This Father’s Day, we partnered with the team over at CoolxDad to spotlight a few incredible dads in a few of our fav styles (photography by William Isaac). Co-founded by Kevin Barnett and Arvy Lim, CoolxDad is a non-profit committed to helping POC be more present fathers and father figures.
By offering mental health, financial literacy, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs, they’re helping dads show up both physically and emotionally — and a portion of proceeds from our Gift Guide will go towards supporting Kevin and Arvy’s mission.
Carlos Carrillo: Entrepreneur
@carlosxcarrillo
Can you give us some background on who you are and what you do?
I’m the owner (and barber) of The Argyle League Barbershop in Houston, TX, father of two boys (Luca and Julian), and a husband to my wife Lauren.
What inspires you and what are your passions?
I love helping people — I'm at my best when I’m of service. My goal is to help people be better than they were before having met me. My barber’s chair is a place where Magic happens. It could be as simple as giving a good haircut to having an in-depth conversation that helps gain a new perspective in life. Either way, you’re leaving a better version of yourself than you came in!
How many kids do you have?
Two — Julian Xavier Carrillo and Luca Gael Carrillo.
What attracted you to the CoolxDad mission?
I think CoolxDad is an amazing concept and needed now more than ever. Most men tend to forget the importance of community and brotherhood. CoolxDad is providing a place for men to learn and grow together in fatherhood. To learn from each other’s examples. Fatherhood is the most important work that we as men will ever have to do. The more positive reinforcement, the better.
The Long-Sleeve All Day Tee and Stretch Terry 5-Pocket Pants
What do you consider your job as a dad?
My job as a dad is to do everything in my power to raise considerate, rational, strong men who will make the world a better place.
Top underrated — but totally necessary — dad skill?
Communication. Gaining your children’s trust (in my opinion) is the most important thing in your relationship with them. You gain trust by listening, not talking. Once you’ve opened clear lines of communication with your children and they trust you, they’re primed to receive any wisdom you may have to pass down.
Any silver linings this past year?
Rediscovery. In the quarantine, specifically. Being a business owner and father tends to take up most of my headspace — being forced to shut down the shop and stay home for 30 days was one of the hardest things I thought I would ever have to do. There was so much uncertainty...little did I know that the quarantine would give me the opportunity to fall in love with my wife all over again. We spent every day with each other, and I began to learn all about her again.
The #1 thing you love most about being a dad?
Hands down it’s seeing your children’s minds grow and experience new things. It’s the most beautiful thing to me. Seeing the “light go on” while they learn something new is fascinating.
Still looking for the perfect present? Check out what our other two cool dads, Juan and Marcus, are sporting, or shop the full Father’s Day Gift Guide.
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