Beard in Business — Antoine Smart

Featuring: Erick Mendoza

Occupation:Director of Operations at Undorm

Instagram: erickmendoza553

www.undorm.com

Photo by: Antoine (IG: mrr360)

Greetings! Thanks for all the support and encouraging feedback on my last blog. I am back with a new topic. Beards have become increasingly popular these last few years. Beards have been spotted in all areas from sports (what’s up James Harden) to college campuses to all areas in between. Some areas allow an individual to rock their beard without anyone batting an eye (at least not in a negative way). However, when it comes to the business world views change. Generally when people think of men working in the business world they think clean cut or if a beard crosses their mind they may think the 5 o’clock shadow look.

First impressions are everything and some individuals may immediately think “unprofessional” when they see a beard. I remember I was once told by a friend's relative that I should consider cutting my beard when looking for a job, I respectably listened but in my mind I was thinking “uhh no”. Moving on because this is not about me, I reached out to my friend Erick, who is all about his business and rocks his beard proudly. Erick’s business focuses on Real Estate Services for Students. Successful, laid back and funny (more than knock knock joke funny) Erick is flourishing in the business world all while rocking his beard.

I was able to finally catch up with Erick (he stays busy so I was honored he found time to shoot and talk with me). Then again that’s what friends do *cues Whodini - Friends*. We met in Hoboken, NJ just across the river from New York City, NY. After, a brief issue of finding parking we met up. I haven’t seen Erick in almost a year but you would have thought it was just yesterday we last linked. Good weather allowed for us to catch up and get some dope pics without breaking a sweat. Here is what Erick had to say about his experiences of rocking a beard in the business world.

What are some challenges you face as a business man with a beard?

“Institutionalized Prejudice. It’s not accepted in most work places to have a beard. Not professional ones. It’s just not what’s taught and it’s been all about the clean shaven face. That can’t be me.”

Have you ever received any negative comments regarding your beard in the corporate world?

“A manager I used to work for mentioned I should cut it, as “I can’t move up because it’s holding me back. It’s just not what this world is looking for”. Not to be arrogant but I made his yearly salary in just the last month's earnings...guess I moved up”.

Do you have any grooming tips?

“ Neatness! I get a weekly haircut (sometimes biweekly). Line ups, hot towel shaves, exfoliation, and oils/conditioners, all recommended. BIG BEARDS: When wearing with a suit, and if your profession allows it, avoid ties, you can’t see them regardless. My beard is very loud, so I tend also not to wear loud articles of clothing as tops”

Any advice for those who feel they can’t truly let their beard flourish in the business world?

“DO YOU! Being able to grow facial hair is a blessing in itself! It’s how God made you, so be proud! Get line ups, invest in great products, and be proud overall. You know how many people would kill to grow a beard? Come on now. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not what you should do. Let’s all make beards, dreads, melanin our main piece, our character article, our physical piece that we are most proud of! Keep it neat, make sure you keep it conditioned, and smelling good!”

Additional comments:

“If you’re looking for apartments here in NYC, looking to better improve your beard and want recommendations on great products, or want to talk about anything really, feel free to reach out to me via DM: @erickmendoza553”

Until next time be happy, be blessed.

Thanks for reading,

Antoine