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Creating Mobile Grooming Products to Take the Industry by Storm

Dawilki Rivera with toolkit open

Starting a successful business begins with an idea. Even before finances, a plan of action, or a catchy name can come into play—it’s an idea that kicks things off. And for one entrepreneur, his idea was to create cutting edge mobile grooming products to help beauty professionals prosper. 

Originally born in the Dominican Republic but raised in the Bronx, Dawilki Rivera is a motivated businessman with a New York state of mind. Just a few years ago he saw a niche in the mobile service industry. At that same moment, he decided to take advantage of an opportunity. 

This self-described “house call hero” worked hard to change the landscape of how mobile service providers are able to showcase their work. To better serve the community of on-site beauty and wellness professionals, Dawilki created his own line of mobile grooming products to help industry experts better transport their equipment and perform their work. 

Take a few moments to learn about G&BPro, which is short for grooming and beauty professional—the business Dawilki created from scratch. His booming company now serves customers throughout the United States, in addition to buyers in Europe and New Zealand. 

If you’re an on-site beauty or wellness professional, take some time to learn about the mobile grooming products that Dawilki created for the industry. And if you have product ideas of your own, then pay even closer attention to learn the steps that this  Booksy Ambassador took to create equipment designed to take the industry by storm.

Dawilki Rivera with toolkit

Developing Mobile Grooming Products

At this stage in his career, Dawilki has sold thousands of mobile grooming products. And his business is without a doubt taking off. But about a decade ago years ago, things weren’t as crystal clear. Dawilki was spending his early twenties taking classes at CUNY Bronx Community College, while working in a Bronx based barbershop owned by his brother. 

In addition to cutting hair, Dawilki was responsible for managerial tasks. He was in charge of hiring and training new barbers, tracking business expenses, and rebranding the space to attract new clients. But in 2016, his brother closed down the shop. And because of that decision, Dawilki decided to use his barbering skills to start a mobile business. 

Needless to say, traveling to and from appointments via the New York City subway system was tough in a lot of ways. Just a couple of his daily obstacles included keeping track of his equipment and potential damage to his tools. And once he would arrive to meet a client, there was always the challenge of being able to set up a reliable workstation.

It didn’t take long for Dawilki to realize he didn’t have the right tools to set himself up for success. And he wasn’t alone in this feeling. Other mobile barbers within his professional circle were struggling to provide the best grooming experience. And they were struggling for the very same reasons. But that shared struggle inspired Dawilki to find a solution. 

“When my brother closed down his shop, it forced me to go mobile. At the time, I was still taking college classes. But even then, this idea was always following me around. But I was developing professional relationships along the way. And each of them would give me feedback on what they needed to make the mobile experience better,” said Dawilki.

Dawilki Rivera with kits (edited)
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Perfecting the Concept

There's no doubt that Dawilki had a great idea that was ready to come to fruition. But he knew that getting a business off the ground would take time and effort. So, Dawilki started by writing a list of mobile grooming products that he needed during every on-site grooming appointment.

“I needed my products to be tools that could be used by anybody and everybody within the mobile beauty industry. I didn't want to target only barbers. And that’s why I originally named the company after grooming and beauty pros. I knew that this could work for a lot of people in the industry, because it just made so much sense,” said Dawilki. 

His list included a portable station, a rechargeable headlamp, a floor mat,  and a cape. These key items became the essential mobile grooming products. And his business would develop and market these items with the help of manufacturers and wholesalers. With regards to why he started with those specific items, Dawilki said the following:

  1. Mobile stations: Each equipment bag converts to a mobile workstation. It's complete with trays to make sure that providers can turn a bag into a reliable space during every appointment.
  2. Rechargeable headlamps: There was a huge need for rechargeable headlamps. At the time, fewer businesses were selling quality rechargeable headlamps. But bringing a ring light to every appointment just isn’t practical.
  3. Floor mats: Using a “splat mat” similar to the waterproof and easily washable sheets that kids use during their playtime. It helps to make sure the mobile provider won’t slip. The mat is machine washable, easy to carry, and dropping a sharp tool on the mat won’t damage it.
  4. Capes: To make sure each cape stays in place, the decision was made to add weights to the cape corners. The weights are especially useful for mobile service providers working outside.

G&BPro toolkit
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Taking the Industry by Storm

Creating the final products that would be used in the mobile grooming toolkits required a host of tweaks. Specifically, there were about 10-20 different variations per item. But by the end of 2018, Dawilki had brought his idea to fruition. And the final product “just flew out of the online store,” he said.

The most recent adjustment that Dawilki made to his products was to offer a level of customization. Travel kits come in a variety of different sizes and colors to help make sure that industry professionals can rely on G&BPro mobile grooming products to feature their brand.

With regards to sales, Dawilki estimates that G&BPro has sold over 3,000 mobile stations and bags. Additionally, the relatively new startup that he owns and operates has sold hundreds of floor mats and headlamps. “There's a high demand for it—there's a real need,” he said.

According to the G&BPro website, “our mission is to promote a culture of professionalism and fun while providing you with the necessary tools for your mobile services. We believe you don't have to break the bank to earn more. So, whether you're a freelancer traveling around the world or a "house call hero" navigating familiar locations, our high-quality products are designed to ensure you're successful as a mobile grooming and beauty professional.”

Currently, Dawilki is working with the Booky Ambassador program. His mobile products were featured as prizes during a recent webinar that aired online this month. Viewers were able to win a Barber Starter Pack from G&BPro, which included a custom Booksy G&B Pro Mobile Station, three collectible G&B Pro patches, a G&B Pro headlamp, and a G&B Pro floor mat.

“G&BPro products help mobile providers take their workstations directly onto conventional on-site work environments, whether it’s a place of business, a home, or at a special occasion like a wedding. These products are designed to help industry professionals during a time where clients want services brought directly to them,” said Dawilki.

For more information on G&BPro products, click the following website: gandbpro.com

Dawilki Rivera with toolkit open
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