“I HAVE BEEN CUTTING HAIR FOR MORE THAN HALF OF MY LIFETIME, AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY EVERY MINUTE OF IT!” – JOSE
Most people in the hair industry will tell you that they knew at a young age that they wanted to cut hair. With over 20 years of barbering experience, Jose is no exception to this statement. Growing up in South Jersey, barbering was a profession that is highly desired by the clientele. “I started cutting hair by practicing on my brothers, and since I have six brothers, I got a lot of practice!” Moving out of Camden and into Trenton, Jose took with him, a license in both cosmetology, and cosmetology instructor. 4 ½ years ago the opportunity to work at a Barbershop in Chatham, NJ presented itself, along with the challenge start from scratch, and acquire a new clientele. “Most of the shops I worked in allowed me to work 5 minutes from home, this transition turned my commute into a part-time job … but it was worth it.” Jose quickly developed strong relationships with his new clientele, grew in business and grew even more in experience. “I was ready for the challenge and the new opportunity.”
It was in Chatham where Jose met his future business partner, Curtis. “When I met Curtis, he reminded me a myself at his age. We shared may things in common, especially our desire to use our talent to work for ourselves one day.” With shared talents, interests and desires, Jose and Curtis decided to venture out of Chatham and begin working for themselves, and their clientele.
“We want SLIK Barber Lounge to be a place where people feel comfortable, and confident in our business. We have been blessed with an incredibly supportive community!”
"SOME PEOPLE KNOW EARLY ON IN LIFE WHAT THEY WANT TO DO FOREVER." - CURTIS
Developing a passion for the barbering profession at a young age, Curtis began cutting hair at 13 years old. It was at this time that the young entrepreneur began his first business, CurtzKutz, in his basement, with simple haircuts on friends and family, willing to be the Guinea pigs! Curtis’ interest in cutting hair grew with his interest in his own hair style. “Fades were popular when I was in high school, but getting a good fade meant a 30-minute drive.” With an aspiration to learn how to give a haircut that he wanted for himself, Curtis became his own Guinea pig, and gave himself shape-ups at home. Curtis’ desire to learn was evident with other professionals in the barbering field, and once he was old enough to drive, Curtis quickly trained under the observation of his barber. “My barber helped me learn to fade, but I learned the scissor work from my mom, who is also a hairstylist.” As clientele was building quickly, CurtzKutz became a full-time job by Curtis’ senior year in high school! The opportunity to attend college on a sports scholarship was available, but Curtis turned it down to make barbering his life’s profession, in addition to his passion. He attended Pro Beauty Academy in Edison, and, after obtaining his cosmetology license, accepted barber positions in Kenilworth and Chatham.
“I quickly learned that environment makes difference when you’re at work.” Having the same passion as his business partner, Jose, the two found they shared many common interests, and the “aspiration the have our own business” was one of them. After four years of working together, Curtis and Jose put their skills and passion together, and created SLIK Barber Lounge.
“We look forward to being in business together, to work hard, and love what we do, but most importantly, pass our passion for this field on to every person that comes into our barbershop!”
