Today we’d like to introduce you to Franklin Williams Jr.
Franklin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in a small town called Chadbourn, North Carolina — a place with just over 1,500 people. Growing up there taught me a lot about community, and that sense of connection is something I’ve carried into my barber career.
Back in 2017, I was a sophomore at UNC Pembroke. I had just transferred schools and, after tearing my Achilles, I could no longer play soccer like I had at my previous college. I was looking for a new hobby, and cutting hair caught my interest. My mom saw how passionate I was becoming and let me turn half of her living room into a little barbershop. My dad also supported me by getting me my first set of professional clippers and trimmers. What started as a hobby quickly became an art form to me.
When I moved into an on-campus apartment, I started advertising haircuts to students. At first, it was just a way to pay for my apartment and earn some extra money, but over time, I realized barbering could actually be my career. So I made a big decision — I left college during my junior year to enroll full-time at Fayetteville Tech Community College’s barber program. While I was in school, I built my clientele, worked on my social media presence, and focused on customer service. I also challenged myself by participating in a barber competition in which I won first place and I had the privilege of cutting NFL player Donte Moncrief. By the time I graduated, I was already fully booked with clients.
After that, I spent two years at One Hundred Grand Barbershop in Fayetteville, NC. During my time in the barbershop I gained experience by cutting for soldiers from Fort Bragg, learning from barbers around me, participating in a community giveback at J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival with VicBlends and Lute West, and even cutting rapper Blueface. Those experiences, along with guidance from mentors, pushed me to take barbering more seriously.
Eventually, my fiancée and I decided to move to Atlanta for bigger opportunities. Since then, within the past two years I’ve had the privilege of cutting artists like Lil Baby, 21 Savage, NLE Choppa and many more, as well as working alongside the Atlanta Hawks and Vicblends to participate in a community giveback.
It’s truly been a blessing to grow from a small-town barber cutting hair in my mom’s living room to now working with some of the biggest names in the industry. I give thanks to God and to the people He’s placed in my life — they’ve been significant in guiding me to where I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. In the beginning, I was just trying to figure things out — I still remember messing up my best friend’s head while I was learning. There were times when I had no clientele at all, and nights where I skipped out on fun because I was committed to watching videos and studying ways to get better at my craft. While in barber school I worked various full time jobs so I could support myself.
I’ve also had moments where I lost balance in my life outside of barbering, putting so much focus on the grind that I had to learn how to take care of myself as a person too. Those challenges taught me that persistence is key, but more importantly, that growth isn’t just about becoming a better barber — it’s about becoming a better overall person.
I truly believe everything happens in its right timing. The struggles shaped me, and letting things fall into place while staying consistent with my goals has been the biggest lesson of all.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a barber professionally known as Franklincutz. I specialize in tailoring every haircut to fit the client’s style. I’m proud of how I’ve grown from cutting hair in my mom’s living room in a small town in North Carolina to living in a major city and working with well known artists, local public figures and many more.
What sets me apart is my combination of technical skill, work ethic, and a genuine approach. I connect with people through my personality as much as my craft, making sure every client feels valued and confident when they leave the chair. For me, barbering isn’t just about haircuts — it’s about relationships, growth, and leaving a positive impact wherever I go.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do feel like luck has played a role, but I see it as God’s way of blessing me with the right support system. I’ve been lucky to have parents who raised me with the mindset that I can pursue anything I want, as long as I’m willing to work hard and stay consistent.
I’m lucky to have a fiancée who believes in my work ethic and constantly pushes me to strive for more. I’m lucky to have friends who trusted me enough to let me practice on them in the beginning, and mentors within barbering who saw how focused I was and were willing to guide me along the way.
To me, that’s the kind of “luck” that matters most — being surrounded by people who pour into me and push me to be better. It’s been a blessing, and I don’t take it for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/franklincutz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franklincutz?igsh=N21sMmFla2UyNDkz
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@franklincutz910?si=Fkg4r_s5VExUji88
