Influencing with Purpose: Jonathan Morris

Social media influencers are everywhere. However, not all influencers were made equally. Some use their platforms for more than just advertising themselves. This issue’s Influencing with Purpose focuses on entrepreneur Jonathan Morris, the owner of Fort Worth Barber Shop and host of Self Employed on the Magnolia Network on the Discovery+ app who is about (at the time of writing) to open the Hotel Dryce across from Dickies Arena. 

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Morris

Where does your passion come from when promoting Fort Worth?  

My passion for the city comes from a strong desire to advance the culture of our town into the future. I want to see Fort Worth become a city that is known globally for not just what it’s been, but for who it is and what it’s becoming.  

What’s the best advice that you’ve ever been given?  

“Everything ain’t for everybody.” 

Since you are not a barber, why did you choose that as your first brick- and-mortar business?  

The barber shop that I wanted to exist in Fort Worth did not exist, so I created it. 

Did you learn more about business from books or from running them?  

I learn best through application. There’s no better way to learn to swim than by just jumping in the pool.  

What have you loved about having your own TV show?  

I get to have the types of conversations that I love having with fellow entrepreneurs. I’m just as inspired by the people I get to meet on the show as I hope viewers are.  

What do you think will differentiate Hotel Dryce from other local hotels? 

Every element of Hotel Dryce is vetted through the lens of locals to ensure that we are creating a truly authentic representation of our city for both visitors and locals. 

What’s your favorite book and why?  

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It was published more than 80 years ago and yet is still an incredibly practical guide to not only growing professionally, but interpersonally.  

Who have you always wanted to meet?  

I’d love to sit down with Pharrell Williams. I’m inspired by his approach to philanthropy. He’s also about to open a new hotel. 

How do you celebrate Black culture in Fort Worth?  

By hiring black people, supporting black owned businesses, and championing black artists and creatives who are shaping our city’s future. 

What political or social issue motivates you to take action?  

Black Lives Matter. 2020 made me realize that so many people are threatened by the idea that our lives simply matter. I’m motivated to keep pushing for representation of Black voices and ideas in places and spaces that we are underrepresented.  

Jonathan’s Fort Worth favorites: 

• Coffee Shop: Black Coffee 
• Breakfast or Brunch place: Tinie’s 
• Hangout with friends: Tulip Fort Worth 

• Place to relax and recharge: Home 
• Museum or gallery: The Modern 
• Artist or musician: Leon Bridges 
• Yearly event: Fortress Festival 
• Boutique: Gifted 

• Sweet treat: MELT Ice Creams 
• Hamburger joint: Bearded Lady 
• Mexican restaurant: Joe T. Garcia’s  
• Non-profit organization: HOPE Farm