Rising ICON #30: Delson Saintal
What name do you prefer to be called?
I prefer Delson, but close friends also call me Del!
What are your pronouns?
He/him
Where did you grow up?
Fargo, ND
What city are you currently based in?
I am still living in good ol’ Fargo, ND!
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Often, I introduce myself with a handshake and a random conversation starter. I avoid asking people what they do to make the conversation more personable.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I usually come off as extroverted, but I have embraced my introverted moments in the last few years.
Who do you help?
I wear a few different hats! I am a full-time barber and a part owner of a barber school where my primary duty is the Director of Admissions. I also enjoy helping collegiate athletes as an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Concordia College-Moorhead.
What are you building now?
Currently, I am running for Fargo City Commission and hoping to build a footing within local government. What better way to help the community than by making important decisions to better your city for the younger generation?!
What were you building ten years ago today?
Confidence. I was never the most intelligent, skilled, or talented of my peers, but I always had a strong work ethic. I was my biggest critic and had to tell myself I could be in any room and be confident of achieving whatever goal I put forth.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
I hope to win my first attempt as a city commissioner and continually climb up in local government. In 10 years, I see myself as a Mayor of Fargo and continuing my entrepreneurial journey outside the barber industry.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
The sky is the limit as a barber. Being a six-figure barber is attainable if you love to grind/hustle. Many nontraditional routes within the barbering industry include product development, brand ambassadors, barbering education, barber instructors, and barbering consulting.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
I like to believe that I am a sense of hope to others to take the first step in whatever they want to achieve and that failure is okay. You only know that you might be good at something once you take a chance on yourself by taking the first step. Life is too short to have regrets by not pursuing due to fear.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I’ve had many incredible people who helped me get to where I am today. Some of the best advice that pops into my head is, If nothing changes, nothing changes. Always choose the most challenging route in life. If there’s no risk, there’s no story.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
An article that was written by the InForum when I opened up my second barbershop. Around that time, I felt imposter syndrome since I was a recent barber graduate. That article cemented that I can be on the same playing field as my role models.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
Any exposure is good exposure!
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Love this question! David Goggins, hands down. I’ve always admired his work ethic and his perspective on life.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Failing is Inevitable
What award would mean the most to win?
The older I get, the more awards feel less important. I accepted God as my savior on October 15th, 2023, which will always be my biggest win.
What makes zero sense to you?
Why do some people choose not to chase their dreams when they only have one life to live?
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Holistic. It’s a common word in most industries that gets overused and can be vague.
What game are you changing?
“You do not have to see the entire staircase, but you must simply take the first step.” - Martin Luther King Jr
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
To continue following me on my campaign to become a Fargo City Commissioner. My campaign slogan is “Tomorrow starts Today,” which speaks for itself! Fargo residents, please mark your calendars to vote on June 11th!
Where can we follow you online?
https://www.facebook.com/delson.saintal
https://www.instagram.com/dsaintal1/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsaintal1/
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Always be open to listening to new ideas; the day you put a barrier between yourself and other perspectives or think you’re the smartest in the room is when you will struggle to become an effective leader.
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Delson, for sharing your story!
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“I was my biggest critic and had to tell myself I could be in any room and be confident of achieving whatever goal I put forth.”
Notice: It’s important for our readers to understand the origin of the interview content. The featured ICON contributed responses that were not edited from the original submission. All claims are made solely by the contributor and do not reflect the views of LAUREL or its partners. Thank you for supporting rising leaders. The future is bold.
