Chatted with Aaron recently to find out a little bit more about the man behind the beard. What follow are snippets of our conversation. Hope you enjoy, and if you have questions you would like to see asked in the next TDB Session send them in!
TDB: So tell me about yourself, how old are you and what do you do?
Aaron Libby: Well, I’m 24. I’m a full time student though I can’t quite decide on a major. For fun and some extra dough I buy and resell vintage stuff, primarily obsolete media. Records and laserdiscs, that sort of thing
TDB: whats the most you’ve ever resold something for?
Aaron Libby: A couple grand off of an old truck I bought out of a farmers field. I’m really into cars and most things mechanical. I saw a foreclosure sign on the guys property and noticed an old Ford in the back, so I offered him $100 to take it off his hands and spent all day digging it out. Cleaned it up and resold it. That’s the first time I realized I could actually do this for some serious cash. Lately I’ve been selling vintage movie posters, some of them go for pretty ridiculous amounts of money.
TDB: you do that all on your own, or work with a group?
Aaron Libby: All on my own. I’ve always been drawn to the dusty and discarded. When I was little I used to beg my grandparents to let me rummage through their garage because it was filled with all sorts of neat junk. I guess it’s a combination of an inquisitive nature and reminiscing of a time I never experienced. It’s a hobby that’s slowly turning into a viable means of making a living.
TDB: I like that, that’s respectable work. Did your grandfather have a beard?
Aaron Libby: Nope, He was always clean shaven. Worked as a welder his whole life and I don’t think he could really get away with it. Come to think of it no one in my family ever really had a respectable beard.
TDB: Then that makes you the sole beard representative in your family. How does that feel?
Aaron Libby: I like it. My grandmother hates it and always gives me grief, but my great grandmother says I look handsome. The family is obviously divided ha. I think my dad thought it was silly at first, but it’s grown on him. pun intended.
TDB: what made you decided to grow a beard?
Aaron Libby: Ever since I could first grow facial hair I’ve always wanted a bitchin’ wizard beard, I just never had the patience, plus my mustache was always very weak. Finally I just decided to go for it. Now that I’m bearded I’ll never go back.
TDB: I don’t believe you had any lack of mustache, i mean looking at you today. nope, don’t believe a single word.
Aaron Libby: Oh no, it was awful. And my beard was very spotty in places, but I suppose that was fixed with age. I’m in awe of some of the fantastic mustaches The Daily Beard has sometimes, but I’ve come to terms with what I’ve got. I’ve got mustache envy I suppose haha,
Aaron Libby: I’m just disappointed that I’ll never be able to rock the Sam Elliot. Now that’s a stash!
TDB: never say never. it could happen. I never thought I’d have handlebars or that it would be natural, but here i am with a 3 year stache.
Aaron Libby: And based on your picture thats quite the mustache sir. Mine just looks stringy when I wax it, so I figure I’ll focus on what I do well: the full beard.
TDB: I’m definitely jealous. I would gladly trade this mustache for beard like yours. no hesitation
Aaron Libby: Sorry man, I’m rather partial of mine ha.
TDB: damn.
what does your beard care look like?
Aaron Libby: And I figure if Jack Passion can become a world champion with a pretty weak mustache, so can I
Aaron Libby: My beard care is pretty simple, I condition daily, shampoo about 3 times a week so it doesn’t dry out, and comb several times a day to prevent knotting. I don’t use any fancy beard oils or anything. Once in awhile I’ll toss in a little olive oil to give it a nice shine if I’m going out.
TDB: what kind of attention do you get with the beard when you’re out?
Aaron Libby: Oh gosh, I always get comments and looks. I love it, I’ve never had anything that gave me any confidence before this so I kinda relish in the attention, as conceited as that sounds. The only thing I hate is the beard grope. When that random hand just bolts out and grabs your beard. It irritates me to no end. If someone asks, I’m more than happy to let them touch though.
TDB: I’ll never know how people do that. I would seriously expect to get punched in the face if i tried.
Aaron Libby: I’ve gotten pretty good at the ninja hand strike. It’s always super drunk dudes who do it too, I guess they think it’s funny. I imagine I’d have a slightly different reaction if some babe was trying to feel my face-fur.
TDB: is it more often men or women who ask to touch your beard?
Aaron Libby: All depends on what bar I’m at ha. I’d say it’s pretty divided though, but I certainly get flirted with a lot more at the gay bars around here.
TDB: everyone has one, whats your strangest beard encounter story?
Aaron Libby: I was at a restaurant with my pops eating lunch, and out of nowhere this really drunk little guy comes up to me and just mutters “I just gotta.” and gives my beard a hearty tug. I really had no idea what to do, my mouth was full of food and it was a pretty nice place. My first reaction was to just grab his hand and sternly yell “NO!” He looked so hurt and confused haha. He later came back with a round of beers to make amends so I guess it ended well haha.
TDB: I heartily applaud that. Oh man, I wish I could of seen it. how did your pops react?
Aaron Libby: I think he was in as much shock as I was, although I’m pretty sure the words “douchebag” were muttered.
TDB: thats understandable. I always wonder this, how did you end up in a place like tumblr?
Aaron Libby: Ha, an old friend of mine told me I should make one because there were a lot of beard enthusiasts and she thought I might do well. When I started it I thought it was silly, but then I started garnering attention and getting reblogged by some pretty big blogs such as yourself. It’s addicting really.
Aaron Libby: Plus you connect and really get to know some amazing and interesting people, which I really cherish.
TDB: that is the best thing about tumblr. I always feel a little crazy though when i talk to people who don’t use tumblr about the awesome friends i have, that i’ve never met.
Aaron Libby: Haha exactly. People who don’t have tumblr can’t fully grasp how wonderful it can be. I have several followers that I genuinely care about and talk to every single day. I’m even planning some trips to go visit some of them. I feel they genuinely are my friends, even if I’ve never met them. It’s incredible.
TDB: do it! get out there and meet them. seriously some of the best days you’ll have.
Aaron Libby: I can imagine. You’re sort of an inspiration seeing as how you’ve set up that beard-tour. Pretty envious sir.
TDB Adem Lowell: the beard tour wasn’t even started by me. You can thank James for that, or rather I’m grateful to him for inviting me out. The Idea of TDB tour came from when i met up with Adam Bohmer in Seattle. that’s what he called it, so its kinda stuck.
Aaron Libby: I think it’s a splendid idea! I might have to come hang out in Oregon when you end up that way,
TDB: please do! I’m actually going to be in LA later on in the year, so i won’t be too far from you then.
Aaron Libby: But oregon is way better haha
TDB: thats true - have you lived in california your whole life or moved around?
Aaron Libby: How long have you been doing it, and how’d you end up running one of the best beard blogs in the game?
TDB: the blog has been up since June 27, 2010. I have no idea how this became anything more than a small little blog I started because I didn’t wanna annoy my friends with my growing beard fascination. I really never though anyone would find my blog to be honest.
Aaron Libby: And now look at you. Every time you reblog me I get a ton of notes and usually a few followers, so I know your fan base must be pretty impressive.
TDB: I try not to think about, because then i realize how many people can see the horrible spelling mistakes i make. or that fact that I’m prone to leaving out whole words pretty frequently. But I’m glad they’re there. TDB Follower have certainly changed my life.
Aaron Libby: And you’ve given me a small taste of that ha. Actually from the professionalism of your blog, I figured it was a team of some sort. I mean, just look at your banner. Very slick stuff
TDB: thanks! I try to be professional, but really its just me and my cats here on this end. Is there anything you else you’d like to share with TDB followers?
Aaron Libby: I just want to say thank you for all the beard enthusiasts out there for giving us hairy folk our niche, and thank you for all the wonderful compliments and encouragement you give us, because face is, having a bitchin’ beard just isn’t the same if there is no one to love it.
Get in touch with Aaron yourself:
seitanist88 on tumblr.