About Me

About Bucky the Barber

Meet Bucky The Barber Who Turned Clippers into Ownership

My name is Shawn Lewis, but most people know me as Bucky the Barber. I’ve been behind the chair for over 25 years, and in that time I’ve built my career on one simple idea: barbering is more than just cutting hair — it’s about giving people confidence and creating a space where community comes alive.

When I first started out, I fell in love with the craft of barbering. I dedicated myself to mastering fades, flat tops, mohawks, comb-overs, beard work, and creative designs. Over the years, I’ve developed a reputation for precision, style, and artistry — whether that means a clean classic cut, an intricate design, or a full transformation with enhancements.

In 2007, I took a big step forward and brought my vision to life with Custom Cutz Barbershop. What started as a neighborhood shop has grown into a premier barbershop experience with locations in Pickering and Whitby. As the owner and lead barber, I’ve focused on making Custom Cutz more than just a place to get a haircut — it’s a space for mentorship, creativity, and connection.

Over the years, I’ve shared my passion through videos, documentaries, and online content, from shop stories to barbering series like Apprentice vs Mentor. Teaching, mentoring, and showcasing the culture of barbering has always been just as important to me as cutting hair.

I’ve also stepped into the world of publishing with two projects I’m especially proud of. I wrote “The Essentials Manual to Owning a Barbershop”, a guide for barbers and entrepreneurs looking to build and run a successful shop. I also created the “My First Haircut” children’s book series, designed to introduce kids to the barbershop in a fun, positive, and memorable way. Both projects represent my commitment to teaching, inspiring, and leaving something behind for the next generation.

Building on the success of the My First Haircut series, I launched Kids Cutz, an interactive gaming app for children now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Kids Cutz was created to help children build confidence for their first haircut and to ease the fears many kids feel about stepping into the barbershop for the very first time.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when barbershops across Ontario were forced to keep their doors closed for months, I appeared on major television outlets in Toronto — including Global News, CTV’s The Morning Show, and TVO’s The Agenda — speaking out about the struggles our industry was facing. I became a voice for barbers across the region, pushing for safe reopenings and fighting for recognition of the vital role barbershops play in communities.

Today, you can find me continuing to do what I love: working with clients, crafting styles that fit their look and lifestyle, building projects that push barbering culture forward, and leading a talented team at Custom Cutz. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m always hungry to grow, create, and keep raising the standard of what a barbershop — and a barber — can be.

— Bucky the Barber

Author

of “Owning a Barbershop 101” and “The Essential Manual”

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 Have to Say

Shop professional grade clippers, trimmers, aftercare and accessories trusted by barbers who own their craft. Every product is handpicked and quality-tested by Bucky the Barber himself.

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 🙏💚

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.

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 👏🏾 🙌🏾