Barbering was my first true love. The inspiration came from my grandmother who was a barber in the 1980’s. She was an instructor right here on I-95 and Broward Blvd. My grandmother would take me to the school to get my first haircuts. I wasn’t scared. I was actually fascinated by the manikin heads, razors and combs. I remember getting cut while playing with her barber kit one day!

It was really tough on my family after my grandmother passed. During that time, the memories of her inspired me to start dabbling with barbering. I was 10 when I started putting lines in my hair until I was brave enough to attempt a full haircut on myself. Some days I had to go completely bald! But, as I kept trying, I became better.

At the age of 15, I got my chance to work at an actual barbershop after cutting hair in my mom’s garage for 5 years. A year after that, I finally got licensed. That moment became the turning point in my life. I was confident about my destiny. It was the day I started working harder than ever to get to the top of the barbering industry.

Making great money at a very young age, people started to notice. The barbershop owner noticed too and raised the rent price for my station. So, by 19 years old, I left the shop and started my own. I had saved all my money to become an entrepreneur, to truly be my own boss. During those first years, I had also encouraged my fellow barbers to get their skills up. I enjoyed helping them finish cuts they were stuck on and suggesting techniques that grew their careers.

5 years later, I opened a second barbershop. There, I met a few young kids as customers who were interested in cutting hair. They reminded me of when I was the kid wishing for the chance to be a successful barber. I took the challenge and started teaching them some cuts. After a while I took more young hopefuls under my wing. I was able to give them financial stability and confidence. It gave me pride to see them grow into fine young men.

This was my journey that lead to opening a Barber School. I don’t know if it was my hard work or my grandmother’s blessings but, I also met a strong entrepreneur to make my wife and business partner. Our goals aligned. We did our research and got our licenses and building in order. 4 years later we opened the doors to JT’s Cuts Academy. Well worth the wait!

We’ve been able to provide education and a strong foundation to our sons who are reputable Barber Stylists. We are also honored to see countless students graduate, be able to provide for their families, and have pride in the work they continue on to do. To impact their journeys and watch them grow is why our family puts our hearts into JT’s Cut’s Academy and our students’ futures.