Ever wonder what fuels the drive and creativity of top players in the barbering world? In an industry where the early bird truly catches the worm, it's fascinating to discover what gets these creatives going first thing in the morning.
That’s exactly the premise behind the ingenious new concept campaign, 'What a Boss Eats for Breakfast,' led by industry veteran Byrd Mena and emerging talent Jorge Espada. Through this campaign, they’ve orchestrated an artistic space where each haircut is more than just a style—it’s an empowering message to start your day right. This isn’t just another collection; it’s a cultural shift, aiming to bring the same level of artistic gravitas to barbering that we often see in fashion and hairdressing.
Byrd’s mentorship program is a creative haven for 12 artists scattered across the U.S., each unique in their role within the program. One such talent is Jorge Espada, a 28-year-old barber from Wisconsin who expressed a burning desire to dive into the creative projects of the hair and barbering industry.
"In the beginning, Jay told me he wanted to be part of something like I was doing. He had ideas, so many of them," Byrd recalls. So, the two sat down and brainstormed non-stop about the project. After tossing around several ideas, they both locked in on one concept: food. More specifically, breakfast. "When you start your day with breakfast, you're the boss of your day," Byrd explains.
Jorge Espada, while not new to barbering, was venturing into the uncharted territory of conceptual creativity. Originally beginning his journey in cosmetology, it was his wife who encouraged him to pivot towards barbering—a move that set the wheels of destiny in motion.
Crossing paths with Byrd Mena at a barbering competition changed the trajectory of his career. It wasn't just a meeting; it was an awakening to the larger creative possibilities within the industry. "The journey from concept to execution was a rollercoaster of emotions," Jorge shares. He was entering a domain far removed from the day-to-day of a typical barbershop, and the stakes felt higher than ever.
"Working with Byrd wasn’t like having a cheat sheet; it was like having a friend guiding me and supporting me. He didn't hand me the answers but helped shape my raw ideas into something more focused," Jorge elaborates. For him, the most significant hurdle was taking charge of the entire creative direction. The campaign demanded him to be more than a barber; it required him to be a visionary.
"As someone who typically prefers to stay in the background, the idea of directing people was initially daunting for me," Jorge confesses. Under Byrd's mentorship, he was encouraged to construct a vision board to help articulate his creative direction.
"Constructing that vision board was simultaneously the most challenging and enlightening part of this entire experience," Jorge elaborates. "It was overwhelming because, for the first time, I had to vocalize and commit to the intricate details of my creative thought process. Everything, from the color palette of the scenes, the style of outfits, down to the accessories and the specific hairstyles—had to be meticulously thought out."
But the effort was well worth it. "When the cameras started rolling on the day of the shoot, that's when the magic happened. Everything clicked into place as if the vision board had breathed life into the studio," he continues.
"The moment we wrapped up, I finally felt like I could breathe again. It was as if I'd been holding my breath, not wanting to betray any emotion or doubt throughout the process. I let it all out because, until that moment, the project had been a secret. The sense of release—and relief—was indescribable," Jorge shares with heartfelt sincerity.
This experience, he says, didn't just make him a better barber artist; it also gave him the confidence and skills to be a thoughtful, impactful creative leader in the industry.
The "What a Boss Eats for Breakfast" project serves as more than just an eye-catching collection; it's an embodiment of what can be achieved when creativity is fueled by collaboration and mentorship.
So, when you’re buttering your toast or pouring your morning coffee, remember that you are indeed the boss of your day, setting the tone for the opportunities and challenges ahead. "Kicking off the day with the right energy sets the stage for a fulfilling, productive day," Byrd wisely concludes.
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It is a conceptual barbering project created by Byrd Mena and Jorge Espada. Unlike traditional hairstyle collections, it focuses on the mindset and morning routine of an industry leader. It uses professional barbering as a medium to communicate empowerment, showing that how you start your day—your "breakfast"—sets the tone for your creative success.
Mentorship, as seen in the collaboration between Byrd Mena and Jorge Espada, provides a bridge between technical skill and creative leadership. A mentor doesn't just teach how to cut hair; they provide a "sounding board" for raw ideas, encourage artists to step outside their comfort zone, and offer the support needed to execute large-scale professional projects.
A vision board is a creative tool used to articulate the direction of a photo shoot or campaign. For a barber artist, it involves meticulously planning every detail beyond the haircut—including color palettes, outfits, accessories, and studio lighting. This process helps transform a simple haircut into a focused, professional artistic message.
The transition requires a shift in mindset from being a service provider to being a visionary. According to Jorge Espada, the key is professional collaboration and the willingness to take creative risks. By participating in mentorship programs and documenting conceptual work, barbers can build a brand that attracts high-end opportunities and editorial recognition.
The "Boss Mindset" is about taking full ownership of your day and your creative output. As Byrd Mena emphasizes, kicking off the day with the right energy and a clear plan allows professionals to be more productive, impactful, and fulfillment-driven, ultimately leading to a more successful business and personal brand.
