#FollowtheLite December Feature: Sandler Lacoste

I’m extremely passionate about my two professions, Barbering and Teaching. My inspiration to teach and cut hair, in many ways, came at the same time. When I was in the 5th grade, I was really good at mathematics. I would often help struggling classmates and peers with their assignments, meanwhile getting into much trouble for talking continuously during class. That’s when I was birthed with the idea of someday teaching math to students.

During this same school year I decided not to allow my mom (who was a stylist) to cut my hair anymore.  So as the new hair growth would come in, I would go to the basement and play with her trimmers. I’d line myself up making it seem as though I got a fresh haircut. After multiple line ups and scars on myself, I developed a good feel for the trimmers and the vibration it caused. I moved onto actually cutting my own hair soon after, trying to perfect my elementary cutting skills. Being a success-driven young man, I would talk to myself in the mirror and say, “I’m going to teach math, and cut hair in the summertime”. Twenty-one years later I’m doing exactly that. The only difference is, I’ve stepped away from teaching for a moment to soley operate my establishment, my dream. There’s nothing like only having to answer to yourself.

I was cutting hair in my basement for 6 years before the Lord said it was time to expand my ceiling, enabling my wife and I to open our 1st business venture, “The Private Office Barbershop” (TPOB), established in June 2015. Now, I confidently refer to myself as the “Best Barber in the World”, hands down!