The Under 30 Podcast

How did they make their first million? Whether it’s revenue, followers, streams or something else entirely, the Under 30 Podcast is the must-watch show for anyone young and ambitious building from the ground up. We go beyond the headlines and into the details, unpacking what it really took to go from zero to 50, then 100, and beyond. Hear from some of the most successful founders, actors and musicians featured on the iconic Forbes Under 30 list, as well as the industry veterans, investors and mentors who helped shape their journeys. Real stories, hard-earned lessons and practical insights from the people who have done it. Plus, we make it fun.About The Hosts: Alex York and Zoya Hasan are editors of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, covering the emerging businesses, brands and founders shaping our economy today. From AI unicorns and drone manufacturers to media empires and cult-followed consumer brands, they put a new spin on business news. Both joined Forbes in 2023, and are New York University alumni.

  1. From Mom’s Garage To Global Fame: How Vic Blends Built A Cultural Barbering Empire

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    From Mom’s Garage To Global Fame: How Vic Blends Built A Cultural Barbering Empire

    Welcome to the flagship episode of the Under 30 Podcast, where hosts Alex and Zoya sit down with digital creator and celebrity barber Vic Fontanez, widely known as Vic Blends. In this exclusive interview, the visionary entrepreneur shares his blueprint on how to turn an ordinary career into a life of extraordinary purpose . From humble beginnings cutting hair in his mom's garage to styling global icons like Barack Obama and Tom Brady, Vic outlines his unique trajectory for long-term business success. However, rapid scaling in the creator economy comes with major financial risks, and Vic pulls back the curtain on a devastating financial oversight early in his career. He reveals how a six-figure IRS tax bill nearly derailed his entire operation after a bad accountant failed to pay his taxes for two years, offering critical financial literacy lessons on managing business revenue. Beyond small business management and tax strategies, this episode dives deep into the unseen mental pressures of rapid entrepreneurial scaling. Vic opens up candidly about his mental health journey, detailing his bipolar 1 disorder diagnosis, his experience with mania and psychosis, and the necessity of his 16-month hiatus at the absolute peak of his success . Discover the core mindset behind his "stay planted" philosophy, which emphasizes grounding your business and life in personal character rather than fleeting digital metrics . Learn how he leveraged his online influence to secure a major talent agency deal with WME, monetize digital content, and successfully transition to long-form storytelling with his hit show, the Deep Cut Podcast . He also details his latest physical venture expansion, including strategic real estate acquisition by buying the land to launch the physical Planted Barbershop brand . Finally, explore his profound commitment to philanthropy as he explains why he personally self-financed $100,000 to open the Vic Blends Academy—the first licensed barber school inside a California prison . Whether you are an aspiring content creator, a small business owner, or a seasoned startup founder, this interview offers invaluable insights on leadership and building a sustainable enterprise. Subscribe to Forbes for more executive profiles, investment strategies, and motivational success stories from the world’s top young leaders. 00:00 Introduction: The Under 30 Interview 01:55 The Origin Of Vic's Motivational Mindset 03:17 Merging Passion & Purpose: The Free Haircut Concept 08:57 From High School Culture To Choosing The Barber Trade 14:29 Scaling The Business: Entertainment Agencies & Mentorship 25:29 The Media Play: "Deep Cut" & Securing A-List Guests 32:41 The Unseen Cost Of Success: Navigating Bipolar 1 39:27 The Six-Figure Financial Mistake You Need To Avoid 49:02 Corporate Social Responsibility: The First Prison Barber Academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min

Información

How did they make their first million? Whether it’s revenue, followers, streams or something else entirely, the Under 30 Podcast is the must-watch show for anyone young and ambitious building from the ground up. We go beyond the headlines and into the details, unpacking what it really took to go from zero to 50, then 100, and beyond. Hear from some of the most successful founders, actors and musicians featured on the iconic Forbes Under 30 list, as well as the industry veterans, investors and mentors who helped shape their journeys. Real stories, hard-earned lessons and practical insights from the people who have done it. Plus, we make it fun.About The Hosts: Alex York and Zoya Hasan are editors of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, covering the emerging businesses, brands and founders shaping our economy today. From AI unicorns and drone manufacturers to media empires and cult-followed consumer brands, they put a new spin on business news. Both joined Forbes in 2023, and are New York University alumni.

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