When Wesley Salim walked into Artisan Barber, he brought with him a sense of effortless style and the easy charm of someone whoβs comfortable in his own skin. Wesley is a man of many talents: an influencer, a small business owner, and an employee at the Consulate General of Brazil in New York. On this particular day, he was here for a trim to tame his thick, wavy hair that had grown out at the topβa look that needed a bit of refinement.
A Brazilian native, Wesley moved to New York City in 2018, a move that set the stage for many exciting changes in his life. Just a year later, in 2019, he met his husband while working at a restaurant called The Marshall, in Hellβs Kitchen. The Marshall, which he and his husband now run together, is an American farm-to-table establishment where everything is grown in New York State. From the ingredients in the dishes to the wines served, everything is organic and locally sourced.
The pandemic posed a significant challenge to many restaurants, including The Marshall. "When the pandemic hit, no one wanted to order expensive food, so we started making pizza," Wesley explained. With a wood-fired oven already in place, they pivoted to offer pizzas, initially planning for it to be a one-month experiment. But the response was overwhelming. "Pizza saved us during the pandemic," he said with a laugh. What was meant to be a temporary solution became a beloved staple for their customers.
While working with his husband at The Marshall was fulfilling, it also became clear that Wesley needed some space. "I felt like killing him, so I started to find my own thing," he joked. Thatβs when Wesley began working for the cultural and educational department at the Consulate of Brazil, where he found a new passion in promoting Brazilian artists. The consulate has a significant gallery space dedicated to showcasing the work of these artists, and Wesley is deeply involved in bringing their talents to the forefront.
But Wesleyβs influence extends beyond his work at the consulate. Heβs been an influencer for over 15 years, a journey that started when he was dating a Brazilian actress. His relationship with her catapulted his social media presence, and he began creating lifestyle content that resonated with a broad audience. Today, Wesley is particularly passionate about promoting small businesses. "The main thing for me is to bring people together, otherwise thereβs no point," he said, emphasizing his commitment to helping others succeed.
Wesleyβs background in promoting small businesses runs deep. Before his influencer career took off, he worked for West 42nd Street magazine, where he focused on highlighting local businesses. Eventually, he took that same passion to social media, where his following continued to grow. While a large portion of his audience is from Brazil, heβs also cultivated a strong local following in New York City.
When it comes to his personal preferences, Wesleyβs love for food shines through. His favorite cuisine? Thai, especially from a spot called Sala Thai. And when heβs in the mood for Brazilian food, Rice x Beans is his go-to.
As for his hair, Wesley isnβt overly particular about barbers. "It grows back so quick," he said, noting that he usually gets a cut once every month or two. However, that doesnβt mean he doesnβt appreciate a good trim, which is exactly what he came to Artisan Barber forβa more sleek and polished look that would keep him looking sharp, whether at the consulate, the restaurant, or in front of the camera.
Wesleyβs visit to Artisan Barber was all about refining his style and maintaining the confidence thatβs become synonymous with his brand. Whether heβs promoting a small business, curating an art exhibit, or simply enjoying a slice of pizza that saved his restaurant, Wesley does it all with a level of sophistication and authenticity thatβs truly inspiring.
If youβre looking to elevate your style like Wesley, book your appointment today here at Artisan Barber. Whether itβs a sleek trim or a bold new look, weβre here to help you feel and look your best.
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