We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan “Chops” Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan “Chops”, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I founded the Gentlemen’s Social Club in 2015. We are based in competitive bearding, but we also volunteer within the LA community. We collect toys for Toys For Tots every year, as well as volunteer with another group called Project Paperbag where we create care packages for the Skid Row community. Once a year, we host a facial hair competition, Beard Battle: LA, and all of the funds raised are donated to the LA Food Bank. For every dollar donated to the food bank, they are able to provide 4 meals to those in need, such as the homeless, elderly, and children where needs are not met at home. With the money we’ve raised in the past 8 years, we have essentially donated thousands of meals to the LA area.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I found the competitive beard community by accident in 2011. I was bored and scrolling on Facebook as one does, saw an ad for a local competition, and figured it sounded just “weird” enough for me to try. So, I chose my look from my hat, to my shoes. I find how one presents themselves, especially when it’s the first time, to be very important. Of course, I chose the style of facial hair I’d present for the stage. I ended up winning that competition, and was locked into the community ever since because of the camaraderie and the charity work. From then on, I’d choose a different outfit to wear with my facial hair. I have sideburns, and there isn’t a lot you can do with them. You can either look like a Civil War general, or Wolverine. As they grew longer, I found out that wasn’t true. Simply by experimenting with my sideburns, I created a style that is my very own. It is my signature, and I do consider myself my very own art project. My facial hair truly is unique, and I recognize that. It is tight, precise, and over the top, but with class. Kind of how I dress. I am very proud that it stands out in a community of so many creative individuals with their own style. As my beard grew, so did my place within the community. I started out just simply competing in competition after competition, but now I am the President and Founder (2015) of my own club here in LA. The Gentlemen’s Social Club of Los Angeles. We have been going for 8 years strong now. I am extremely proud of the people and the work we have done in that time contributing to various charities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Los Angeles, and the diversity of places it has to offer as entertainment. When friends visit, they sort of want a “Cliff’s Notes tourists guide” to the city, but with a flare of the unusual. So I generally start in Santa Monica/Venice boardwalks. Those two areas show not only the beauty of the ocean and beach, but also an array of shopping from the strange little shops in Venice to the higher end shops of Santa Monica. Our next stop would be Hollywood proper for a quick hop into my favorite dive bar in LA, The Frolic Room. Cheap drinks, great locals telling stories, a history as old as Hollywood itself, and the occasional celebrity grabbing a cheap spirit or two before rolling into an event at the Pantages next door.
LA has amazing museums. One of my absolute favorites is The Broad downtown. They have everything from paintings by Piet Mondrian, to selections from the Warhol archives, and Koons glass sculptures. My favorite section to take people too is the Basquiat room. His work really stands out to me. It is so unique and his own. At a quick glance, it looks like a chaotic painting, but if you sit with it for a bit, you can really start to decipher the meaning, message, and intent of his work. I absolutely love a good conversation about this art, or any art for that matter. Like each piece, every interpretation is unique.
The final stop would be Clifton’s in downtown LA. The atmosphere is amazing. One floor is a literal cafeteria, another floor is safari themed, and the top floor has the dark gothic decor of Dracula’s castle. Of course, there is always the hidden Tiki speakeasy that can be found on the other side of a wall sized mirror. Watching the surprised and curious looks of my guests as I push the mirror open is always fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t say I’ve achieved great heights by any means. I mean, I’m not Ruler of the World…yet! All jokes aside though, I take my family in my heart and soul everywhere I go. There is no way I could achieve anything without their support and understanding. They truly do come from a place of unconditional love. As long as I am happy, then they are happy and support me. They understand who I am, why I am the way I am, and love me for it. I cannot ask for greater parents or siblings than the ones I have. They are a rock for me as I navigate this world, and have guided me in the right direction…always!

Website: www.chopsangeles.com

Instagram: @tgscla; @chopsangeles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LABeards

Image Credits
Jeffrey Moustache; Instagram @jmoustache Elle Jayeb: @drumphotos Jay Libras: jaylibrasphotos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.