Meet Gerald Hastings Hawkins III — or as his growing fan base knows him, Tre. At just 22 years old, Tre is a graduate, a veteran, a business owner, and a digital content creator with a purpose. His journey, rooted in service, driven by passion, and fuelled by community, is one that defies expectations and sets a new standard for what it means to be a modern entrepreneur.
We sat down with Tre fresh off his graduation from Louisiana State University to talk about life, business, and the power of staying true to your values.
Q: Tre, congratulations on your graduation! That’s a huge milestone. How does it feel?
Tre: Thank you! It feels amazing. Graduating from LSU is a big moment for me and my family. I’ve been juggling school, running my business, and creating content—it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every second. I majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Communication, Business Administration, and Entrepreneurship, so everything I studied ties directly into what I’m building now.
Q: You’ve already accomplished so much at a young age. Take us back to where it all began.
Tre: I was born on August 21, 2002, and from early on, I was always focused on pushing myself. At 18, I joined the Army National Guard. That experience taught me discipline, leadership, and sacrifice. It grounded me and gave me a strong foundation, not just as a man, but as a future entrepreneur.
Q: Tell us about your company, Hawkoo Hair. What inspired you to launch it?
Tre: I started my LLC at 19, but the real turning point came the next year when I made a promise to my dad. He’s a barber, and I saw how hard he worked. I wanted to support him by creating a line of haircare products that would complement his craft and also give him another stream of income. That promise became Hawkoo Hair, and today it’s one of the fastest-growing haircare brands in the Baton Rouge area. It’s more than a business—it’s a legacy.
Q: That’s incredible. What makes Hawkoo Hair stand out in a crowded market?
Tre: Quality and connection. We’re not just selling products—we’re partnering with barbers, stylists, and salons to deliver real value. I’ve formed strategic partnerships that help elevate the entire hair industry locally. We’re about empowering people to look good, feel good, and do good.
Q: In addition to running a business, you’ve built a strong presence as a content creator. How did that start?
Tre: I’ve always been creative. At 21, I really leaned into digital content—workouts, music videos, even motorcycle adventures. My content on Instagram reflects who I am: energetic, focused, and passionate. It’s about showing people, especially the younger generation, that you can chase your dreams and live fully without waiting for someone else’s permission.
Q: You’ve also written a book that’s getting a lot of attention. Tell us about that.
Tre: Absolutely. I wanted to create something that could serve as a roadmap for others—especially cosmetologists—who want to launch their own haircare line. The book breaks down everything I’ve learned: branding, product development, partnerships, and scaling. It’s already become a go-to guide for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, and the response has been amazing. Seeing others use the book to replicate my success is the most rewarding part—it proves that knowledge shared is power multiplied.
Q: What’s next for Tre Hawkins?
Tre: Now that I’ve graduated, I’m ready to scale. Hawkoo Hair is just the beginning. I want to build more businesses, invest in my community, and mentor other young entrepreneurs. I also want to keep growing my content and find new ways to inspire. The goal is to create impact—whether that’s through a product, a post, or a conversation.
Q: Final thoughts for anyone out there trying to find their own path?
Tre: Bet on yourself. Stay committed. And remember, it’s okay to start small—what matters is that you start. I’ve been in classrooms, military drills, boardrooms, and barbershops—and I’ve learnt something from each. Don’t be afraid to bring all of who you are to the table.
From a humble promise to a thriving brand, and from Army fatigues to graduation robes, Tre Hawkins is a young man on a mission. With Hawkoo Hair on the rise and a voice that resonates with thousands, Tre’s not just building a business—he’s shaping a movement.
Watch this space—Tre is just getting started.
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