hard because nobody knew me.” Lourdes believes that her dedication and strong character combine with her talent and her desire to make others feel beautiful: “I really love repairing damaged hair because the reaction of my customers is great. I love to see everyone’s reactions. I care a lot. I have to charge them but happiness is the key priority.”

For both of these hairdressers, the reactions of their customers are what keep them working hard. Neither Polo nor Lourdes has any regrets. Polo states that “This is who I am and I enjoy doing it. It’s not a burden. I proved to the community that I was reliable and I can’t look at it as a burden.” They gave the HarlemLive students words of wisdom expressing to us the importance of following your dreams. Lourdes tells us, “Study, go to school, have a good connection with people, have everything ready, because I rented my salon and it wasn’t that difficult. I was nervous when I first started.” Polo tells us to “Stay focused; don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot do anything. Of course there are difficult times in life and as you get older, decisions will affect you. When it comes to the positive things in life, do them. Think about what you want to do and become. Don’t be afraid, have the drive that the world will look at, don’t be distracted because the future has to change for the better. Relaxing and staying comfortable benefits. Watch and learn. I add my flavor as I worked next to good barbers because I wasn’t as good.” Although these two stylists seem to come from different backgrounds and represent different ways of giving back to the community, they each work long hours to make their clients feel special.