By: Jackie Hardy, NDG Contributing Writer
James T. Smith, owner of JT’s Boss Kutz , is building a successful barbershop business one hair cut at a time. In less than a year, Smith has opened three barber shops in different locations within the Metroplex as he shared his impressive professional bio with North Dallas Gazette via a recent phone interview.
“In December (2014), I opened my first shop and I started opening the second shop in Irving in February of this year and then, I opened the third one two weeks ago.”
Currently, JT’s Boss Kutz has two locations in the Dallas area off of Bonnieview and Duncanville Roads with a third one located in Irving on Beltline Road.
According to Smith’s professional resume, he graduated from Dallas Barber College in 2012 and he explains to NDG that it was his grandmother who encouraged him to pursue a career as a barber.
“I started out cutting hair as a hobby and it was my grandmother who told me I had talent,” shares Smith.
He advised how he began to learn quickly the difference of being a barber and being a business owner. Smith feels one of his legacies will be to help other up and coming barbers learn the business as well as the art of cutting hair.
“I want to pay it forward as that is what I am trying to do.”
One of the ways Smith hopes to pay it forward is by mentoring newly hired barbers from his shop. He currently employs two part time barbers in addition to 12 full time. He feels his success is due in part to his unwillingness to give up and he hopes that is something he can impart to others.
“I tell other people coming into the business learn how, if you can’t do it, to do it because sometimes you will have doubts. Self doubts always kick-in when you feel like you have ideas, but never give up,” advises Smith.
Grand Opening CelebrationÂ
According to Smith, he wants to do more in giving back to the community which is why on Nov. 14 in honor of the grand opening of their Duncanville Road location, they will be giving free haircuts to the first 10 customers as well as offering ten dollars discounts on haircuts.
“We want to give back and show we care,” added Smith.
Smith also feels keeping his company’s mission of creating a customer experience that is welcoming and professional is critical to his business overall success.
Smith states, “I want JT’s Boss Kutz to provide a professional environment that does things in order and provide a barbershop that welcomes everyone.”
With the demographics of his most recent barbershop opening reflecting a significant Hispanic population, Smith is committed to broaden his reach of clientele beyond the African American customer base. He understands hiring the right barber who can best serve his customer is extremely important with respect to broadening his clientele base.
“I hire barbers with the best ability to know how to cut hair and know how to satisfy the customer,” explains Smith regarding his philosophy in hiring and recruiting the right barber.
Smith also recognizes location is everything and when deciding where to open his next shop, he considers the surroundings.
“When I look at trying to open another business, I look at the surroundings. I am a barber so I ask myself–will I work here? So, if I wouldn’t work there, I wouldn’t put my business over there…
It’s always about location – location meaning wherever there is a Wal-Mart or Dollar Store –Â where there is already a lot of foot traffic.”
Smith admits growing his business has not been met without its fair share of challenges and he advises his greatest challenge has been learning patience.
“My challenge was being on people’s time and trying to learn the foundations of how to run a business,” Smith explains.
Smith advised he quickly had to learn, having money does not speed up the process when it comes to getting things done according to your time table, therefore, he had to learn patience through the establishment of his three businesses.
According to Smith, he hopes to increase his businesses to various locations much like what you see in other major cities like Chicago or Atlanta.
Smith declares , “I am trying to be different. I am trying to do something that Dallas is not too much doing…a new black businessman people can really look up to…”
For more information on JT’s Boss Kutz visit their facebook page at JT’s Boss Kutz or contact anyone of their three locations regarding appointments; walk-ins are welcomed.
Visit JT’s Boss Kutz at one of these locations:
Truck Stop Barbershop at 7425 Bonnieview Rd., Dallas, TX. 75241
JT’s Boss Kutz at 4002 N. Beltline Road, Suite# 102, Irving, TX. 75038
JT’s Boss Kutz at 2410 Duncanville Rd., Suite# 170, Dallas, TX. 75211
I would like to say that James T. Smith aka “JT” , is an amazing, talented and Inspiring young man. It is truely amazing how drive, dedication and determination can lead you to become successfull as he is. JT, never ceases to amaze me from the nearly 3 years that i have known him, he has set goals for himself and has continued to complish them. For me, being a mother of a now 15 yr old boy, JT is someone that I would want as a mentor and role model for my son. Congratulations JT on your continued success!!!
Thank you for sharing – what a lovely compliment and it seems to speak to what he is striving to do which is giveback, inspire and help others!