About Me
Barber. Author. Educator. Mentor.
My Journey
My story began with a simple pair of clippers and a desire to build something meaningful. I started cutting hair at 9 years old, and quickly learned barbering was more than hair — it was confidence, creativity, and community. Every cut became an opportunity to connect and uplift the people sitting in my chair.
As my skills grew, so did my purpose. I built Custom Cutz from the ground up — not just as a barbershop, but as a cultural hub where standards, leadership, and mentorship mattered. Over the years, I learned that barbers needed more than technique. They needed business knowledge, systems, and real support.
That’s what pushed me to expand beyond the chair. I began writing books that teach the business side of barbering. Later, I created the Kids Cutz App, giving children fun and educational ways to learn about barber culture. These projects opened my eyes to the bigger impact barbering can have — especially for youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Today, my mission is to teach, mentor, and build tools that help people turn skill into ownership, creativity into opportunities, and passion into purpose.
Values That Guide My Work
Youth Empowerment
Community
Entrepreneurship
Excellence
Milestones & Moments
Started cutting hair
At 9 years old I started my craft and connection to my community.
Opened Custom Cutz
Built a shop rooted in standards, culture, and leadership.
Published my first book
Teaching barbers the business side of ownership.
Launched the Kids Cutz App
Empowering children through creative barber culture.
Mentored over 100+ barbers
Helping barbers turn skill into business and leadership.
Expanded Custom Cutz Academy
Workshops, training & education programs for next generation.
Reality Show: Mentor vs. Apprentice
Author
of “Owning a Barbershop 101”, “The Essential Manual” and "My First Haircut series"
Educator
teaching barbers the business side of the industry
Founder
of Custom Cutz brand & academy
Creator
of Kids Cutz App, bringing barbering culture to children
Testimonials
What People Say
Best place in Durham to get a haircut, as a barber that worked here for many years, I can say that the owner Bucky is a good dude & always makes sure to have a team of amazing barbers on his staff. If you're in Pickering there’s no better place to get a haircut & great vibes. Keep killing it guys 🙏💚
Read moreThe Essential Manual is more than just your regular “how to” book. Shawn offers a level of transparency that most would be hesitant to tap into. As someone who normally reads physical copies of books, I enjoyed listening to the audio book to hear the passion behind his story and his experiences. Shawn does a great job of humanizing any Owner or Entrepreneur. His openness about the complexities and nuances that go into taking on such a responsibility and executing it at a high level makes me appreciate the journey even more! I am so proud I will be purchasing a hard copy for my own learning and inspiration! It’s definitely a must-have! Writing Well Done 👏🏾 🙌🏾
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