Robert Vldz

BarberCon — PSA! Next stop … out in Nashville capturing the moments that make this industry what it is. From the community pulling up to support one another, to the education, booths, products, conversations, and energy — this is what it’s all about. Big shoutout to Lee and the entire team for bringing BarberCon to Nashville and then taking it on to Dallas! What always stands out to me most is the education. Grab your coffee, find a seat, tap in, and learn something that pushes your kraft forward. This first installment is shaping up to be something special for the industry. Who’s going? @theproperorangecounty @igetdownonhair @iambarberizm @queenofthesouth512 @thehawkvision_ @theoriginalbarberdoll @fadedinc @barberconnyc @barbershopconnect

Bringing together some of California’s talented individuals in the industry, the relaunch of the @barbershopconnect website felt bigger than just an event—it felt like a moment. From the invitation to the atmosphere of what was to come, being surrounded by familiar faces—those who’ve carved their names into the history of barbering and shaped this beautiful community—carried a different kind of weight. Even the ride over, Vinnie and I found ourselves reminiscing… the events, the shops, the early days with some of these same individuals. The roots run deep. You could feel it in the room—the shared moments, the camaraderie. For some, it had been a while since crossing paths, and now here they were, in completely different stages of their careers, reunited under one roof. That kind of energy doesn’t happen often. One of the most impactful parts of the night was hearing Lee’s story—his origin. A lot of the time, that side of someone’s journey isn’t public by design. There’s a quiet, almost silent movement behind it all. But when you’ve spent time around it—shadowing Lee at events—you start to see just how much he pours into this industry. With DC and Lee, it’s almost never just a gathering—it becomes a moment. And being in a room filled with people who have impacted Lee in some way, shape, or form, you realize how much of him is woven into this industry… and how much of this industry is woven into him. But it all started in the community. And to build from a foundation like that—it’s a true testament to his passion for bringing people together. Thank you again to everyone who showed up and shared their time. Now go check out the new website—and if you type in code “Vinnie & Rob,” you’ll get absolutely nothing… but you will get to experience the site, and that’s what matters. On to Nashville! @theproperorangecounty @iambarberizm @tifara_da_barber @barberconnyc @vincethebarber @diego_djdgaf @hey.leche @jcthabarber @staygold31 @renjworld @igor.sadurskii @dlmasterbarber @classicbarberproducts @yakuzabarber @anthonythebarber916 @roland_thebarber Soooo many others

Real. Unscripted. Education. When the room walks away better, we all win! . Rob i sincerely appreciate you for capturing it. @establishedkraft 🎥📸 . @babylissprobarber @americasbeautyshow . #dgcuts #babyliss4barbers #bostonbarber

What time is it in Chicago? Doesn’t matter— I kept trying to figure out what makes it feel that way…ran it back in my head a few times, looking for the exact reason. But honestly, there isn’t just one. It’s one of those things you don’t break down—you feel it in real time or you miss it. Three days straight of pure motion. Team meetings at 8:00 AM on the floor, locking in for the day ahead. Then just like that, it’s 7:00 PM—decompress with a low-key pizza party in the lobby. That hotel bed starts calling your name…loudly. But not for long—because before you know it, the alarm hits and it’s go time all over again. And that’s the part people don’t always see—the grind behind the moment. Every person there representing something bigger than themselves. The work it took to get on stage…yeah, you can feel it. That’s why I said it’s a vibe. Not just the lights or the crowd—but the people, the commitment, the shared push. Hard work, no doubt. But the real reward? Getting to experience it all with your team. Grateful for another event full of memories. And special thanks to the ones I finally got to connect with off camera—because some moments aren’t meant for an SD card…they’re meant to stay with you. @babylissprousa @babylissprobarber @theproperorangecounty @dgcuts @jamiewileyeditorial @nanette_guild @presleypoe @thehawkvision_ @thereggiemarcel @irapopesage @jeremystephens_official @staygold31 @davidconnorhair @hairbylexidawn @drycutter @ginothebarber813 @los_cut_it @_natemotivates

I get asked all the time why I show up so early to these shows… and it’s true. What people don’t see is everything that makes the moment possible. There’s no spotlight for the sales team, the ones building the stage we stand on, dialing in the audio, or breaking it all down when it’s over. But every piece matters. It’s a machine—and it only works because of the people behind it. The appreciation for this team runs deep. What’s seen on stage is just the result of months of work, planning, and commitment. And it shows. From booth setups to final breakdown—this isn’t just a team… it’s a family. This one’s for the ones who keep it going year after year. Grateful to everyone who’s welcomed me into their space and trusted my lens to tell the story @babylissprousa @babylissprobarber Thank you everyone too many to tag @theproperorangecounty @bejeanhair @jamiewileyeditorial @nanette_guild @dgcuts and soo many more!!

STMNT Grooming’s Cultivating Culture LA was more than an event—it was a full-day experience rooted in community, creativity, and growth. Led by ambassadors who live this Kraft every day, the intention was clear: create a space where people could come together, learn from one another, and leave better than they arrived. Vinnie’s pod centered on one thing—authenticity. Raw, unscripted conversations. Real people. Real answers. No expectations—just truth. And that’s exactly what made it powerful. From pod to pod, every immersive moment hit differently. The energy, the people, the intention behind it all… unforgettable. Grateful to be alongside Vinnie, continuing to document this industry and these moments as they unfold. LA, that was special. Thank you to the entire STMNT team for having me & to all those that attended ! It was an amazing time for our industry! @stmntgrooming @juliuscaesar @staygold31 @theproperorangecounty @brittanycalzada @drizzyxgroomer @mocliving @renjworld @barberdoza @12pell #stmnt #makeyourstatement

Just another day for @igetdownonhair doing what he loves—razor work, a clean blowout, and a client leaving the chair feeling like their best self. That’s really what it’s about… behind the chair, every day. Different people, different canvases, same passion. The magic is in that final spin—the reaction, the smile, the confidence. That moment never gets old. Hearing about the upcoming class with RJ and Vinnie at @texturelv got me hyped. Education has been hitting different this year across the industry—people showing up, leveling up, and really investing in the kraft. It’s inspiring to witness and even more so to document. Grateful to keep archiving these moments with an incredible team. Working alongside your people—whether it’s in a shop, salon, or suite—just pushes the creativity even further. We build, we share, we elevate… because that’s what it’s all about. I love seeing my homies on stage… but even more, I love that moment when it clicks for someone in the crowd. That reaction? That’s everything. @theproperorangecounty @babylissprousa @irvingbarbercompany @_secret_sessions

Have you ever had to step away from something you love and come back stronger? After dealing with injuries and time away, watching him step back into education hit different. The passion didn’t fade — it intensified. Every word carried weight. Every demo felt intentional. When someone truly loves what they do, time off doesn’t weaken it… it refines it. Moments like this remind me why I show up with the camera. It’s bigger than content When the room gets full, you don’t just step in and claim space. You work around it. You respect it. It shifted emotionally mid-session — you could feel it. That’s when I moved closer. 50mm felt right. Close enough to hold the weight of the moment, wide enough not to interrupt it. ISO pushed higher than ideal — expo LEDs don’t ask what you prefer — but highlights stayed controlled and texture remained intact. Monochrome wasn’t for drama. It was for focus. Live Kraft Field Study 03. @thereggiemarcel @onetouchairstudios @theproperorangecounty @thehawkvision_ @babylissprousa @babylissprobarber

Nothing like having @jerzeystar in the chair—pure personality, real laughs, and someone who truly embraces being himself. That kind of energy is a reminder… you don’t have to be anything but you. Stay present, enjoy the moment, and keep it real with the people around you. … if you’re behind the camera, editing , or taking the day off, remind yourself how moments like these fuel your creativity. Keep going !!! @buffalobills @shnowtv @monsterenergy #youalreadyshnow

Had the chance to have @ema__kawakami in the chair — and what a moment seeing him in action. Amazing what he does out there. The language barrier? Didn’t matter. With Jackie keeping the vibes going, somehow we all understood each other just fine. Turns out laughter translates pretty well. Moments like that remind me what our job really is — helping people feel their best. Over the years, one thing I’ve found when filming during a service is that the camera has to disappear. Not literally, but energy-wise. If people feel the camera, the moment changes. If they forget it’s there, that’s when the real reactions happen. Sometimes it takes the whole service to get that moment… but when they finally see the finished result and that smile hits — that’s a language everyone understands. @hairplaylv @xgames @techdeck @gopro

Here’s my green! 🍀 Hearing someone’s story… where they really started… that’s probably the most impactful part of all of this. It’s those conversations you have later, the ones that stick with you, where you realize how much it actually resonated. Because every journey means something. Maybe not to the algorithm… but definitely to someone. As storytellers… as archivists… we get to relive it all over again. In the edits, in the audio, in the small moments most people miss… you hear the voice, you feel the weight of it, and it hits in a whole different way. These artists impact me more than they probably know. Grateful to capture these moments… and even more grateful to share them. @theproperorangecounty @patty_cuts

Great time with @domowaka sharing how @xgames has been a fundamental part of his career. There’s something about being in the barber chair — no matter what part of the world you’re in, the vibes are just different. From just catching a lineup in the chair at the beginning to sharing stories about the journey… it all comes full circle. How many of us can relate? Having that outlet to express yourself and be around peers cheering each other on — that’s something special. I love catching these candid moments too, The passion they share for their craft and the respect between them is powerful. Thanks for sharing, bro! @spitfirewheels @disorder @thundertrucks