Dante moves around his barbershop opening the beige curtains to welcome the morning light, he is dressed sharply in a white button up and vest, with slacks and loafers to match. He walks through his barbershop filled with black leather cutting chairs and glides into the adjacent lounge. It is this lounge that makes William’s barbershop unique from any other in the Detroit area. After a professional cut one can relax in the lounge area and enjoy coffee, snacks and conversation. The lounge has beige walls covered with jazz artists, dark hardwood floors filled with wooden tables and chairs and comfy couches. The lounge has an upscale ambience perfect for the mature man, however he hopes to give everyone a high class experience. Williams has cut hair for generations within many families so it’s the perfect shop for the entire family. Cutz Lounge The Grooming Shop is in Grandmont Rosedale and has been open just a short time.

What inspired you to become a barber?

William’s dad was a local garage barber who taught himself and his brother how to cut hair. He started at the early age of 11 and honed his craft throughout high school. He went to cosmetology school to learn to manipulate women’s hair, a task he still does through his haircuts. Once he became a skilled barber, Williams wanted to open his own shop so he joined the ProperUs Detroit Training Program, so that he could acquire the necessary business skills.

What makes your shop the best choice?

Cutz Lounge is about the quality of the cut done in a professional manner. Williams also wants his customer’s to enjoy a great conversation while they are being catered to. He also feels that many times people have to go outside of the city for a quality cut and might feel self-conscious doing so, but now they have an upscale barbershop in their own neighborhood. He likes to think that he is “changing the world one haircut at a time.” Thirty minutes can truly change someone’s day and when you get a haircut you start to feel good. His haircuts are only $25 but he is currently offering 20% for new clients. Customers will also enjoy a customer appreciation day within the coming months for their loyalty.

What is Cutz Lounge’s Jazz Night?

“Jazz music is rich in history and it taps into the mature person who is settled within themselves. It calms me,” Williams explains. Going along with the theme of the shop, William’s hosts Jazz night every month on the second Thursday, with a live jazz band present. The event features free refreshments, with appetizers and desserts served elegantly on skewers. This event is perfect for an after work date night, the cover is $5, with any gratuity appreciated.

Are you looking to expand?

Williams is looking to expand throughout the country, however he hopes to open five shops in five different locations throughout Michigan first. Through his C.A.R.E (cultivate, aspire, future entrepreneurs) program he is helping other barbers in his shop to branch off and have their own franchise upon completion of the ProsperUs Detroit Entrepreneur Training Program. He wants to come together and help barbers to develop their own franchise, hopefully being able to back them financially. He also wants to create a resume building course and interview program for his clients in the future. He hopes to have them leaving with a suit and tie one day, curtesy of his program, feeling like a million bucks.

Anymore goals you want to achieve?

As a member of the Grandmont Rosedale community, he hopes that Cutz Lounge will be a place for the community to interact. The art of face to face interaction has been lost and he hopes that connection can be rebuilt. A place where they can have conversations and find ways to help and empower each other, especially young men. He wants his shop to be diverse, encouraging all ages to enjoy his quality cuts and lounge. He has currently teamed with Detroit Bold Coffee and has a bike ride on outer drive planned and he looks forward to creating a partnership with someone in the neighborhood to lease his upstairs space.

Stop into Cutz Lounge for a high quality haircut, a space to lounge with coffee and conversation (relaxation), or for their lively Jazz Nights. Cutz Lounge is located at 19655 Grand River and is open from 10-6 Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays. On Fridays, the shop is open from 9-7, feel free to call at (734) 829-7118 and follow them on Facebook  for updates and promotions.

by Gabrielle Simmons GRDC Intern