Exploring Life & Business with Justin Martin of Just Cutz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Martin.

Hi Justin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My motivation to become a barber all started when I was in high school. My childhood friends started cutting my hair before football and basketball games. I began learning from them and seeing the financial freedom they gained as young teens/adults even after school was completed. A few years later, I missed out on an opportunity when the same friends called stating they were given scholarships at the mall for barbering and cosmetology. At the time, I was working retail and factory jobs making decent money, but as I watched them grow in the barbering industry I realized I wanted more in life.

Around 2011, I decided to take this path seriously and enroll in barber school on my own in Nashville; miles away from home. I continued to work while going to school and raising my children. During this time, I cut friends and family to gain experience and knowledge. I was always determined to finish but had many responsibilities and obstacles I faced as a parent.

It wasn’t until 2018 that I completed the hours and passed the state board qualifications to receive my license. I had over 3 attempts to take the exams, but the two weeks before I received them, I moved even further away and separated myself from everything that was distracting me. My children were very young and didn’t understand this plan, but I had to do this for them. I never wanted to give up on this dream and decided to shut everything out for a short period of time and focus. I felt ready and scheduled the final exam in Knoxville instead and passed finally. I was so excited and ready to start this new journey as an entrepreneur. I returned home and began working at a local barbershop in Murfreesboro and continued cutting my family and friends. I then gained so much more clientele and passion for my career.

A few months later, I reconnected with my high-school sweetheart. She was set on her business career and 3 hours away from me. Fast-forward a year later, we got engaged and had to figure out our families’ next steps. It was difficult being long-distance, but we were both determined to have our careers and take care of my children. During this time, we lived in Knoxville and both traveled back and forth weekly to Murfreesboro. I worked at a shop in Knoxville and Murfreesboro and would return daily to get the kids to school and myself to work. This went on for a year until my fiance found a new position and was able to relocate. That same week, the pandemic hit, all barber shops closed, and our wedding plans were rescheduled, but we were fortunate enough to buy our first house the next month.

I was doing mobile haircuts for the time being until I received my business license; Just Cutz, LLC. With the extra space in our house, I was able to build a barbershop and continue my passion. I never thought working from home would be an option, but it was a great income and gave me the opportunity to meet even more people while providing and taking care of my children. Doing one-on-one haircuts and booking appointments only, allowed me to spend time and interact with people on a different level. It was safe and people felt more comfortable. My clientele grew more and more to where I was cutting men in so many fields (doctors, police officers, athletes, etc.) and gaining friendships and knowledge from them. I was also able to grow within the community, be a guest speaker, and participate in school events.

This opportunity was bittersweet because as my clientele grew, so did my family. After two years of having a home business, I realized I needed to get back out into the community once it was safer to do so. I returned to work alongside my previous team of barbers and continue to grow the business. I am currently investing in and motivating others in the community. I’ve realized after all of these years that it is not just a Haircut. The quality and time we have at the chair is always something to be thankful for and an opportunity to encourage others when you can. I am proud to say I worked hard for where I am now and will continue building a legacy for my family.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, there were obstacles I had to face. I grew up in a single-parent household where my family members also raised me.  I, myself, got into some trouble after graduating and had to learn things the hard way and on my own. During this time, I was blessed to have 6 beautiful children on the road to becoming a full-time barber. I had to solely work and provide for them which led my path to be a bit extended. If I had someone “tell” me this earlier in life, this may have come sooner.

I recall one time when I was so close to passing but missed by a few. After leaving, my car broke down. I prayed and promised myself that the next time I was coming out on top and I did. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do what I set my mind to and show my children in the process.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Just Cutz, LLC.?
I am Justin Martin, Certified Master Barber, in Murfreesboro, TN. I specialize in Men’s Fades and Beards, and women’s and kids’ cuts as well. What separates me from others is that I am able to provide quality work while communicating and relating to a diverse crowd. I am very patient and take my time. I have also found that I have a gift for working with children with sensory issues and anxiety. There are many occasions where a parent has informed me their child has struggled with others in the past, but each child is comfortable and leaves with a smile.

I am proud to offer a service that makes people feel better about themselves. The conversations we have are the most enjoyable part. You never know what you could learn from others and teach at the same time. Sometimes clients show up to the shop just for conversation. It’s also always good to see new clientele and ask them how they found me. I am from Murfreesboro and I meet people from all over the world.

People should know that I love what I do and I am always here to lend a hand.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, I would say to never give up. Do what you love and don’t get discouraged. Find one or more mentors and network. Always continue to strengthen your craft and learn from others. If I had someone told me this earlier in life, this may have come sooner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @just_cutzzz
• Website: book.thecutco/jmart