BROCKTON —By the age of 12, Lex Andre Daluzwas learning to cut hair. At 22, he cut hair as a source of income to help his family. Andnow at 35, he owns two barbershops, in Brockton and Boston.
AndreDaluz, a self-taught entrepreneur, has known since he was a teen growing up in Brockton that to have a higher chance of success, you must find something you're good at that you can make money from.
The entrepreneur found success in the simple task of cutting hair from his homeand turning it into his artform at his barbershop,Marvelous Cuts, located at 11 Main St., Brockton.
This location began the journey of creating generational wealth and expansion, Andre Daluz said.
"When I was 22, the vision became clearer and clearer of what I wanted to do with my life, and I stuck to it," AndreDaluz said.
In 2010, Andre Daluzattended the Massachusetts School of Barbering in Quincy to sharpen his skills and become a licensed barber.
The dream of becoming a barber started to settle in Andre Daluz'smind, but that wasn't his original plan. Barbering started off as a hobby and turned into a business to financially support his family.
Andre Daluz, never expected this as a means of income while living in America.
The journey from Cape Verde
Just a few decades before, Andre Daluz left Cape Verde in 1997 and didn't know what America, the land of many opportunities, would have in store for him.
"When I came to America at 10 years old, I didn't have any established dreams yet. I dreamed what kids usually dream of, but it was not to become a barber. I spent a lot of time at the barbershop with my father," Andre Daluzsaid.
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Andre Daluz grew his appreciation for barbers and their work ethic during the bonding moments with his dad as a kid. His father taught him at 12 years old how to cut hair, and life dramatically changed with this newfound skill.
AndreDaluzspent many years cutting hair from an in-home studio.
Once Andre Daluzgraduated from barbering school and earned a master barber license, opportunities to work in local barbershops flew in but he always dreamed bigger.
After working in a local barbershop for some time, Andre Daluz knewit was time to continue working hard, saving moneyand then finding a space.
A safe, welcoming environment
The major goal was to create an environment where everyone can feel safeAndre Daluz said.
Andre Daluzfound a space in Brockton and let his creative vision come to life, and 12 years later, the shop is still flourishing, and the brand has expanded to Boston for the last 18 months.
"I want people, especially women, to feel safe and comfortable bringing their sons to the barbershop. This place is free of gossip, music with profanity, and it's all-around a wonderful vibe," Andre Daluzsaid.
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Luxury and style
The new concept of the second location, Marvelous BarberLounge, at82 Broad St., Boston, is to bring luxury and style to one place, Andre Daluzsaid.
The barber lounge createsan elevated experience compared toordinary barbershops, he said.
"In the spring, this will be a place where customers can get facials, manicures, pedicuresand massages," AndreDaluzsaid.
"My goal with Marvelous Cuts has always been to grow. It made sense to have a barbershop in my community, but my goal was always to expand. I'm proud of where I came from, my heritage, and I want to show people that Brockton has positivity and we strive to create a warm, positive culture at Marvelous Cuts and Marvelous Barber Lounge," AndreDaluz said.
Although AndreDaluzhassuccessfully remained open for the last 12 years, it isn't as easy as it seems.
"Owning a business has its many challenges. Every day, there's something new but being a business owner feels great. At times it's overwhelming, but it was an amazing journey for me. You sacrifice a lot of your time, and it pulls you away from friends, hobbies, and personal freedom. My advice to owners is to find a balance and learn how to clock out mentally at the end of the day," AndreDaluzsaid.
Bringing a spa setting to Brockton?
Despite many challenges AndreDaluz faced during the last few years, he is excited to launch a spa experience atthe Marvelous Barber Lounge in Boston. He hopes to give the Brockton location a facelift and bring that concept to the city as well.
Additionally, we can expect a natural hair care and skin line coming soon.
"I want to continue to inspire the community and other entrepreneurs. We have to be leaders and mentors for people in the city. Being a staple in the community, we have to think about the legacy we leave behind and our contribution to Brockton and beyond," Andre Daluzsaid.
Andre Daluz and his wife Amanda Miranda Daluzare expecting their first child, and it is essential for them to create a monumental legacy for their unborn child and future generations, Miranda Daluz said.
Enterprise staff reporter Alisha Saint-Ciel can be reached by email at stciela@gannett.comYou can follow heron Twitter at @alishaspeakss.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.
