Today we’d like to introduce you to Toia Cuts.
Toia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At age eight, I learned how to braid and by age 11, I had clientele. When I was 14 years old, I started working inside Just for You Salon as an assistant. I always knew I wanted to be a hairstylist. I just loved hair, in general. I knew in order to follow my dreams, I would need to get a license quick. My only dilemma was all the high school cosmetology programs were filled up.
Immediately after turning 16, I began Kenny’s Barbering Academy in hopes of joining their cosmetology section. Only to find out they no longer have a cosmetology program. The owner Kenny knew I wanted to do hair but he promised me if I got my license as a barber stylist, I would not regret it. He had a program called “the fishers of men”, for youth to learn how to make their own money with their skills. By age 18, I graduated from high school and Barbering school.
I took a break from pursuing hair. I guess you could say I felt burned out. But after having my first child and seeing that college wasn’t for me, I longed for hair again. My passion for servicing clients came back. By age 22, I began my journey of hair again. I slowly figured out what I liked and I began to master it.
At age 24, I realized my true passion was cutting hair. I no longer wanted to style women’s hair. After making this decision, I had many ups and downs but I stayed committed to this journey. I paid thousands of dollars to perfect my craft as a barber. I asked barbers that are killing the game questions and called on them often. Even if it was to just feel their energy. I surrounded myself with only the best.
I remember when I turned 28, I realized four years had gone by and I had no personal life. My only focus was my craft. But then one day, I had a desire to want to know more about Toia and the mindset that drove me. I began doing a lot of work on my external and internal. I started to go to the gym a lot and meditate in the mornings. Reading books and listening to speakers on YouTube became my new life. I found myself in these moments.
During this time, I played the best move ever by working in a salon as the barber on duty. I was hungry I not only cut hair but I went back to styling women’s hair. I did everything. I was the first to arrive and the last to leave the salon at night. I remember being so booked I had to begin to let some clients go. I started sending all of my ladies to other stylists. My passion for cutting overpowered everything. I had truly found myself.
By age 29, I started to make major decisions for my life. I had to step out on faith and believe in myself. I left my comfort of a commission-based salon and opened up Toia Cuts Shop. Many people doubted my decision out of love for me. They didn’t want to see me fall. But I knew I would fly, I just needed the space to do it.
Here I am, 30 years of living and I’m on the rise. I have been coined a grooming specialist. My focus being healthy beards and showing melaninated men how to properly groom themselves. I take pride in my work and I love what I do. It’s still the beginning of my story, I have so much life ahead of me. I’m just so thankful to have lived this experience.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all, I went through moments where I didn’t know how bills would be paid because my craft wasn’t generating enough income. Every time I changed my focus, it was like starting over. Let’s say I changed my focus a lot.
Please tell us about Toia Cuts Shop – what should we know?
I’m the Owner-Operator of Toia Cuts Shop. I am a men’s grooming specialist. My services entails: Barbering, Beard conditioning treatment, Facials, Manicures, and Complimentary shoulder massage. My love and passion is to see melaninated men treated with quality service. This is what sets me apart from most is the passion I have for my craft and the care I show my clients.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes, I’ve had many mentors. My first one was Mercedes Cannon, the owner of the first salon I started. She taught me how to have great customer service. Joshua Hawkins was the first barber that got me back into the swing of things. Marcus Harvey put me in touch with many people. Brandi Lashay, she helped me to grow strong as a female in a male-dominated industry. As of current, Brandon Patton, he has taught me so much about running my business and being connected, promoting myself, a true motivator for me.
Contact Info:
- Address: Salon Lofts
77 12th St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309 Loft 16
Parking is validated! - Website: https://salonlofts.com/toia_cuts
- Phone: (978) 806-3885
- Email: toiacuts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toiacuts/
Image Credit:
Mordecai Lecky
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