All Stories Matter - Andre Locket, living a life of purpose

Updated 8 days ago

Andre is proud of his Kalamazoo roots. He says living in a small town offers many advantages including strong community connections, family values, and opportunities to follow your dreams. And Andre, with the support of his father and mother, has indeed dreamed big dreams and worked ceaselessly to make those dreams come true. Kzoo Kutz on West Main is part of Andre’s dream, a thriving barbershop with a growing customer base. Hear Andre’s story and then stop by the shop for a trim.

Chapters

Introduction and Host Welcome (00:00:15)
The host, Marvinetta Woodley Penn, introduces herself and her mission to bring joy to people's lives through her show.

Marvinetta Woodley Penn greets the audience and introduces herself as the founder of Joy on Life's Journey. She emphasizes her belief in joy as a birthright and sets the tone for her show, which focuses on people finding and sharing joy in their lives.
Importance of Sharing Stories (00:01:06)
Marvinetta explains the importance of sharing one's personal story to connect with the world and ensure it's told accurately.

Marvinetta emphasizes that everyone has a story worth sharing. She encourages viewers to share their stories with the world to validate their experiences and ensure their truth is heard, as others might not tell it accurately.
Introducing the Guest (00:01:42)
Marvinetta introduces a highly recommended guest, Andre Deshaun Lockett, and shares her excitement for his story.

Marvinetta introduces Andre Deshaun Lockett, a guest who came highly recommended to her. She expresses her anticipation for having Andre on the show and sharing his story with the audience.
Personal and Professional Updates (00:02:02)
Marvinetta shares her involvement in a local theater production and invites viewers to attend the shows.

Marvinetta mentions her role in the play 'Annie' at the Kalamazoo Civic Theater, inviting viewers to attend the performances. She highlights her involvement alongside other cast members from the community.
Andre's Background and Nickname (00:03:00)
Andre shares his full name and the origin of his family nickname 'Buddy'.

Andre Deshaun Lockett introduces himself and explains that his family calls him 'Buddy', a nickname given by his mother that has stuck over time. He shares that he is also known as 'Dre' among friends and in his work as a barber.
Growing Up in Kalamazoo (00:04:14)
Andre describes his upbringing in Kalamazoo, attending local schools and forming lasting friendships.

Andre talks about his childhood in Kalamazoo, attending Lincoln International Studies School, Maple Street Middle School, and Loy Norrix High School. He reflects on the close-knit community and the friendships he developed throughout his school years.
Impact of COVID-19 on Education (00:06:42)
Andre discusses his experience graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced.

Andre shares his experience of graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the difficulties of missing traditional senior year events like prom and a standard graduation ceremony. The school arranged a socially distanced graduation on the soccer field to accommodate safety measures.
Entrepreneurial Mindset During COVID-19 (00:10:01)
Andre talks about developing an entrepreneurial spirit during the pandemic, engaging in various small business activities.

During the pandemic, Andre explored different ways to make money and stay productive. He engaged in activities such as washing cars, customizing PS4 controllers, and cutting hair. Andre attributes his entrepreneurial drive to his parents' influences and his determination to be productive.
Detailing Cars and Customizing Controllers (00:13:38)
Andre explains his ventures into car detailing and customizing PS4 controllers, finding joy in creating unique designs.

Andre details his experience with car detailing, which started as a small-scale, family-oriented business. He also shares his passion for customizing PS4 controllers through hydro dipping, a process he learned from his sister, which allowed him to create unique, artistic designs.
Future Ambitions and Wife's Business (00:20:01)
Andre discusses his future entrepreneurial goals and mentions his wife's massage therapy business.

Andre expresses plans to possibly restart his PS4 customization business and dreams of owning a space to pursue his interests. He also shares that his wife runs a massage therapy business in North Carolina, showcasing their shared entrepreneurial spirit.
The Instagram Connection (00:21:43)
The speaker describes how they met a significant person through Instagram last year in October.

The speaker talks about meeting someone through Instagram back in October of last year. They weren't looking for anything serious at first, but it happened authentically.
First Impressions (00:22:08)
Initially, there was no attraction from her side, but they became friends and kept talking.

At first, she didn't like him, but they continued talking and became friends. It started off as a friendship before developing into something more.
Instagram Story Serendipity (00:22:31)
The speaker discovered her through a repost by a favorite Christian artist and was impressed by her values.

The speaker saw her on an Instagram story reposted by a favorite Christian artist. He was impressed by her looks at first, but then more by her values and personality.
Shared Values and Respect (00:23:12)
Her self-respect and relationship with God made a strong impression on the speaker.

The speaker admired her self-respect, how she carried herself, and her strong relationship with God. These qualities stood out more than just her physical appearance.
Making a Connection (00:23:59)
She reached out to him after he posted something about serving God on Instagram.

She contacted him after he made an Instagram post about serving God, which led to them starting to talk more frequently.
Visiting and Meeting in Person (00:24:55)
He decided to visit her for the first time on his birthday week, solidifying their connection.

He traveled to meet her in person for the first time during his birthday week. It was a pivotal moment in their relationship.
Proposal and New Beginnings (00:25:19)
He proposed in August after realizing the depth of their relationship. They got engaged and moved into an apartment.

He proposed to her in August after feeling confident about their relationship. They moved into an apartment together, marking a new beginning.
Learning from Deacon Hamilton (00:26:14)
Advice from Deacon Hamilton helped him understand what to look for in a partner.

A Deacon at his church gave him advice about clarity, rarity, and hardness as qualities of a good woman, likening them to the characteristics of a diamond.
Clarity, Rarity, and Hardness (00:27:31)
He explains the qualities of clarity, rarity, and hardness that made her the right choice for him.

He elaborates on the qualities of clarity, rarity, and hardness, which are characteristics of a diamond, and how these apply to his partner, affirming his decision.
Understanding Pressure (00:28:41)
Her consistency under pressure convinced him of her strength and suitability as a partner.

Her ability to remain consistent under pressure, a key attribute likened to the hardness of a diamond, convinced him of her strength and suitability.
The Role of Faith and Decision (00:29:50)
Faith played a role in his decision to propose, trusting in God's guidance and his own judgment.

He reflects on how faith and prayer helped him make the decision to propose, trusting in God's guidance and his own informed judgment.
Barbering Beginnings (00:37:01)
He shares how he started cutting hair and the journey through barbering school.

He recounts how he began cutting hair, attended a barbering program through EFE, and eventually went to barbering school.
Building the Backyard Barbershop (00:38:39)
With his father's help, he converted a shed into a backyard barbershop, learning valuable skills.

He talks about converting a shed into a barbershop with his father's help, learning how to drywall, insulate, and paint in the process.
Facing Challenges with the City (00:41:01)
The city shut down his backyard barbershop, presenting a significant challenge.

He faced a challenge when the city shut down his backyard barbershop because of zoning laws, leaving him uncertain about the future.
Starting a New Venture (00:43:37)
The speaker's father encourages them to start their own venture, leading them to work from a basement.

During a conversation about financial matters, the speaker's father suggests that they should consider starting their own business. This idea takes root, and the speaker decides to begin their new venture working from a basement, which presents its own set of challenges and adjustments.
Finding a New Location (00:43:43)
His sister offered her basement as a temporary place to cut hair, helping him continue his work.

His sister offered her basement as a new place to cut hair, allowing him to continue his work despite the setback.
Basement Beginnings (00:43:49)
The speaker reflects on moving from having their own place to working in a basement, feeling like a step down.

The speaker describes the transition from having their own space to working in a basement. While it provided a place to go, it felt like a downgrade from their previous situation. They express the challenge of adapting to this change and the emotional impact it had on their sense of independence and progress.
Metaphorical Growth (00:44:19)
Discussing the necessity of starting from the bottom, using metaphors like a seed growing underground.

The speaker shares insights about starting from the bottom, using metaphors to illustrate the idea that growth begins in unseen places. They compare their situation to a seed growing underground, emphasizing that foundational work is necessary before visible success.
Challenges and Gratitude (00:44:54)
The speaker faces challenges in the basement with dogs and laundry interruptions but remains grateful.

While working in the basement, the speaker encounters distractions such as barking dogs and a beeping dryer. Despite these challenges, they express gratitude for the opportunity provided by their sister, recognizing the importance of support and family in their journey.
Family Support and New Opportunities (00:46:32)
The speaker's aunt informs them of a building for sale, opening up a new opportunity for their business.

The speaker receives a message from their aunt about a building for sale, which could serve as a new location for their business. This opportunity represents a potential turning point, offering a chance to move beyond the basement and expand their venture.
Financial Challenges and Parental Support (00:47:02)
Lacking funds for the new building, the speaker's parents secure a loan, showing their belief in the speaker's vision.

Without the financial means to purchase the new building, the speaker faces a significant hurdle. However, their parents step in to secure a loan, demonstrating their faith in the speaker's potential and commitment to helping them achieve their dreams.
Balancing Work and Ambition (00:48:00)
The speaker juggles working at UPS and cutting hair, driven by a vision for their future business.

While working at UPS and cutting hair in the basement, the speaker is motivated by their ambition to succeed in their own business. They endure early mornings and challenging work conditions, driven by the desire to achieve their goals and the freedom of being their own boss.
The Importance of Conversation (00:50:00)
The speaker values the personal connections and conversations they have with clients in the barbershop.

In the barbershop, the speaker finds joy and fulfillment in the meaningful conversations they have with clients. These interactions often go beyond the haircut, providing a space for people to share and connect, which the speaker considers an integral part of their work.
Family and Community (00:51:29)
Family plays a central role in the speaker's life, with strong support and values passed down through generations.

The speaker reflects on the importance of family and community, acknowledging the support and teachings from their parents and grandparents. They discuss the values of saving and hard work that have been instilled in them, as well as the significance of family in their personal and professional life.
Church and Youth Outreach (00:53:07)
The speaker is actively involved in their church and runs a youth program focused on empowerment and spiritual growth.

Raised in their church, the speaker is deeply involved in its community, leading a youth program called REACH. The program aims to empower young people by fostering a relationship with God and helping them discover their purpose and calling in life. The speaker shares the impact of spiritual guidance on their journey.

All Stories Matter (14 Episodes)

Updated 8 days ago

Marvinetta Penn hosts free flowing, candid conversations where guests share honestly and listen deeply – always seeking first to understand. All Stories Matter is an independently produced neighborhood voices production through Public Media Network.