Meet Ace “Ajax” Jackson of Ajax Cuts in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ace “Ajax” Jackson.

Ace, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a kid, I used to go to the barbershop with my dad and brother. Although my mom hated it because she felt like girls didn’t belong in a barbershop I would just sit and watch the barbers. I was intrigued by how they were able to make such straight lines and intricate designs with these little hand machines.(haha)

One day, while leaving GA State University, I walked into what used to be the bookstore but was a new barber school. I apologized and walked back out the door. I got a phone call at that very moment saying my financial aid wasn’t completed in enough time to start the semester and they were dropping my classes. I was in disbelief. I called my father (who by the way did my financial aid application late), and he blamed me. That’s when I realized, I was an adult and had to make my own decisions. I walked back in the barber school and said sign me up. I always wanted to know how to cut so here is my opportunity to take a break from sports med and pick up a trade. Start something, finish it, pay for it alone, and show my parents I wasn’t a failure.

Fast forward to today, I’ve been cutting hair for six years now: licensed Master Barber for 3 years. I am at my 6th barbershop, definitely not by choice, so that alone should tell you about my journey thus far.(haha) But this journey continues. I refuse to let anyone hold me back.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has in no way, shape, or form been a smooth road for me. Lol. From dealing with the owner of the school to dealing with owners of the shops, having to move, losing clientele, trying to rebuild clientele, being passed up as “the newbie” and “the girl barber” in the shop, sitting around on slow days debating whether to go back to a 9 to 5, or keep the faith that things will work out with this career, it’s been TOUGH. And bills don’t stop. The biggest challenge for me though was overcoming my internal fears. My mind and anxiety will take me out of the game before I even start.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ajax Cuts – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Well, I would have to say I specialize in mohawks and fades. I mean I also do color, dreadlock maintenance, razor shaves, designs, and a few other things but fading is love. I’m mostly known for giving clean cuts, clean blends, and clean lines. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, from being mobile for a little to nothing, to having consistent clientele. And the growth in my work speaks for itself. My clientele continues to grow as well as people interested in me teaching them my skill. It feels good knowing I’m finally doing something right to the point people notice and want to learn.

What sets me apart from others is that I actually care about my clients. I’ve seen plenty barbers just do what is asked of them but me personally, I like to educate my clients, make suggestions, and just make sure they feel like they received more than “just a cut”. I also support them outside the shop with their own ventures, businesses, and hobbies.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I look to add more services to my business. Looking at how men’s hair units are becoming popular, I would like to learn more about them and offer them in the near future. There is so much more to this lucrative industry, I’m just open to growth and education. I don’t want to be “just a barber”. I’m also planning to give back to the community. Everyone likes to look and feel good, whether I volunteer at a shelter, at a youth center, schools, nursing homes, somewhere, I want to make others feel good about themselves and feel loved.

Pricing:

• Men’s Cuts start at $25
• Women’s cuts start at $20
• Teen’s Cuts start at $15
• Kid’s Cuts start at $12

Contact Info:

• Address: Cut Creaters Eastside
  2962 Ember Drive, Decatur, GA
• Website: book.thecut.co/ajax
• Email: ajax839@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ajax_thebarber
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajaxthebarber

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