As part of National Small Business Week, the City of Hutto is excited to shine a spotlight on local small businesses. The nationwide theme for #SmallBusinessWeek 2022 is the resiliency and tenacity of America’s entrepreneurs, who are doing their part to power our nation’s historic economic comeback. For the next couple of weeks, we’ll make daily posts on the City’s Official Instagram page to celebrate the local entrepreneurs whose businesses help make Hutto such a special place to live and shop. Follow along by visiting @cityofhutto on Instagram.
When William Thigpen bet on himself in the spring of 2016, Thig’s Diamond Kutz was born. Located in Historic Downtown Hutto, Thig’s Diamond Kutz offers the community not only a place to come and get a great haircut, but also an environment where people can network and build relationships.
Like many entrepreneurs, Thigpen underwent a career change to launch his small business. Prior to starting his own barbershop, Thigpen held various other jobs, including roles as a pawn broker and with TxTag. At the end of the day, it was his ambitious spirit that pushed him into entrepreneurship.
“I’ve always had that risk-taker spirit when it came down to it,” Thigpen said. “I just had to build up in my faith – spiritually, mentally and physically -- to accept the challenge. I knew it would take hard work and dedication to make the vision I had come to pass.”
Thigpen wasn’t immune to the obstacles and challenges that face all entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. However, he knew that short-term challenges, including extended time away from loved ones and securing financing, would pay off in the end. Staying flexible and understanding the physical challenges that come along with starting a business also put Thigpen on the path to success.
“The demographics of where you want your business to be located and knowing how to look over paperwork and not be put in a compromising position are challenges as well,” Thigpen said. “You want to make sure that you have the proper leverage to grow or maybe re-evaluate if things don’t go as planned.”
After overcoming the initial challenges, Thig’s Diamond Kutz has flourished over the last six years. Thigpen was able to move to a new, larger location last summer and recently announced plans to expand into a second barbershop in Round Rock.
When providing advice to other entrepreneurs, Thigpen says the ability to balance both personal expenses and business expenses is paramount. Those launching their own businesses must take caution not to assume too much overhead and put themselves in a position to depend on others to get their business off the ground.
“Be realistic when it comes to negotiations of leases, contracts and other paperwork. Make sure its what you can afford and handle. Get a lawyer involved if you need to,” Thigpen said. “Be consistent and treat people right. Without people, you have no business. Without consistency, you have no business. I consider myself an entrepreneur to the 10th degree and I love everything that comes with it.”
Thig’s Diamond Kutz is located at 104 A Taylor St. For more information, visit Thig’s Diamond Kutz on Facebook and Instagram.
