When Solomon Smith first enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Genesee Valley BOCES, he thought barbering would simply be something to pair alongside his lifelong passion for music. A senior from Byron-Bergen Central School, Solomon had spent nine years playing bass guitar and dreamed of balancing life as a session musician with working as a barber during the day.
Somewhere between the classroom lessons, countless hours of practice, and building relationships with clients, cosmetology became much more than a side plan for Solomon. It became his future.
“I started to really love cosmetology,” Solomon said. “I realized that it’s more of a primary job than something I could do on the side.”
For Solomon, the creativity and hands-on nature of barbering quickly became what he loved most. From fades and clipper cuts to modern mullets, burst fades, and brushbacks, he found joy in mastering techniques and helping clients feel confident when they leave the chair. His vision stretches far beyond haircuts.
Someday, Solomon hopes to open a luxury men’s spa in Nashville, Tennessee, combining barbering, grooming, skincare, and relaxation into one experience. Thanks to his cosmetology training, he has learned more than just haircutting skills. He has studied facials, skincare treatments, and advanced grooming services that he hopes to one day offer to clients in his own business.
“I’d like to eventually have my own luxury men’s spa,” he said. “My cosmetology license allows me to cater to men’s grooming more than just haircuts.”
The road to success has not always been easy. Solomon spent much of the program as the only male student in the class, which challenged him to step outside his comfort zone and grow personally.
“At first, it was tough,” he admitted. “I thought I had to change myself to make friends, but really I just had to change my mindset and become more outgoing.”
That experience pushed Solomon to become more confident, more outgoing, and more determined to succeed. What once felt uncomfortable eventually became one of the biggest lessons he learned during the program. Instead of backing away from challenges, he leaned into them.
At the beginning of the school year, Solomon set a personal goal to complete his required 1,000 training hours by December 16, which students must finish before they can apply for their cosmetology license. He exceeded his own expectations by reaching the milestone a day early on December 15.
The accomplishment meant even more because Solomon had looked up to a previous student, Annie Erion, who became the first senior in the program to complete the required 1,000 training hours as early as April the year before. Motivated by that milestone, Solomon set a goal to push himself even further. He ultimately completed his 1,000 hours in December of his senior year, several months earlier than the previous record.
His commitment extended far beyond the classroom. Solomon currently works at Royals Barbershop, a place he dreamed of working at even before he entered the program. Throughout both years at GV BOCES, he stayed focused on building the skills, discipline, and experience necessary to earn his place there. He practiced constantly, took before and after photos of his work, and dedicated himself to improving with every haircut.
All of that hard work paid off in a major way this year when Solomon earned his full cosmetology license before graduating from high school. After completing his 1,000 hours, he scheduled and passed both his written and practical licensing exams, an accomplishment that requires extensive preparation, focus, and confidence. While many students wait until after graduation to finish the process, Solomon was determined to complete everything early.
“It’s good to stay humble,” he said. “I intend to keep learning.”
Along the way, Solomon credits his instructors and mentors for helping him sharpen his craft. He especially appreciated learning from Cosmetology instructor Miss Shelley and from guest speakers like barber Brandon Armstrong, who inspired him through demonstrations and advice. Solomon said Miss Shelley’s guidance helped prepare him not only for the licensing exams, but for a future career in the industry.
His parents are proud of everything he has accomplished, although Solomon says they are not surprised by his dedication. “They would probably say dedicated is one of my character traits,” he said.
As Solomon prepares to graduate, he is already building the future he once only imagined. Through long hours, persistence, and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone, he transformed a simple interest into a career path. Now, with a cosmetology license already in hand and big dreams for the future, Solomon is proving how far hard work and determination can take someone.
See more of Solomon’s barbering and cosmetology work, client transformations, and his journey toward opening a luxury men’s spa by visiting his Instagram page @SullySnips.