Arts

Senior, self-taught entrepreneur fixes iPhones, cars, more

Mayes post many videos on social media of him cutting hair, fixing cars and repairing cell phones. Jasmine Franklin/The Gramblinite

LaRodgrick Mayes

LaRodgrick “Bebe” Mayes is a senior psychology major from Jonesville, La, who provides many services to the Grambling community.

Mayes’ services include those as an electrician (he fixes ceiling fans, wall plugs, door bells and A/C units), barber, lawn service and mobile phone mechanic (he fixes iPhones and batteries). 

“Back home I’m a plumber and I have my own lawn service,” Mayes said. “I detail cars inside and out.”

Mayes also sells t-shirts. He heat presses vinyl on T-shirts from his brand and sometimes small phrases that people may have in mind. 

“If you bring your own T-shirt I charge $10 for the front and $15 if you want front and back,” Mayes said. “If I provide the shirts I charge $20.” 

Mayes says that he was inspired by his family. He and his siblings grew up watching their parents do everything.

Mayes also said that he grew up on the motto of learning how to do things himself instead of “paying hundreds of dollars” for someone to do the same job he could do himself.

“If you constantly have someone to do something for you, you will never learn for yourself,” Mayes said.

Mayes said for him staying busy is not about the money.

“It is about being able to be something in life rather than standing in the background, never have a dull moment in your life,” Mayes said.  

Mayes said he once made a volleyball net out of two poles from Lowe’s and a giant ball of knitting yarn and had a great turn out of about 30 people to attend and play on the track. 

Mayes has gaps in between classes and that during those time frames he goes to look at the cars and after his classes he cuts hair from 4 to 10 p.m. and sometimes after midnight. 

The next day after his classes he fixes more cars, takes time to do homework and after that fixes phones.

Mayes said sometimes it can be difficult to pay for certain things as a college student. 

“It’s college, we all trying to survive,” Mayes said. “Shops rip you off to make more money.” 

In addition, Mayes stated that his clients knows that the job will get done the right way and that they will be saving money when he fixes things for them. 

Mayes said his prices are 35-50 percent less than any shop in his profession.