Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Mattingly
Ramon , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It started back in November 2022. I ended up homeless after staying with my girlfriend at the time. At that time, I had no where to go and was forced to live on the streets. For a moment I was lost, but one day something just told me to sign up for barber school. I had no idea it was gonna work either, I just walked into the school ready for anything. I was greeted by the loveliest woman you’d ever meet, Instructor Laverne(May god rest her soul), and like it was like fireworks went off in my head. I knew right then that I had found my calling. At the time of enrolling, I was crashing on a co workers couch and ended up back on the streets the day before my first day. Going from couch to curb week in and week out, I picked up a sense of understanding with everything going on and used it as fuel to actually become great. Now I’m a growing barber who won’t take no for an answer. I work for myself and everything I want. I also haven’t clocked into an actual job in what will be 2 years in April. I couldn’t ask for a better career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Far from smooth, if you ask me. I was homeless throughout my barber school journey until late November. I would sleep in an apartment building basement every night and wake up at about 6:30-7am just so I wouldn’t get caught. I definitely got caught a few times, now that I think about it. Some days, I’d sleep at this local basketball court that was close by. In the midst of this, I got my heart broken, but I couldn’t shed a tear.
We’ve been impressed with Ray Blendz Llc. , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am Ray Blendz, Ray Blendz is me. I take the name Blendz VERY seriously as I do every haircut or service. I am a growing barber who’s only been in the game for a year and a half, yet I feel like I’ve been cutting for a life time. I specialize in taper fades, but I can anything thrown at me. My tenacity and love for the industry is what sets me apart from everyone else, as well as my attention to detail. I’m always looking for more knowledge, skill, rapport, etc. If there’s something I can add to my repertoire, I GOT to have it no matter what. I’m looking for the game changing tricks. I’m making sure that the angles are always there. From the shape up, to the line up, it gets real in my chair. I could honestly say that I am most proud of the amount of growth that I’ve been able to obtain from the start. To see where I started, I was never 100% sure that I’d make it. But by the grace of God, my lord and savior, I am here still going. For the readers, I am a new age barber that listens to and aims to achieve all of your wishes. My skill set is constantly growing and I’m always finding new ways to set myself apart from the others around me. I’m available 7 days a week, right in the heart of the city. I offer local services as well as hair grooming. I work with all ages from 0-100, No stone goes unturned. I also take pride in being one of the select barbers who offer their services to the autistic community. As my clientele and skill set grows, so does my availability. I’m always open to new clientele, no matter the race or origin.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
There are so many to choose from, but if I had to pick one specifically, it would have to be my 5th birthday. I was out having fun with my cousins the whole day and finished it off with my first ever hotel party. It was one of the only times that my family was all around for my birthday and I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Pricing:
- Adult Line up(all inclusive) $30
- Adult grooming services $50
- Kids and high school services $30 and $35
- House calls $175+
- Retwist for locs $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rayblendz2.booksy.com/a/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayblendz_2?igsh=N2JyNHQ1OGQxdDVv&utm_source=qr
