“I focus on giving clients excellent service and quality work,” Buchanan said. On a given week he said he will have more than 60 clients stop by his chair from all over north Mississippi, with some even coming over from Alabama. His youngest client is 1, and his oldest is 89 years old.

Buchanan said he grew up around the cosmetology and barbering industry, as his mother had a salon. After pursuing other interests, it drew him back. He earned his certificate from Foster’s Cosmetology and Barber College in Ripley and has been cutting hair professionally for 11 years. Nine of those years have been in Tupelo. Buchanan said he continues to gain knowledge in the industry by attending seminars and expos, and has been able to network with other barbers at these events. After attending an event in Connecticut, he was asked to join a team of other barbers called the Original Styleliners that will travel around the region this fall educating other barbers.

“I didn’t know this industry could take you to so many places and meet so many different people,” Buchanan said. “The knowledge that you obtain in this industry can change your life.”

With 3,000 followers on Instagram and counting, Buchanan has also learned to incorporate social media into his trade. He takes photos of his client’s haircuts at the end of their appointments and puts them up on his feed for his followers to see. Buchanan said clients love to see their images, and one asked for his photo to be put in the “art gallery” with the other client photos.

In addition to his work ethic and social media savviness, Buchanan credits his success to his faith in God.

“God will put you in the right positions to enhance your life. If you have faith, He will lead you in the right direction,” he said.

“This year has been a blessing,” Buchanan said of the opportunities he has received through his work. “Jesus Christ is fulfilling my dreams, and I never thought I could reach these heights. I thank God everyday.”

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