When Orville Haye started his men's grooming business, his vision extended far beyond the classic barbershop experience. He wanted to create a comprehensive grooming destination that offered more than just haircuts. "Groomed by Haye isn't just about cutting hair," he explains. "We provide a range of services including skincare, scalp treatments, and facials. We go further to offer an elevated grooming experience."

While the main demographic for Groomed by Haye is men, particularly young to middle-aged professionals, and business owners, the shop also welcomes women who prefer a barber’s touch. And they serve children and youth. "Our primary audience is men," Orville notes, "but we pride ourselves on being inclusive and offering top-tier services for everyone."

With a focus on providing more than just the basics, Orville aims to ensure that every client leaves feeling their best. "We don't limit ourselves to just fades and haircuts. Our goal is to offer an elevated grooming service that caters to the needs of our diverse clientele."

When Orville talks about offering "elevated" services at Groomed by Haye, he means much more than just an expanded menu of grooming options like skincare, scalp treatments, and facials. It's also about the atmosphere and the overall experience that clients receive.

"Elevated means providing more than just additional services," he explains. "It's about maintaining a professional yet welcoming environment. We like to have fun and joke around, but we ensure everything remains highly professional."

Keywords like "professional," "quality," and "standards" are integral to the ethos of Groomed by Haye. These terms reflect the commitment to providing exceptional service that sets the business apart from typical barbershops. "We aim to go above and beyond the everyday barbershop experience," Orville emphasizes. "When clients come in, it's not about rushing them through like they’re on a conveyor belt. Instead, we offer individualized and personalized service, ensuring that each client feels valued and attended to."

The goal is to make each visit an experience rather than just a routine haircut. "We take our time with each client without wasting their time," Orville says. "It's about making sure every client receives the attention and care they deserve, embodying what we mean by an elevated service."

Relocating, But Still Choosing Montgomery County

Orville opened his first shop in Washington Grove, a small and somewhat lesser-known area near Olde Towne Gaithersburg. Despite its charm, he often referred to his location as Gaithersburg for simplicity. For the past 14 years, Groomed by Haye has thrived in the Gaithersburg area, drawing clients from all over Montgomery County and beyond. "Being centrally located, we've attracted clients from places like Potomac, Frederick, and Clarksburg," he shares.

Montgomery County’s diverse, family-oriented environment aligns perfectly with the values of Groomed by Haye. "This area is home to many professionals and business owners who appreciate the quality of services we provide," Orville notes. This strong community connection and the area's demographic were key reasons for staying in Gaithersburg even when seeking a larger space.

The original location in Washington Grove was about 450 square feet, accommodating up to four stations. "We managed well in the smaller space, but it became clear, especially after COVID, that we needed more room," Orville explains. The pandemic highlighted the need for clients to have greater personal space, and the already cramped quarters felt even more restrictive.

Before COVID, the shop operated with four barbers, but post-pandemic, it scaled down to two. The proximity of the waiting area to the workstations and the bathroom had always added to the congestion. "I had always envisioned a more spacious setup, where clients could wait comfortably away from the cutting stations and the restrooms, and have a more relaxed atmosphere," he says.

The move to a larger space in Gaithersburg was driven by the desire to enhance the client experience – but, also, better visibility. "We wanted more visibility and room to grow," Orville states. The previous location, tucked in the back of a less-known plaza, at times posed challenges in attracting new clients despite the shop's strong online ratings. "People sometimes had trouble finding us, so we knew a more prominent location would help."

This new space provides much better visibility and allows Orville to rebuild and expand his team, aiming to offer an even more elevated experience. "The move is about growth and improving every aspect of our business to meet and exceed our clients' expectations," he concludes.

Building Through Better Networking

Orville knows all too well how to hustle and grind, traits he attributes to his Jamaican roots. "Coming from the islands, you know how to hustle and you get things done. Even if you have to do it yourself," he shares. This self-reliance served him well for many years, but he recently realized that to expand his business further, he needed to embrace networking.

"I'm more of a stay-by-myself kind of guy," Orville admits. "But in order to expand and learn more, I knew I had to open myself up and get out there." This realization led him to join the Gaithersburg Chamber of Commerce and attend various networking events, stepping out of his comfort zone.

His networking efforts have already yielded significant benefits. "With the recent move, I met a guy named Jake Elder through the chamber who introduced me to the City of Gaithersburg Economic Development ToolBox," he explains. Initially skeptical, he reached out to the City of Gaithersburg and connected with a helpful representative named Sharon Disque. "She asked about my progress and told me about some incentives for businesses opening in Gaithersburg," Orville recalls. These incentives, such as small grants to offset build-out and signage costs, were helpful.

"Making those connections was key," Orville emphasizes. 

He acknowledges that networking events can sometimes feel transactional, with everyone seeking something from each other. However, he learned to look past that and focus on the potential benefits. "You have to give people the benefit of the doubt and try to hear beyond the sales pitch."

As he looks ahead to 2024, Orville is intent on more and more effective networking. "I'm an introvert with extroverted tendencies," he jokes. "But I see the value in these interactions and the meaningful relationships that can be built. Also the resources they can lead to." His experience has shown him that building relationships within the business community can unlock opportunities that support growth, making it a crucial part of his expansion plans going forward.

"Networking is part of business, just like selling," he concludes. "It's about connecting with others, sharing knowledge, and helping each other succeed."

His journey from a small shop in Washington Grove to a larger, more visible location in Gaithersburg stems from his dedication to providing elevated grooming services and slowly building up a roster of loyal clients. Yet, he knows that true growth comes not just from hard work but also from stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing the power of networking.

"I'm really trying to connect with others to see what else is out there that I could be a part of," he says. "It might not always be about a haircut; it could be something else where I can be of benefit, or vice versa." This open-minded approach reflects his belief in the potential of collaboration and mutual support within the business community.

As Orville continues to grow and evolve his business, he remains committed to building connections and exploring new opportunities. He is a recent graduate of the Montgomery County Black Collective’s AMBER Program, and the Montgomery County 0 to 100 Accelerator Program through M&T Bank, where he has made some good connections and formed beneficial relationships. 

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

His advice to fellow entrepreneurs and business owners is simple but profound: "Get out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to open up and give these different organizations a try." He encourages others to look beyond the initial interaction and see the deeper value in building relationships. "Once you get beyond the sales piece, there's so much more to gain from those relationships," he emphasizes.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Orville acknowledges that he often hesitated to engage in the past, but now he recognizes the wisdom in reaching out. "I've done that a lot of times in the past, just shutting things down," he admits. "But now, I see the value in connecting with others and the opportunities it can bring."

Orville invites others to join him on this journey of growth and connection. Whether it's through a haircut or another shared interest, he believes in the power of community and collaboration to achieve greater success. "Let's build beyond just the service," he says. "Let's create something meaningful together."