Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Matthews.
Hi Ian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It’s been an incredibly unexpected fulfilling journey. So far its 15 years of elevated experiences and I’m still climbing to reach greatness, It all started with the question, “Who cuts your hair?” From then on, its just been steady progression of a great career.
About 15 years ago, one of my closest friends, Kaamii (really my brother from another) needed a last minute haircut for an event. I never really cut no one else’s hair besides my own at the time. I was kind of nervous at first, but confident that I could do the job. So here we are, in the basement, borrowing my Dad’s clippers because I didn’t have my own yet, and gave the best inaugural haircut to my ability starting out. It seemed like it took FOREVER, but I got it done lol…and he was thoroughly pleased, thank God lol!!
When people saw his haircut and actual gave him compliments I was so elated. So you know us barbers, we’re going to claim our work and hype it up and say, “Yeah, you know I cut him right?”…or, “Yeah, that’s my guy, you know I had to get him right!” From then on, I found my side hustle as the basement/kitchen haircut specialist. Building trust with friends and family, while working my corporate job as a CNC programmer/machinist in the aerospace field. So barbering, at first, was the side-chick.
I really started taking barbering more seriously when I started getting laid off at work. Lost contracts in the corporate world led slow times at work, leading to temporary work. So I started cutting more hair in the meantime. Then my oldest brother Dontá planted the seed. He encouraged me to get my barber license and open a barbershop in the future. So I connected with my pastor’s barber, Mr. Reggie, who was a master barber and great mentor, and he took me in as his apprentice. Now the the real tribulations are about to commence.
Welcome to the trap people. And when I say “the trap”, IYKYK Hahaha. The Barbershop where I first started was located in the heart of Baltimore called “Down the Hill”, Belnord and Ashland Ave. Heavenly Cuts, that’s where I got my barber stripes. While I was there I cultivated my skills. I also got some great pro tips from a Cosmetologist teacher and mentor, my hair mom…Janice Evans, of J.Evans Academy in North Carolina. She told me to no limit myself to just haircutting. Learn how to teach, learn how to network, and start going hair expos and barber events. GROW YOUR BRAND!!
After I finished my Apprenticeship and earned my license, I met a prominent and well known barber named Lattimore and moved to Thompson’s Family & Friends Barbershop on Erdman Ave. It was a blessing in disguise. When I moved there, my skills got even better, my clientele grew, I started traveling to barber shows, and my name started become more prevalent in Baltimore. I even started my social media journey doing videos and skits, and even started The Cuttin’ Up Podcast with my boy Frankie B. NOBODY knows what the future holds, and every step you take is one step closer to an accomplishment.
Since then, I haven’t looked back. I strive for excellence everyday. Every haircut, every post, every podcast episode, be great one day at a time. I’ve met so many prominent people in the industry, from Celebrity barbers and hair moguls, to pro athletes and social media stars. I’ve been able to travel over the country for hair expos and events, grow the podcast at events like the Bronner Bros Expo Show in Atlanta, and the Baltimore Barber Expo. I’m steadily growing my social media content on YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok for The Cuttin’ Up Podcast and Emansbarberlife. Also I’ve been featured on different podcasts and barber shows in Baltimore. I’m in a great spot in this ascension of my career and I’m definitely not done.
It’s been an unexpected and blessed career so far. A lot sweat equity and time, dedication to the craft, and lessons learned so far in my journey. I’m thankful for all the support from the people in my life…friends, family, especially my dear and loving parents, As I continue to elevate my professional Celebrity Barber status and leave my imprint on the industry, I just want people to know that to achieve your goals, YOU MUST TRUST THE PROCESS and put in the necessary work because FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. That recipe for success will never change. Believe it, achieve it, receive it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. This road had some detours and potholes in it. For the beginning of my career I worked two jobs for about 3 years before I made enough to quit my regular 9 to 5. Plus there’s ebbs and flows in the industry. There will be days in the week where you might not have cut no hair at all because people are coming off vacation, a major holiday, late cancelations or no-show appointments, or people trying to hold out because they might not be working. And don’t get me started about when barbershops were shut down at the beginning of Covid19. Talk about a rough road.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Professionally Licensed Barber, Celebrity Barber, and social media personality, I specialize in delivering a consistent great experience and excellent haircut everytime. I’m very personable, funny and to get along. That’s what sets me apart from others, my great personality and delivering an experience more than a haircut. God has blessed me immensely. I have an amazing and extensive clientele. It’s such a grateful and humbling moment when people recognize me outside of the barbershop, either at an expo, just doing routine errands, or especially out of state.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is probably the first I beat my Dad 1 on 1 in basketball. I was 12, my boys was watching, my mom just pulled up the street, and I hit my Dad with the best crossover move (over his head because he was bent down low), and then hit the gamewinner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/z65g9c8zrec9xs/location/E9WCE0205WG6X/services
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emansbarberlife
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gckrs7og3/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Emansbarberlife
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@emansbarberlife
- Other: https://youtube.com/@cuttnuppodcast
