About Me

Barber. Author. Educator. Mentor.

Helping barbers, parents and young people grow through education, mentorship and community culture.
I’m Shawn Lewis — known as Bucky the Barber. For over 25 years, barbering has been more than a craft for me. It’s been a path to ownership, a way to uplift people, and a platform to educate the next generation of barbers, families, and young leaders.

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

Every part of my work from books to mentorship to youth programs is rooted in values that build people, culture and opportunity.

Youth Empowerment

Giving young people tools to grow, create and lead.

Community

Building spaces where people feel supported, respected and inspired.

Entrepreneurship

Teaching barbers and creatives how to turn skill into ownership.

Excellence

Setting high standards in craft, leadership and service.

Milestones & Moments

Here are a few defining moments that shaped my journey and the impact I strive to make.

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.

As Featured In

Media, interviews and platforms where my work and story have been highlighted.

Reality Show: Mentor vs. Apprentice

A look at the work, culture and mentorship behind the chair.

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

Real stories from barbers, parents, and partners impacted by my work.
The Barber Custom Cutz – Pickering

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 more

Simon Custom Cutz – Whitby

Custom Cutz did an excellent job and spent time making sure everything was even and neat. Reggae music makes the already great cut more enjoyable.

Marinho1 123 Custom Hair Clinic

I was a little bit nervous at first about getting my SMP but Shawn gave me the confidence and I’m so happy that I made this decision. I feel like myself again! Thanks again and I recommend this service to anyone with thinning hair.

Read more

Mekela Essential Manual to Owning a Barbershop

The 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 👏🏾 🙌🏾

Read more