Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daunte Paschal Sr., Owner of Lined Up, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the owner of Lined Up LLC and CEO of Man U Script hair care products.

Tell us about yourself

I began cutting hair in the 7th grade to save my Mom the time and expense of taking me to the barbershop. To me, it felt as natural as writing my name, but I never imagined it as a career. After chasing a Hoop Dream, going through the trials and errors of young adulthood, street hustling, and at-risk behavior, I decided to give barber school a shot. It saved my life! I realized that I was better at adding value to the community than dividing it. Today, I have an exclusive 17-year relationship with Nike to cut basketball’s elite! LeBron, KD, Kyrie, and the late Kobe Bryant, to name a few! In theory, I guess I made it to the NBA after all. The lights and cameras are affirming, but every time I step foot on my mat to cut hair, my humble motivation is to pay it forward by sharing the gift that gave me purpose. I don’t cut hair to be popular or rich. I cut hair because I’m thankful.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My most notable achievement would be my 17-year relationship with Nike, and my contract with the Dallas Mavericks, as their team barber. My greatest personal achievement would be the scholarship fund I created for the at-risk youth in my community. “Making A Dash” scholarship fund was created to give students the opportunity to make life meaningful to live it as positive contributing citizens. The “Dash” stands for their birthdate and their final day. Here’s an opportunity to live that Dash productively.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being a business owner takes foresight, discipline, humility, and dedication. No sick days, no company healthcare, HR department, or finance department; it’s all on you! You must be as resourceful as possible by continuing in your pursuit of knowledge, education, technology, and financial literacy.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start with your gift.
  2. Do lots of research on certifications, laws, and start-up costs. Invest in a class, or find a mentor who can help you write out your business plan.
  3. Prepare for a slow start!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linedup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005510679729
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dauntefamous/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DPaschal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dauntè-paschal-sr-63b60915/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.