The Tamil Creator Podcast (EP #50): Thad Jayaseelan - Jet-Setter, Budding Entrepreneur & Go-To Barber For Athletes & Celebrities Like Drake And Big Sean

Thad Jayaseelan has been the go-to barber for the likes of celebrities like Drake, Big Sean & J Balvin. He's also the "Teacher of Teachers" for L'Oreal in Canada along with launching his company Gradient.

Podcasts

Feb 13, 2022

Ara Ehamparam

Business Owner

Toronto, Canada

Thad Jayaseelan (@thaddeus.10) has been the go-to barber for the likes of celebrities like Drake (@champagnepapi), Big Sean (@bigsean) & J Balvin (@jbalvin). He's also the "Teacher of Teachers" for L'Oreal (@lorealpro_education_canada) in Canada along with launching his company Gradient (@gradient____), which saw sales from Day 1 of launching.

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He joins Ara on this week’s episode of #TheTamilCreator to discuss what it was like living with Drake for 2 weeks while he cut his hair, why he started his company Gradient, the importance of a strong work ethic, why he enjoys travelling alone, how he blocked out the naysayers, and so much more.

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Timestamps

00:19 - Ara introduces this week’s guest, Thad Jayaseelan
01:08 - Thad’s upbringing in Montreal and his new business “Gradient”
03:49 - Why he’s stepping out of the spotlight and working more behind-the-scenes
05:41 - Teaching abroad in Europe
08:13 - Securing an opportunity with L’Oreal
09:50 - Why he enjoys travelling (alone)
11:55 - Saving and investing from a young age
14:25 - Mentors who have made a difference in Thad’s life
19:16 - How he got to cut Drake’s hair (and living with him for two weeks)
22:47 - How his perception of celebrities have changed by being a barber for them
25:41 - Why he started Gradient, the company’s trajectory after 5 months
30:31 - How the company works, marketing strategy (social media and word-of-mouth)
32:44 - How the Tamil community reacted to Thad’s ambitions at the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey versus now
37:32 - Where he sees himself in 5 years
38:37 - Advice Thad would give his 16-year-old self
39:47 - The personal legacy he wants to be remembered for (by friends and family)
41:16 - Who Thad looks up to in the global Tamil and non-Tamil community
45:42 - Kyrie Irving makes a quick appearance on the podcast
46:12 - Creator Confessions
50:54 - The Wrap Up