We had the good fortune of connecting with Domenico Cicirello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Domenico, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks have played a huge role in getting me where I am today and building my character. I’ve always been a risk taker-I never wanted to be average. I knew if I was scared of life bringing me down, I wouldn’t be able to get to where I want to be. I had to step up and overcome that fear of being swallowed in a new city, I knew that if I wanted to be the person I was saying I wanted to be, I had to not play it safe in the comfort zone and step out and gain these new experiences life has. I had the opportunity to come the city of Phoenix,AZ and decided to pursue my career of barbering out in the big city when I came out here I didn’t know anyone who lived in the city. It was only my girlfriend and I together. Not having any clientele made it extremely hard to make any money out here for the first couple months, it was a struggle but I kept my mind focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew things didn’t come easy and as long as I kept a positive mindset I would be okay. I kept working hard and pushing myself. I never want to find myself in the comfort zone, I always want to be experiencing new things. I never want to be that old guy that’s always says he regrets not doing the things he wished he could’ve done.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It was not an easy journey to get to where I am today, and I have tons too learn in life. I just never wanted to give up, it’s easy for someone to say I tried and when they get knocked down to give up. I always kept getting up failure is not an option in my book and I will not settle for less. A lot of people doubted what I could do and what I could become but I didn’t want their opinions to influence what I was doing. I kept reminding I was doing this for me not them. This life hasn’t been easy at all but it has been memorable and one that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I live close to the downtown Phoenix area and I work at this creative space in downtown, so I’m always in the heart of the city. My favorite place to be at of course is the Lighthouse Studios, the vibes are excellent and it’s a one stop shop for everything. There’s a chicken spot that I like to eat at which is just down the street from where I work, it’s called Nanny’s Chicken. I always love to go and do things I’ve never done before, there’s a beautiful botanical garden where I like to go and just meditate. Downtown Phoenix always has something new around every corner you turn. It an amazing city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There a many people I would like to thank on this amazing journey. First and foremost I want to thank my mom coming to the United States alone and giving me this amazing opportunity. Secondly I would like to thank my pops for accepting my mom and I for who we were and took on the responsibility and being the greatest pop anyone could ever ask for. I want to thank my amazing fiancé, Serenity, for always supporting me, for never giving up on me and loving me when I was at my worst and still loving me with all of her heart. I couldn’t have any of this without you. I also would like to thank my two best friends and practically brothers Zephaniah and Karl for keeping my mindset on the right track and being there whenever I needed you, and consistently believing in me. Last but not least, I would like to thank my close friend and mentor, Erik. He has helped me in all areas of my life and is always there like an older brother. I appreciate everyone who showed me endless support and never gave up on me, I owe you guys the world and will forever be grateful for your impact on my journey.

I would also like to add my old boss Frankie who runs the sports and cuts in maricopa he was an amazing mentor and a wholesome boss he taught me a lot about the barber game and helped me tremendously in life I appreciate everything he’s done for me.

Website: https://the-lighthouse-creative-studios.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_the_average_barber/?hl=en

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@not_the_average_barber

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