Meet Andrew Rosario, owner of Dapper Barbershop and Gibs Grooming Educator

Meet Andrew Rosario, @andyfademaster Gibs Grooming educator and owner of Dapper Barbershop in West Palm Beach, FL. He has more than 15 years experience in men's grooming and educates his fellow hair professionals on combining shear cutting with classic barbering techniques. 

MODERN SALON: What do you love about being in the hair industry?
ANDREW ROSARIO: I love the culture and the ability to create new looks, set trends, and make people feel good about themselves. There is no limit, and the industry is evolving. There are so many opportunities.

MS: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
AR: I have been cutting hair since I was 10 years old. I used to cook breakfast for family members and charge them so I could use the money to buy more haircutting equipment.

MS: How did you become an educator? 
AR: My previous employer, who really liked how I cut, asked me to teach in a hair cutting app he was putting together. After the app I was educating more than 100 people in classes.

MS: What is your advice to future hair professionals still in school?
AR: My advice to future hair professionals is to never lose your passion and stay focused. Anyone can get lost in the hype and get off track. Just never forget why you started. 

MS: What was your biggest career challenge and how did you overcome it?
AR: The biggest career challenge was opening my barbershop. I was just so unprepared with construction, deadlines, and everything on the business side that takes to run a successful shop. It was by far the biggest challenge. I overcame it by educating myself and being determined to not give up. 

MS: What are you most proud of?
AR: Opening my own barbershop at the age of 24.