For our second Teacher Spotlight (check out our first one here), we want to introduce you to Mr. Leonard! He is a pro when it comes to barbering and he’s a fantastic resource to all of the students who come through our barber school.
Before joining the team at Ron King Academy, he was the Director of Education at another barber school in Dallas, as well as a salon owner. Luckily, Christie Gonzales, one of the owners of the academy, introduced him to Ron King (the person and salon) and the city of Austin. In no time, Mr. Leonard had signed on to join us at RKA!
Mr. Leonard has been in the industry for 22 years. From the time he was the neighborhood barber at the age of 13, he has always known that barbering was for him. After falling in love with the industry at an early age, he received his Barber License when he was 21 years old. Since then, he has worked as an educator, platform artist, salon/barbershop owner, and mentor. At RKA, his specialty is teaching the art of fine men’s grooming and great customer service. His students definitely learn to give the clients the total male grooming experience, such as luxury straight razor shaves with hot towels.
As for some exciting news, Baxter of California has just celebrated their 50th Anniversary as a brand. In conjunction with celebrating this monumental achievement, they have decided to launch their first Professional Team of Educators to facilitate introducing the product line on a larger scale to major salons in the male market. Our very own Mr. Leonard has been selected as one of the 16 professional male experts to be part of the Baxter of California National Educator Team to help take Baxter global in a major way! We’re so proud of him!
When we asked him what his advice is for anyone who is interested in getting into the industry, Mr. Leonard said, “Be passionate about serving people. Stay dedicated, diligent, and focused. Always keep learning and improving your craft. Always stay informed about the changing trends. You have to evolve with them.” No one knows barbering quite like him, so it’s great that our students get to learn from him as a mentor in this program.
If you’re into cigars and in the area, Mr. Leonard recommends visiting his favorite place to go, Bobalu Cigar Company. There’s a good chance you might see him there!
Learn more about the barber program at Ron King Academy and join our school. Stay connected with us on Facebook and check out our style and beauty inspiration boards on Pinterest.