Have you met, John?
By Kenya Mawusi, Agape Life Editor
updated Tue November 25, 2014
Every man, young and old, has stepped inside Newport News establishment, Tomorrow’s Image. With three buildings dedicated to perfecting the “art and science of barbering and cosmetology,” students come from far and wide to learn. Tomorrow’s Image Barbershop & Academy is a nationally accredited program, mainly taught by the founder and owner of the Tomorrow’s Image—John Chapman. This interview gives a peek inside the entrepreneurial mind of Mr. Chapman.
Mawusi: What was the vision you had when you opened your first barber shop?
Chapman: I wanted to own my own business and control my own destiny.
Mawusi: What strategies do you thik were most effective in growing your business?
Chapman: Our hours of operation. We are open late. And, word-of-mouth, relentless advertising and our good staff.
Mawusi: How would you describe Tomorrow’s Image Barbershop?
Chapman: Tomorrow’s Image is family-friendly. We welcome everyone, and offer quality service at a reasonable price.
Mawusi: What classes are available?
Chapman: We have day and night classes for both barbering and cosmetology.
Mawusi: Tomorrow’s Image is nationally accredited. How do students fund their tuition? Financial Aid?
Aisha Jordan, Financial Manager: We are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Science. We also have a title for funding by the Department of Education. So, our students can apply for financial aid or the G.I. Bill, if they aren’t able to personally finance their tuition. We receive a lot of students from the Peninsula Workforce Development Center.
Mawusi: How would someone join the academy? What is the process?
Jordan: The student would come in and complete an enrollment interview with me first. We don’t accept
any students with violent convictions. And, if I like them (they meet the criteria), then they have a second interview with Mr. Chapman. Then we discuss payment options and they start in the academy.
Mawusi: How many students do you have in a graduating class each year?
Chapman: Maybe 20 in one year. The academy is a one year program. We do offer refresher courses for students, before they have to take the state board course.
Mawusi: What lessons do you hope students take away, in addition to their technical skills?
Chapman: Communication skills, successful entrepreneurial skills and camaraderie. These are important skills to have in the barbershop.
Mawusi: Has there been a student with no God-given talent, who has had success?
Chapman: Yes. (laughs) That was me. Well, I had a little talent—I knew how to cut hair. But, I chose barbering because it’s inside and they make money.
Mawusi: How did you come up with the idea of an academy?
Chapman: I started a shop with a good crew, but we had no room for more customers. So, I opened a new shop and found that I was training a lot of my barbers So, I went to instructional school and started the academy, so barbers could come here and learn.
Mawusi: Do some of the students stay in the peninsula area? Has Tomorrow’s Image employed any of them?
Chapman: Yes, most of our students get employed by Tomorrow’s Image. Other than that, I have graduates in Hawaii, Florida and Texas. Students travel to our academy from all over. I have one that comes from North Carolina every day.
Mawusi: What are the goals of the graduates of the academy? Do any of them start their own shop?
Chapman: I have two graduates that opened a shop together in Chesapeake, and two others that opened one near the new police station in Newport News. We work to help our graduates find placement.
Mawusi: What advice do you have for someone who wants to open a barbershop or beauty salon?
Chapman: Don’t just go into business, grow into business. Build a foundation. Grow your clientele.
Mawusi: How does Tomorrow’s Image get involved in the community?
Chapman: We do volunteer hair cuts at local middle and high schools, the Boys and Girls Club, Doris Miller Community Center and more. We participated in the Harvest Fest Coat Drive. Toys 4 Tots and Turkey Give Aways. These are only some of our community activities.
Mawusi: What future plans do you have for the academy?
Chapman: Expand. I want a bigger location, more students and more staff. I want to give more students the chance to become entrepreneurs.
John Chapman opened the doors of Tomorrow’s Image 14 years ago, and still believes that anyone that is willing to put in the work, can make something for themselves. Especially at Tomorrow’s Image, “where the doors of entrepreneurship are open.”