In one of our previous blog posts, we kicked off our celebration of Black-Owned Business Month here at The Cut Buddy – a trailblazing Black-owned grooming brand that has been making waves in the industry. Today, we're diving deeper into the journey of our brand and our founder, Joshua Esnard, exploring the evolution of our company and the details of entrepreneur travel life. Esnard has been grooming on the go for years as he chases the American Dream, all while empowering other Black entrepreneurs to do the same. We think that’s worth celebrating!
The Cut Buddy Story: From Humble Home Designs to the Tank
As we discussed in our previous post, founder and CEO Joshua Esnard began developing his Cut Buddy prototype at a young age – you can learn more about The Cut Buddy’s early life by reading Our Story. However, Esnard’s appearance on Shark Tank later became a pivotal moment in The Cut Buddy's journey. He stepped into the tank in Season 9, armed with his innovative grooming tool and a passion for empowering individuals to shape their own style. The product’s unique selling proposition and Joshua's personal story as a Black entrepreneur caught the Sharks' attention. Each of them recognized the importance of representation and inclusivity in business and the potential impact The Cut Buddy could have in the grooming industry.
Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Reilly, and Daymond John all saw the potential for The Cut Buddy to become a household name and were impressed enough by Joshua's determination and business acumen to make him an offer. In the end, Joshua struck a deal. The partnership with Daymond John not only provided financial support but also brought valuable expertise and mentorship to help The Cut Buddy thrive.
Appearing on Shark Tank gave The Cut Buddy significant exposure, leading to a surge in sales and brand recognition. Joshua's time in the tank showcased his resilience, passion, and determination, making him an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. The success of Shark Tank catapulted The Cut Buddy to new heights, solidifying its position as a game-changing grooming tool and a symbol of empowerment in the Black entrepreneurial community.
Embracing Life on the Go
The success of The Cut Buddy has only increased since that day in the tank. As an entrepreneur, Esnard knows all too well that the hustle never stops. He understands the fast-paced entrepreneur travel life that comes with being a business owner, and he realized the need for haircare solutions that cater to the grooming on the go lifestyle. The portable and easy-to-use grooming tools offered by The Cut Buddy have become indispensable companions for entrepreneurs and busy individuals who need to maintain a sharp look even when they're constantly on the move.
Encouraging Authenticity
One thing that sets Joshua Esnard apart from other entrepreneurs is his unapologetic authenticity. He takes pride in his hands-on business approach and will do just about anything for the brand – even show up to meetings half-shaved! You’ll see him personally filming videos for the site – he’s done his own personal comparison between the bald shaver vs. skull shaver, testing out the two products himself to provide viewers with an accurate assessment. Esnard's boldness and fearlessness in embracing his true self, even in a professional setting, is a powerful message that resonates with many. It's a reminder that success is not about conforming to societal norms but about being true to oneself.
The American Dream: Empowering the Next Generation
As a Black entrepreneur, Joshua Esnard's journey to success has not been without challenges. He's faced barriers and biases, yet he refused to let anything stand in the way of his dreams. The Cut Buddy's rise to prominence is a testament to Esnard's resilience and determination to carve his path in the grooming industry.
Esnard also understands the importance of representation and the impact it can have on inspiring others. As a result, he actively shares his story and experiences with other Black entrepreneurs, motivating them to pursue their dreams fearlessly. The Cut Buddy serves as a symbol of hope and empowerment, showing aspiring entrepreneurs that the American Dream is within reach for everyone, regardless of their background.
Future Goals: Inspiring Through Community and Innovation
Looking ahead, The Cut Buddy has grand aspirations for growth and expansion. Our focus extends beyond the grooming industry; we want to empower our community by teaming up with local barbershops. We have already begun partnering with barbershops and salons, and we offer training and support for professionals who want to incorporate our tools into their services. By investing in the success of others, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change in the Black entrepreneurial community.
We believe that the Cut Buddy journey truly embodies the essence of Black-Owned Business Month. It's a celebration of resilience, representation, and empowerment. Consumers like you can show your support by embracing diversity, championing authenticity, and patronizing Black-owned businesses (like us!). Together, we can shape a future that is inclusive, empowering, and filled with endless possibilities for all. Stay sharp, stay inspired, and stay fresh!