Benjamin working his hairstyling magic
Benjamin Miller, founder of Anchors Aweigh Hair Company, has always loved cutting and styling hair, but his journey to his own pomade line has had its share of ups and downs. Formerly a thrill-seeking punk rocker (he enrolled in the Army as a paratrooper at 18!), after the unexpected death of his brother he hit a decidedly low point. Thankfully, right at this time a hairstylist spotted him in a bar and encouraged him to pursue hairstyling, setting forth a series of events that led to the creation of a pomade line that would not only make guys and gals look good, but would also give them confidence.
As a man who has gone through tough times himself, Miller made it vital for Anchors Aweigh Hair Company to give back to the community. Today, Anchors Aweigh offers a tightly curated selection of pomades and Miller is working on a non-profit initiative to help wounded veterans go to school for barbering and cosmetology.
We recently spoke with Miller about the remarkable series of events that led to his enrollment in TONI&GUY Academy, how the name of the company relates to his personal philosophy on life (and a certain tattoo style), and what he believes is his biggest accomplishment so far. You’ll also get some exclusive details of projects in the works!
Enjoy!
The trio of Anchors Aweigh Hair Company pomades
Where are you located?
Anchors Aweigh Hair Co. is located in a little room in a super neat house in the coolest city ever, Knoxville, TN.
You’re a former Army paratrooper! How did you transition into hairstyling and making men’s grooming products?
Haha, yeah! I used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes. The Army was an amazing experience and as an 18-year-old punk rocker that had dedicated his life to “making it” in the music industry, it was just what I needed.
Two weeks before I left the Army, my brother died from a drug overdose. We had plans to train him in MMA because he was a super tough dude who needed a way out of drugs. But when he passed, my world was turned upside down! I moved around, tried some college, tried a few different careers, drank a lot of alcohol but kept waking up empty. That’s when I met a dude at a bar (no, this isn’t the punch line of a bad joke..).
He was a local hairstylist and noticed that I was really good with people. He also noticed I was covered in tattoos and probably unemployable at McDonalds. He invited me to come hang out at his salon one day and by the end of the week I was enrolled in TONI&GUY Academy in Dallas, TX.
Tell us the story of how Anchors Aweigh Hair Co. began.
Anchors Aweigh started as an idea back in 2009 when I first began hair school. I wanted to start a hair product company that would also act as a care organization to help others. It wasn’t until I found out that my wife was pregnant that I really got to work in bringing my idea to life. At the end of 2012 I started teaching myself chemistry, web design, how to market products, etc. Then, in August of 2013, I finally had three products that I loved enough to sell.
When I first started selling, I donated soap to charities and families in need for every pomade sold. The company grew super fast, but still to this day (with the exception of Tuesdays when my best friend Kevin helps) I do it all myself. So due to time constraints, the charity side is changing.
I’m currently working on a non-profit that’s going to help wounded veterans receive the necessary tools to cut hair and to even pay for barber or cosmetology school.
How did you come up with the name of your pomade line?
The name came about by my love of Anchors and what they represent. Also, I’ve been heavily tattooed for over 10 years, and the traditional Sailor Jerry style has always been one of my favorites.
I recently changed the name to Anchors Aweigh because it represents freedom and journey. With the respect of others, I think we should be free with our lives, our style, and our hair. I would’ve never gotten to where I am now if I hadn’t been free enough to embark on the journey I made to get here.
Teddy Boy Slick and Original
Teddy Boy Matte
Why did you decide to base your pomades in natural ingredients?
I think it’s important to promote health. I feel like as consumers, we’re cheating ourselves when we buy products made from ingredients that aren’t meant for our bodies. Many of the ingredients used in cosmetic formulations like lab-grown preservatives, humectants, emollients, and emulsifiers pose dangerous health risks. Risks that lead to cancer and other health problems. As a young father, husband, and son, I want to eliminate any possible risk that will cut my life short.
Let’s talk aesthetics. Your line of pomades has a vintage nautical feel. What was your inspiration as you were designing your tins?
When my products first came out, I did the labels myself. Not knowing much about packaging design, I just used some cool traditional fonts, slapped them on a sticker, and BAM, it was done. As the brand grew, I knew I had to change some things around.
In early 2015, a very talented designer named Kyle Earl redesigned the packaging. He did an amazing job of capturing the rock’n’roll/nautical feel through the fonts he picked and his design layout.
I’m in the process of bringing back one of the first products I put out called Sirens & Sailors. This time, instead of being a single product it will be a unisex line of products that are great for both dudes and chicks. My wife is a super talented artist (achybreakyart.com) and she drew a VERY rad logo for the packaging. I’m super pumped about putting the line out.
What is one Anchors product every guy should own and why?
Teddy Boy Original is a product that’s super versatile and I think everyone should try it. If you apply it to damp hair, it offers a good hold and a greaseless shine, perfect for a combed side part or pomp.
If applied to blow-dried hair, it offers a great pliable hold and less shine for a more natural look.
The best part about the Original is the pliability of the product. It holds but doesn’t harden. The second best part is the blend of essential oils that balance the pH of the scalp and also increase hair strength and elasticity. Women and men with longer hair can even use the Original. It has great anti-frizzing capabilities and offers hold for curls.
What’s your biggest accomplishment so far as a business?
My biggest accomplishment so far has been our acceptance into Birchbox. I recently sent 10,000 samples to BirchBox for their monthly subscription boxes. It was pretty tough to produce that many with what little machinery I have, but with the help of friends and family and a lot of creativity, we got it done pretty quickly.
What do you have coming from Anchors Aweigh Hair Company in the future?
The future of Anchors Aweigh is pretty insane. I’m working on a non-profit, a clothing line called Teddy Boy. Also, the Sirens & Sailors line should be out by the end of the year. I’m also working on some educational projects that I hope will help customers understand how to use the product easier. I hope to keep growing, but not too fast. This year I’m really trying to focus on the consistency of each product and the quality control of each batch.
Now that my son is getting older, I’m able to sponsor more events and get out and meet people.
What’s the best part of your job?
As cliche as it sounds, the best part of my job is making people happy and confident. it feels great to know that guys and girls are finding the confidence to date more or stand in front of their classrooms to give speeches. I’ve always loved to encourage others, so it’s rad to have a product that can be a confidence booster for people I don’t even know.
Where can readers find out more about your company?
Just head over to AnchorsHairCo.com or google Anchors Aweigh Hair Co. and we should pop up. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or just want to tell me a bad joke, email me at info@loveanchors.com. Also, if you’re on Instagram, check us out @anchorshairco.
