While still a student DL’s instructor entered him into the prestigious Long Beach Hair Dressers Guild Show. Out of hundreds of contestants DL won first place in men’s hair styling. DL went on to win the award 4 more consecutive times. He was then asked by the organization not to compete anymore, but to please be an honorary judge of the competitions. DL then went on to become a one time winner of the IBS award, and in 2010 was voted by his peers as the SIBE Barber Of The Year.

At 19, DL fresh out of Barber College decided to try out his entrepreneurial skills by opening his first barbershop Tangles & Locks in Pasadena, California. A rigid schedule filled with long hours and hard work finally paid off for the barbershop. The shop was always packed with anxious customers patiently waiting up to 3 hours to have the master himself do wonders with their hair. The overwhelming success of DL’s first barbershop prompted him to open 3 more shops the following year, one after the other over a four-year period. As DL’s clipper skills improved, and his reputation blossomed, the star-studded clientele of Hollywood came knocking at his door.

The “It” that DL has, was recognized and requested by some of the biggest names in the sports, and in the entertainment industry. “A” list celebrities, and athletes such as, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Meshach Taylor, the late Heavy D, Ray Lewis, Stacey Augman, Jay Leno, and The Tonight Show Band to name a few have requested his services. DL’s client list reads like a “Who’s, Who” in Hollywood’s entertainment circle.

Darrin has also had the distinct opportunity to have his work as a hair stylist prominently photographed in Vogue Magazine, American Salon, Vibe, and The Source, along with countless television, film, and music video projects. DL holds the distinction of being the only individual who can voice that he was the barber of choice for rap musics biggest icons, Tupac, and Biggie.

From life experiences, and from his years behind the barber chair, DL found his second calling, motivating others to help achieve their life, and financial goals. He is now quickly moving up the ranks as one of the top motivational speakers in the country.

DL owes his success to his mother, a pillar in his life, who taught him to work hard and to never give up in reaching for his goals. She instilled in him the belief that hard work pays off. DL is a proud son who is proud to say he has now been in a position for several years to take care of his mother, having put her through school, where she graduated from Glendale College a few years ago as one of the oldest valedictorians in the schools history. DL is a true talent, gentleman, and modern day Renaissance Man.