Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jay Martino of West End

Jay Martino shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Jay, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, school has been a big source of joy for me lately. I am currently pursuing my MBA at Clark Atlanta University, and it has been rewarding to grow both academically and as an entrepreneur. The experience pushes me to think bigger about my business, connect with like-minded people, and apply what I am learning directly to real life. On a personal level, I have also been enjoying spending more time reading, going to the gym, and finding balance outside of the shop. It helps keep me grounded and motivated.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jay Martino and I am a licensed master barber, entrepreneur, and MBA candidate at Clark Atlanta University. I am the founder of Klean Kutz & Stylez, a luxury grooming brand that focuses on delivering more than just haircuts. My vision is to create an upscale grooming experience that blends precision, style, and lifestyle. Over the years I have built my reputation working with celebrities, athletes, and executives, while also serving my community and helping other barbers grow in their careers. What makes my brand unique is the focus on professionalism, high end service, and creating a space where clients feel valued and empowered. Right now I am expanding my barbershop and building out Klean Kutz Academy to teach and inspire the next generation of barbers. My goal is to continue elevating the industry while showing that barbering is not just a trade but a business and a lifestyle.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my parents. They showed me the value of hard work, faith, and resilience, and those lessons have carried me through every stage of life. Watching how they provided for our family and handled challenges taught me that nothing comes easy, but with consistency and determination you can build the life you want. Their example gave me the confidence to pursue barbering, entrepreneurship, and higher education, and it reminds me to stay grounded while reaching for bigger goals. That foundation is why I believe in myself and in the vision I am building today.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to trust the process and believe in your gift. There will be times when it feels like things are moving too slow or that your dreams are too big, but every challenge you face is shaping you into the person you are meant to be. Keep working hard, stay focused, and do not let doubt or comparison distract you. You are capable of more than you realize, and the sacrifices you are making now will pay off in ways you cannot even imagine yet.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is respect. I was raised to treat people with dignity no matter their background, and that principle has carried into my work and my brand. Respect builds trust, and without trust there is no real community or growth. In the barbershop, respect shows up in how I treat clients, how I lead my team, and how I represent my culture to the world. Protecting that value ensures that the spaces I create are welcoming, professional, and uplifting for everyone who walks through the door.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I am gone is that I used my gift to make a real difference. I want to be remembered as someone who elevated barbering into a lifestyle and a business, who created opportunities for others, and who always poured back into the community. I hope people say that I built something bigger than myself, that I inspired the next generation to dream bigger, and that I carried myself with integrity, excellence, and love for people. At the end of the day, I want my legacy to be that I left the world better, fuller, and sharper than I found it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kleankutzandstylez.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayydabarberr?igsh=MTYzMnAwcDNwZWNkeA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmartinojr?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MEHxCFsAc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jaydabarbertv?si=zBanrwZ6l5rsgGEx
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayydabarberr?_t=ZT-90ECra9pc3j&_r=1